Rachel Smith-Lyte – Suffolk
Suffolk needs a Police and Crime Commissioner prepared to fight for safe and resilient communities.
My name is Rachel Smith-Lyte and I am your Green Party candidate to be the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk. As a councillor and cabinet member for the environment at East Suffolk District Council, I have already been speaking up for our community.
Change can come. A year ago, 26% voted for the Green Party in council elections across Suffolk, compared to 35% for Conservative, 21% for Labour, 12% for LibDem and 6% for others. Greens are now part of the administration of three of the county’s six councils. Your vote can make a difference.
Our police force is under serious pressure. Officers are having to plug the gap left by struggling court and mental health services. We have seen an erosion of front-line policing with the beat seemingly a thing of the past.
I would resist further cuts to our critical police service in Suffolk, send a message to the government that people need police back on the ground, while seeking to ensure officers feel supported, resourced and valued to do the best job they can.
I would stand up for vulnerable people including women suffering domestic violence and people of colour being targeted by stop and search. Finally, I would make environmental and wildlife crime a higher priority, protecting the unique local environment that I know we are passionate about here in Suffolk.
A vote for me is a vote to tell central government that our hard-working police force need the funding and investment to keep us all safe.
If you have any questions, you can contact me by email.
Rachel Smith-Lyte’s statement has been prepared by me, Marie Adams, Acorn Cottage, Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2QY.
Contact Details
raychwon2@gmail.com
Martin Kenneth Albert Schmierer – Norfolk
I have grown up in Norfolk since I was a child. I love this county, its countryside, its people. Sadly, Norfolk is not immune to national problems associated with county lines drug dealing, while rural and community policing seems to be an afterthought for those in power. That’s why I am standing to become Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
As someone who was Lord Mayor of Norwich and who has been a councillor for nine years, representing the area of Norfolk with the highest rates of crime in the county, I sadly see firsthand how crime and anti-social behaviour (everything from graffiti and fly-tipping to drug dealing) blights people’s lives. Building on my experiences bringing the community and constabulary closer together in Norwich, I would do so elsewhere in Norfolk, so that people like you get to know their local police officers.
Over a decade of cuts to services have meant that people across Norfolk feel less safe than ever before. But the police cannot simply arrest their way out of the problems. We need a fundamental change in approach from national government to deal with the underlying causes of crime. There is clear evidence to show that rates of violence are higher in more unequal societies, and we simply must have a frank debate about drug reform. I will do exactly that, and I will be a powerful voice calling for a new approach to crime prevention.
Finally, I must say that the positions of PCC should never have been created. Policing should not be politicised. Therefore, if elected I will remain as independent-minded as possible and will never shirk from focusing on the issues that residents report to me.
Address prepared for Martin Schmierer by Jan Davis, Election Agent, 21 Church Rd., Cantley, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 3SN
Contact Details
https://twitter.com/martinschmierer?lang=enhttps://norwich.greenparty.org.uk/2023/06/07/2708/
http://facebook.com/martinschmierer1
Matt Fisher – St Albans
I aspire to make a significant, enduring impact on the world, leveraging my natural ability to unite people and foster community spirit. My commitment to environmental sustainability and strong leadership skills underpins my goal to create lasting change.
During my formative years, I demonstrated exceptional team skills, recognized through awards including the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Best Sea Cadet in Great Britain. I achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and scholarships in both flying and maritime skills.
My experiences range from teaching in South Africa to serving as a Special Constable. As a Royal Navy Officer Air Crew, I honed my leadership abilities, particularly while working with Special Forces. This military background instilled in me the motto “The Team Works,” which I embody in all endeavours.
In my career as a portrait and event photographer, I’ve connected with diverse individuals, successfully collaborating with national and international brands. This enabled me to refine my persuasive skills, evident in my volunteer work with Project Harar, producing films to support facial reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia.
I have a strong moral compass, a sense of duty, and an innovative mindset. These qualities make me eager to collaborate with various community groups to develop strategies for safer, more vibrant communities.
Currently serving as a Green district councillor in St Albans, I excel in resolving conflicts and challenges with empathy and respect. My abilities to engage, inspire, and inform have been proven in numerous capacities. I am excited about this role, seeing it as a perfect alignment with my skills and passions.
This address has been prepared by the election agent, Candy Whittome, whose contact address is St Albans Green Party, 21 Marlborough Gate, St Albans AL1 3TX.
How to contact St Albans Green Party – https://stalbans.greenparty.org.uk/contact-us.html
