I have lived in Egham for 15 years; originally I’m from Glasgow.

Full statement

I am a mum with two lovely teen-age kids and have raised my family here. My kids went to Manorcroft school, enjoyed being part of the 1st Egham cubs/scouts, and we’re keen family members of Egham cricket club; also we’re regular users of The Orbit. What I love most about Egham is the people who volunteer to make these things possible, who join in so that our clubs continue to thrive. Along with raising my family here, I’ve worked full time, first in Contracts and Sales and then as a legal and compliance manager in Pharmaceuticals. I’ve benefitted from Egham’s great connections for travel, but I’m also familiar with the frustrations that can arise when there are problems associated with public transport or for road users. Rail-crossing downtimes are a particular grievance.

I am already active in community matters, as Administrator for two large local facebook groups, including the Pooley Green and Egham Residents group. So I have a good familiarity across local issues that cause concern, and I’ve taken the initiative to publicise matters of broad interest, for example details of the proposed gravel extraction at Whitehall Farm, which I have strongly opposed.

I’ve always supported the tradition Egham has of electing local Independent Councillors to represent them at Runnymede Borough Council (RBC), and I’m proud to have support from the Egham Residents’ Association in standing to be an Egham Councillor. If elected, I pledge to continue the strong representation given by our current Independent councillors, especially by Siân Williams, whose encouragement and advice I value highly.

If elected I will: * Focus on serving Egham’s best interests across the range of RBC responsibilities; * Be working with all appropriate authorities to reduce downtimes at the rail crossings affecting Egham; * Collaborate with the initiatives for local flood relief planning; * Engage widely to prevent gravel extraction at Whitehall farm and Milton Park farm; * Seek improvements to facilities for mental health provision in Egham; * Be proactive in climate change mitigation initiatives, and in protecting our Green Belt; * Engage with the Royal Holloway plan RH2030s, to support the benefits and mitigate the impacts of RHUL expansion; * Work to maximise the opportunities of any redevelopment of the Precinct buildings, while conserving the traditional character of Egham’s High Street.

I am committed to applying ethics, integrity and respect in all I do. This is the basis for my motivation to become an Independent councillor for Egham. I don’t under-estimate the challenge, but I believe my professional experience of problem-resolution as a compliance manager, my familiarity with local issues as administrator of a residents’ Facebook group, and my long-held interests in community cohesion in Egham, will help me to become an effective Independent councillor.

I’ll be out and about canvassing your support in the coming weeks and I look forward to meeting you, but please do contact me directly if you want to raise anything specific: geetaforegham@gmail.com; 07539 478951

Current councillors Isabel Mullens and Sam Jenkins say : “It’s wonderful that someone with Geeta’s professional qualities and her care for the community is willing to join us in fighting for the best interests of Egham. Please vote for Geeta to keep our Independent representation as strong as can be.”

Please be sure to vote on May 2nd!