Published on:
25
August 2008
The residents of Dollar have the chance to go to the polls next month for their own special election. Voting in their first ever Community Council election will take place on Thursday 25th September.
This is only the second time there has been a contested election in one of Clackmannanshire's Community Council areas. The contest is in respect of eight of the 14 places on the Dollar Community Council, and there are 11 candidates. The ballot, which is being conducted entirely by post, is required to give residents in the area the opportunity to choose the candidates they wish to see elected.
Ballot papers will be issued during the week beginning 1st September with the closing date for return being Thursday 25th September.
The election is an important event for the town of Dollar. The members of the Community Council play a key role in the area and freely give their time to work for, and to represent the interests of all residents. They also provide a direct link with Clackmannanshire Council on key issues.
The election is being organised by Rod Richardson, the Council's Deputy Returning Officer, who said: "We have tried to make participation in this election as simple as possible. We really do hope that residents in the Dollar area will show support for their Community Council and use their vote. We are looking forward to counting a high number of returns when the ballot closes on 25th September."
Provost Derek Stewart added: "I am delighted that Clackmannanshire is preparing for this community council election and I would urge everyone in Dollar to use their vote in this very important poll. We appreciate our community councils and recognise their expertise. A healthy local democracy needs robust, active community councils who are not afraid to speak up for their neighbourhoods. The more effective they are, the greater the difference they make to community life."
This poll is necessary to elect eight community council members from 11 candidates. The candidates are:
Raymond Barton; Andrew Black; Easton Boyd; Alex Downie; John Dugdale Bradley; Gurdial Duhré; Jennie Milligan; Andrew Poulter; Mick Rice; John Stout; James Willis.
Notices confirming the details of the ballot have been prominently displayed in public areas around Dollar.
Everyone in Dollar who's name appears on the electoral roll is entitled to vote.
Anyone aged 16 - 18 who would like to vote, and who is not presently registered, should get in touch with the Council now.
All postal ballot papers should be returned no later than noon on Thursday 25th September. A ballot box will be made available to voters and will be placed at Dollar Civic Centre.
For further details contact Annette McEnaney or Rod Richardson on 01259 452112/452103 or email adminservices@clacks.gov.uk