Manifesto Summaries

Mohana who had previously dropped me a line from her home in Mortimer, has been back on to ask about my policies. I did reply directly to Mohana and she has kindly agreed to my including the response for others to read. So here goes:

Dear Mohana

It is good to hear from you again and I would like to thank you for taking time to to write. I do have some summaries of my policies in the form of two manifesto papers. You can download a copy of my Local Manifesto by clicking on this link, and my National Manifesto by clicking your mouse here. The files are zipped up PDFs - if these give you any problems in opening let me know and I will deal with it.

Also, if you go along to my web site, you will find a lot more information about the issues and policies that will be underpinning my campaign. It really is a great boost to me that there are people like you out there - people who are taking the time to investigate not just the candidates, but also the policies that the candidates are standing for.

Again, thank you for your thoughtful, and thought provoking, emails. If you have anymore questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Mark.

Too many irons in the fire?

Jon D of Keephatch wrote asking how I would be able to balance my business interest in TradeMark Windows and my commitment to Wokingham in Parliament.

It is a good question Jon and one that has been raised before. I can formally state that if and when successful in the Election, I shall put aside my commitments to TradeMark Windows and concentrate fully on my commitment to Wokingham as a Member of Parliament. TradeMark will continue as a local business and employer exactly as it does now, except that the day-to-day running will not involve me.

Mark

Response to the Wokingham Times Article (January)

On January 22, 2010 the Wokingham Times reported my decision to run as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming General Election. There follows my response to the article, and in particular a comment made by Prue Bray:

In the article Prue Bray, the Lib Dem candidate, stated that she didn’t think “he knows what he is letting himself in for”. I would like to put the record straight by informing the readers that I am very aware of what I am letting myself in for and in addition, I believe I have the experience to be a credible alternative to the usual parties that present themselves at every election.

• I have built a company in one of industry’s toughest and most competitive markets. TradeMark has been responsible for 70 million pounds worth of turnover and consistently employed over 50 people in the past 17 years.
• I spent my formative years working in rural Berkshire on a farm managed by my father.
• I have been self employed ever since leaving university.
• I am President of The Wokingham Chamber of Commerce.
• I sit on the Berkshire Economic Strategy Board - the aim is to consolidate and enhance the sub region's position as the economic power house for the UK and beyond.
• I am chairman of the Wokingham Borough Business, Skills and Enterprise Partnership.
• I am a member of the Wokingham Borough Strategic Partnership Board.
• I have been governor in Berkshire schools for the past 20 years.
• I am a member of the South East Young Enterprise Board.
• I am Chairman of the Trustees of the disabled children's charity; Building for The Future.
• I am a Trustee of Emmbrook Sports and Social Club.
• I am President/Chairman of Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club.
• I am a Vice President of Wokingham Cricket Club and Bracknell Rugby Club.
• I am a Berkshire Rugby Referee and regularly run half marathons.

Therefore Prue, I do know what I am ‘letting myself in for’. I have the background skills and experience to truly represent the independent thinking of the Wokingham and West Berkshire electorate. If given the honour, I will be proud to represent us all at Westminster.
I call on all politicians, local and national; don’t try to intimidate someone who wants to make a difference, it didn’t work on me. Parliament should not be an exclusive club for political parties, it’s every person’s right to be involved in the democratic process and stand up for what they think is right. I am delighted Prue acknowledges this in the article.
I really look forward to a positive campaign of respect in our Wokingham and West Berkshire constituency at the forthcoming General Election.

Mark

A Flutter on Mark

On-line betting organisation Paddy Power have reduced the odds on my winning the Wokingham Seat from 200/1 to 125/1.

Mark

Wokingham Constituency

Mohana writing in from Mortimer made me think that maybe there are some folks out there who do not know that the size and shape of our constituency has changed over recent years.

We now find Wokingham to the extreme East of the constituency with the Western end extending as far as Burghfield Common and Padworth. We are bounded by Woodley and Reading to the North and Finchampstead, Riseley and West End to the South. Although the majority of the residents are found East of the A33, the rural areas to the West provide a pretty much similar area that I will be covering. Mark

Postal Votes

Phil C from Winnersh e-mailed us to ask about postal voting, and what he needs to do to register.

Well Phil, it could not be simpler. Postal voting is a method of letting you cast your vote in an election using a ballot paper that is sent to you in advance of the election. You may then place your vote and return the ballot paper by post.

The system is of benefit to people who may not be able to attend a polling station in person, perhaps because of a physical disability, being on holiday or travelling because of work commitments.

Anyone can register for a postal vote. If you have a printer, an envelope and a stamp, the easist way to register for a postal vote is by visiting the about my vote website, entering your postcode and completing the on-line form. Once you have done that, you can print out the form, sign it and pop it in the post to the Electorial Services folks.

Electoral Services
Wokingham Borough Council
Civic Offices
Shute End
Wokingham RG40 1WH

Email: electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk
Telephone: 0118-974-6522 or 0118-974-6523