Let local residents decide on local issues - Tim Jones
Standing for election in 2022, I remember saying to residents on the doorstep that local government is different to parliamentary elections because local elections are about local issues.
Despite what was happening at the national level, I stood by my belief and chose three local issues for my pledges - opposition to the Controlled Parking Zone, the closure of Brunstane Road and the Spaces for People cycle lanes. It was the CPZ that defied all predictions and was overturned.
My abiding memory of the CPZ campaign was the angry public meeting at Portobello Town Hall where over 500 residents of Portobello left council transport bosses in no doubt about the strength of feeling over the proposed parking scheme.
Someone stood up and said, "There aren't even any councillors here." I had to correct them because I was there. The only one.
The organisers refused to let me speak. But then something remarkable happened: the crowd began chanting, "Let him speak! Let him speak!" And I did.
That moment was covered in the press and our party's position was made crystal clear: we support parking controls and traffic regulations only where the majority of residents support them. That's democracy.
Let me be clear about the origin of these decisions. All three were made by the previous SNP/Labour administration and perpetuated by the current Labour administration. So if you vote Labour or SNP, you will get more of the same.
But the issue here is about more than just parking. It's about a pattern of decision making imposed without proper consultation and by those who think they know better. People have become so disengaged that it's no wonder that the residents of Portobello couldn't form a new community council.
There's soon to be another election in Portobello and Craigmillar. No, not the council elections next year but an unnecessary by election in September which will cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.
I urge voters to think carefully. Only the Scottish Conservatives offer common sense and actually listen. And only the Conservatives have the courage to stand alone on issues that really matter.