Hello, I'm a fellow local resident, and I'd like to introduce myself to you.

Full statement

My name is Michael Fife Cook, and I'm standing as the Reform candidate for election on 1st May for Devon County Council. I've lived in Mary Tavy for 37 years, I've run a business here and one in Tavistock, and been heavily involved in the community, running a local charity. I believe I have a good depth of knowledge and understanding of what matters to those who live and work in the electoral division of Yelverton Rural.

We are all aware that our world is in a very sorry state, run by people of limited ability or limited humanity but with unlimited power. I would, though, like to look at the smaller picture, because that's where I feel I can make a difference, representing local folk in local government. What is important is to deliver the best possible services with the meagre finances available to us, finances which will all too soon become even further diminished, so it is imperative we put aside any differences we may have and come together as communities to use our resources and abilities for the common good.

To the naked eye the countryside may have changed little over many years, the managed landscape created by human influence over centuries of use, gives us the beauty and desolation we see today. The main difference is those who now dwell here. Not so long ago, community was everything, with everyone seen as being of value, no one had to explain to you the value of the farmer, the blacksmith or the lengthsman, or the wise old person who knew almost everything. We knew and understood this because we played our part in it; we knew the farmers spread salt on the back roads and were always there with a tractor in an emergency, we knew who had the answers to our questions and who kept our drains free-flowing. Above all we talked to each other and understood a community's strength was in its inhabitants and the differing interests and opinions held by all.

When did we become so frightened to hear others' views and why do so many people's tempers go from zero to 100 in a heartbeat? There needs to be tolerance and under-standing coupled with common sense, so that we can work together, as a team. We who call ourselves country folk must accept that demographics have changed in our piece of paradise. Many of the homes we would have thought should be occupied by local families and the young and now owned by incoming retired people who have their own views on what is of value and equally their own thoughts on what village and rural life is all about.

These are some of the things I feel strongly about -

I am a strong supporter of local farm shops, selling directly to local people and putting money in the farmers' pockets, not shareholders of big firms.
Education is the best way to raise people out of poverty. To get the young to aspire to
be the best they can, we need schools which offer a safe and healthy space, as well as teaching real life skills.
Local housing needs to take into account the needs of local families, the young and the old.
I believe small businesses are essential for a thriving local community, giving employment to local people, close to where they live.
I would like to see the sort of policing, which makes the public feel protected.
Our roads are a disgrace, akin to driving on the dark side of the moon. Maybe it's time to take the care of our roads back in-house rather than put out to contractors who only care about profit.
We have to find local solutions to the removal of the Rural Delivery Grant, resulting in £10.1 million no longer being available to help cover some of the cost of delivering services to our rural communities.
I’d like to see what limited funds there are used as seed money, given to communities to start projects to help themselves and promote community spirit.
And last but not least, we must not allow vanity projects where the little we have gets squandered on foolishness like hotels on carparks, ski ramps on rubbish tips and buying over-priced under-producing solar farms supposedly as an investment.

Electing someone to speak and represent all these differing factions is a balancing act, so if you, like me, are tired of poor decisions and poor representation, it's time to elect better decision makers. If you have ever read anything else I've written, or heard me speak, you will know I am a straight-forward person who believes in common sense and debate, and above all fairness and honesty.

I thank you for your time, and hopefully you will lend me your support in becoming your voice on Devon County Council.

Michael Fife Cook