2021 County Elections - Haywards Heath East - George Smith

My name is George Smith - I am standing at your Liberal Democrat candidate for the Haywards Heath East division for the upcoming County Council Elections.

Born in Crawley, I was raised in East Sussex and have been living in Haywards Heath for the last 3 years. Apart from when I have lived away for studying I have spent my whole life in Sussex and have grown up in the area.

I originally studied at Durham University where I achieved my BA in Business, subsequently I have also studied the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Law. On top of that I achieved a Post-graduate Certificate in Education at the Institute of Education. I have previously worked in criminal law, before teaching, and now work as an insurance underwriter specialising in Land Law based risks on development site - giving me insight into the planning system and planning law.

I am keen to promote the value of community - and as such feel it incredibly important that we attempt to hold on to community assets in the face of continuing and relentless funding cuts. Campaigning to save Clair Hall until a replacement is found has shown just how much the community feels that these assets have value to us all. Whether it's for events at Clair Hall, or blood donations there; libraries for parent and toddler groups, free internet, and importantly - reading; or other community assets used as nurseries for parents who work, these all have clear intrinsic value which require the funding which has been decimated up and down the country for years. Whilst there will be issues relating to funding following the Covid-19 crisis it is important to remember that the value of community is more than just monetary.

As a Liberal Democrat I aim to campaign for a fairer, greener society; that development should be well thought through with a focus on affordable, sustainable, green housing, and that we look towards how we can encourage people and businesses to consider green travel and greener practices.

I hope that you will vote for me in the upcoming election so that I can be your voice, and the voice of your community in the County Council; it would be my honour to be able to help you all in that way so that I can speak up for you. I hope that my background in business, and law will as well as having taught gives you confidence in the transferable skills that I have necessary to fight for you.