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| At County Hall Chichester after the last Full Council meeting in March 2026 |
This
Thursday is polling day for this year’s local elections. This set of elections has
the unusual backdrop of local government reorganisation, meaning the terms of
office are due to be under one year 11 months, but this is still an important
set of elections. Those elected will oversee the dissolution of our existing
local authorities and the setting up of a new Unitary Authority covering
Crawley. I strongly believe Crawley will need our best and most experienced
councillors to lead this.
While some
parties are campaigning on national issues and coming out with all sorts of dubious
claims, the fact remains these are local elections and it’s about who will
represent you and our area going forward.
I’ve been
proud to serve as Tilgate and Furnace Green’s County Councillor since 2005.
Many residents will testify as to how dedicated I am to the area, how hard I
work, and how committed I am to support our whole community. I believe in
bringing people together - not seeking division.
As the
County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support and Fire & Resue
since 2019, I’ve provided effective political leadership and support,
overseeing ongoing improvement in our fantastic West Sussex Fire Service. My
responsibilities also include our award-winning Library Service and West Sussex
Trading Standards, where we’ve had good results in Crawley tackling underage
vape sales.
But my
favourite part of being a county councillor will always be my local role in
serving Tilgate and Furnace Green, which I do with great dedication.
So why vote
for me on Thursday? Here are a few good reasons to consider.
·
A Strong voice for you: I not only show up, but I also always actively participate. I
have an unmatched attendance record at WSCC meetings over the last 21 years, and
I consistently take part, seeking to ensure council decisions are the best they
can be.
· Active all year round: I work hard for Tilgate and Furnace
Green throughout the year, not just when an election is coming. Do scroll
through my Facebook page to see this, which I positively use to help keep
residents informed of what’s happening locally.
· Tried, tested and trusted: A vote for me means no risk of
electing a councillor who turns out to be a disappointment. You may not always
agree with me every single time, but you know I am consistently an effective
councillor - trusted to deliver for our area.
· Proactive in caring for Tilgate &
Furnace Green: For
me, my role is more than just representing our area, it’s caring for it too. I
love walking around both neighbourhoods and seeking to ensure everything is as
it should be. Often, the smalls wins are the best.
· Support for the whole community: It feels more important than ever
to make this very clear. Whatever your background, I will support you as a
councillor as best I can, and I will never stand idly by if any of our local
communities are being demonised in any way.
· Putting people before politics: I will always proudly be a
Conservative, but while some councillors and candidates always put their party
politics first, I will always seek to put our area and residents first. At
local level, being pragmatic works best.
· The most experienced at a crucial
time: It takes a
full year for any new councillor just to learn the basics. We only have one
year left before elections setting up the new Unitary Authority. Crawley need
our most experienced councillors right here, right now.
Yours sincerely, Duncan
Promoted by Jonathan Purdy on behalf
of Duncan Crow, both of 6 Pine Shaw, Crawley, RH10 7TN
