Catherine Patterson - Independent - Wick & East Caithness

9th April 2017

Catherine Patterson Independent Candidate - Wick & East Caithness.

Caithness deserves a strong voice to raise concerns and stand up for the area in a positive way. I believe it is high time for a new direction and fresh ideas in the council. I guarantee I will represent your voice to the best of my abilities.

I have been vice chairperson of Tannach & District Community Council for eleven years and helped set up community funds to support local groups. I also actively volunteer with many local groups.

For Thirteen years I have been a Volunteer Development Officer in Wick and work at Caithness Voluntary Group. This interesting and rewarding job brings me into daily contact with the people in our community and I feel this experience lends itself to the role of a Councillor as it keeps my feet on the ground.

I was born and raised in Wick, lived abroad and returned home to raise my three children here. I know Caithness is a wonderful place to live and that we have a lot to offer. We are blessed with stunning scenery and wildlife on our doorstep. We have the opportunity to further develop our economy through tourism by becoming a destination point rather ‘that forgotten place' north of Inverness.

I have represented the community at the Wick High School stakeholder group for many years and have raised public concerns about the project. The frustration with the lack of consultation, delays and design faults at this new facility has been a contributing factor in my decision to stand for election.

Many people are concerned about the closing of the existing Library and swimming pool. It is commonly felt that the money raised by the people of Wick for the existing swimming pool should be retained for local use, people feel strongly about this and I will not let this issue fade away.

I believe that the centralising of services is damaging to the people of Caithness, from the reduction of Hospital beds, downsizing maternity services, ambulance cover and bus routes to name but a few. Why in this day and age should we be expected to travel hundreds of miles for brief hospital appointments when we pay the same taxes as everybody else?

I promise that when you elect me, I will fight tirelessly to retain and improve these vital services for the people of Caithness. I am a strong local voice and I think we deserve the best.

As your councillor I will be Approachable, Accessible and Accountable

It's time for change, vote Catherine Patterson 1 on the 4th of May 2017.

Promoted by Catherine Patterson, 2 Weir Crescent, Milton, Wick KW1 5SS

Email: patterson4caithness@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/CatherinePattersonCaithness