Election Round-up
The amount of support I’ve received in the past few weeks has been truly heart-warming, from people I didn’t know stopping me on the street to wish me luck, to others emailing me to request a Green board or poster for their home, to being told at the polling station I was the reason someone had come out to vote for the first time in their life.
I’ve had conversations on everything from loft insulation to nuclear fission, public transport to pet pigs, and climate change to my favourite local pothole, with firm supporters of all parties and committed non-voters alike. Really importantly, even people who didn’t vote for me – including candidates of other parties – have told me they’re thrilled and relieved to see issues championed by the Green Party being pulled into the public eye, so that our newly elected councillors will have to address them.
One last massive thanks to everyone who helped me leaflet, put up a Green poster, wished me luck, invited me in or spoke to me on the doorstep, and everyone who voted Green, especially for the first time. You’ve shown that Green values and policies have real support in Stoke, and hopefully next time round they can have a real impact on the council too.
Until then, I’ll be back to the work I do locally – whether it’s at Zero, water testing, litterpicking or whatever else – and I very much look forward to the doorstep conversations and connections when the next Stoke election comes around (or before).
An Election Message From Sam
My name is Sam Peters. I'm standing in the upcoming Guildford Borough Council elections to represent our ward of Stoke.
Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:
I care deeply about this community.
I was born and grew up in Guildford, and have lived locally almost my entire life, from Boxgrove to Mareschal Road and now Drummond Road. We are incredibly lucky to live in the centre of this fantastic town, from pubs and shops to stunning views - but this is increasingly under threat from traffic and air pollution, worsening public services and transport, rivers filled with sewage, and now a cost-of-living and energy crisis which is hitting all of us hard.
I am hard-working, dedicated and love getting things done.
Greens work hard - all year round.
I have a long track record of working for our local community. As a trustee of Zero Carbon Guildford and regular volunteer at ZERO, I’ve been thrilled to see what a difference this climate hub has made to the town not just for climate and environment, but socially too. Green Read Share, the community library I founded in 2019 which is now hosted at ZERO, has more than quadrupled in size since opening, and as lead on our litterpicking project I have been proud to help clean up our streets alongside a great team of regular local volunteers. And all this (and more) in just 18 months!
Surely our community deserves a voice?
Our community matters…
As an intensive care researcher by trade, I know just how much the pandemic - and now the energy and cost-of-living crisis - has hit many local people. In particular, foodbanks and the Community Fridge at ZERO have seen huge increases in demand. I collect unsold food from local shops and distribute in our community and to organisations in our ward where it can best do good, and have seen how much of a lifeline this has been for many people. Meanwhile, as part of the Leaky Homes project, I have been surveying local homes to advise residents on lowering their energy bills and keeping warm over winter.
…and so does our environment.
I no longer swim in the Wey thanks to the pollution and sewage - it is in the worst quarter of all rivers in the country. Yet despite countless empty promises, it’s clear our local MPs will always put private water
profits over the health of our rivers and local people. I first tested Guildford’s air pollution in 2016 with Friends of the Earth, and I now water test the Wey in two spots at Ladymead with the Water Rangers. This will help set a baseline for our river and pick out pollution hotspots - like downstream of the sewage works, where nitrate levels are routinely many times higher than upstream.
Greens aren’t told how to vote - so I’m free to be an independent voice for local residents.
Working collaboratively in the best interests of our community - with sensible, joined-up thinking - is the only way we can deliver high-quality, imaginative and cost-effective services in Guildford. I do not have to toe a party line or get involved in dull political in-fighting, so I can do what’s best for residents. Direct work in the community can only go so far - on the council I could push for far broader action and bolder solutions to the problems affecting local residents here and now.
I will be a councillor who reaches out, listens to people’s worries, and tackles the issues that affect us all day-to-day.
SAM'S THREE KEY PRIORITIES
Protect our precious green spaces
Sam says, “We are lucky to live in beautiful countryside, but it is increasingly under threat from over-development, litter and fly-tipping, and pollution. We can make sure that any new homes meet local residents’ needs and are fit for the future – while also helping enhance biodiversity and protecting our beloved nature spots. The beauty of our countryside must be protected and kept accessible for all.”
Let’s tackle TRANSPORT
Sam says, “Our communities are blighted by the impacts of traffic, speeding and parking. Yes, we need visitors for our local economy, but it needs to be managed effectively. This means reducing speeding (especially on the A25), restricting unsuitable vehicles from our narrow lanes, and stopping inconsiderate parking – as well as ensuring that active travel options and public transport are available, accessible and affordable for all. Only joined-up thinking can solve these issues.”
WE MUST Support our local businesses
Sam says, “Encouraging and supporting community-led initiatives such as community shops and pubs, small businesses, local food and energy initiatives is a top priority for me. As an intensive care researcher, I’ve seen the damage the pandemic has done to our communities. With prices soaring, energy in crisis and a recession forecast, local people and the independent shops and services we all rely on will need support from the community, backed up by councillors at GBC ready to fight for them.”
