chris for pollok

ITS TIME - 3 VOTES FOR MAY 3 - ALL SNP

2007-05-02T08:37:00.000+01:00

Another busy week on the campaign trail visiting Darnley, Cardonald, Mosspark and Old Craigton, with some very encouraging canvassing results over the last week.

Tomorrow is your chance to vote. You can give all 3 votes to the SNP.

In the Regional Ballot vote Alex Salmond for First Minister

In the Constituency ballot vote Chris Stephens for Pollok

For your Local Councillor you can vote number 1

In Newlands and Auldburn

Colin Deans

For Greater Pollok

Patricia Duffy

For Craigton

Iris Gibson

And for Govan Ward

Alison Hunter

Make all 3 SNP.

4 YEARS ON - THERE ARE ONLY 2 WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IN IRAQ

2007-04-30T00:58:00.000+01:00

4 years ago today, George Bush declared that the war in Iraq was "mission accomplished".

Scottish people did not say yes to this war and yet we are caught up in this increasingly bloody conflict. 4 years ago I and 100,000 others marched in Glasgow to oppose the war.

The SNP want the Scottish Parliament to be able to bring Scottish Soldiers home from Iraq. We believe there must be a timetable for withdrawal.

With your support an SNP led Scottish Government will become a voice for peace.

Its time the Scottish people were heard. Its time to send a clear message to George Bush and Tony Blair (the weapons of mass destruction) - enough is enough in Iraq.

It time to bring our troops home.

7 DAYS TO GO - END GAME FOR THE UNION

2007-04-26T16:22:00.000+01:00

Another busy week on the campaign trail, visiting, Howford, Crookston, Priesthill, Cardonald, Deaconsbank, Jenny Lind,and Nitshill.

I also attended the STUC Black members hustings at STUC HQ this week, which I enjoyed. Questions ranged from Asylum and Immigration, Workplace rights and days of religious observance, lack of recreational facilities, and concerns over the Fascist BNP.

Thank you to those of you who are filling out my survey returns. These are showing that more and more people are switching their votes from New Labour to the SNP, many voting SNP for the first time.

New Labour's campaign of fear is not going down well on the doorsteps, and the positive message that Independence can transform Scotland and Pollok, as a better place to work and to live, is resulting in greater support than ever.

The main domestic issues which the survey returns show as most important are Council Tax, Education, Pensions, and the war in Iraq.

Keep New Labour on the run in Pollok. Only the SNP have a positive message, a message of hope over despair.

Public Opinion polls show the SNP can win here!

7 days to go before ITS TIME!

ITS TIME FOR CHRIS STEPHENS

2007-04-26T16:17:00.000+01:00

For too many years, the people of Pollok have laboured under a cosy regime of politicians who have forgotten their roots and the very principles they were elected to uphold.

They are not worthy of your trust - any more than the lame duck leader at Westminster they meekly follow.

It time for Pollok Voters to have a REAL representative in the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, who has the AMBITION, VISION AND IDEALS, to see Pollok succeed as fairer, safer, healthier and wealthier place to live.

ITS TIME FOR CHRIS STEPHENS.

ANOTHER BUSY WEEK

2007-04-20T00:10:00.000+01:00

Another busy week out on the campaign visiting Bellahouston, Old Craigton, Cardonald, Moss Heights, Mosspark plus some other events. Here are the highlights;

TUESDAY

Visited STUC Annual Congress at the Royal Concert Hall for Nicola Sturgeon's visit. Nicola was well received by delegates, and our message to replace PFI with a Scottish Futures Trust model will mobilise public investment. The STUC is normally a neutral body politically and therefore it was astonishing that they took a vote on which political party to support in the election, given that many of the Trade Unions are non-affiliated.

I was also astonished to read Grahame Smith's cheap attack on Nicola. The SNP Trade Union Group has consistently held a stall at the STUC Annual Congress for over thirteen years.

In the evening I attended the General Council Dinner at the personal invitation of STUC President Katrina Murray. It was an enjoyable evening, and personally enjoyed meeting Trade Unionists from Ireland.

Wednesday

PCS HUSTINGS

I represented the SNP at this hustings in the Central Hotel. Other speakers included Tommy Sheridan (Solidarity), Patrick Harvie (Greens), Ross Renton (Lib Dems), Richard Sullivan (Tories - blue ones!), Jim McVicar (SSP) and Pauline McNeill (New Labour).

PCS (Public and Commercial Services Union) have a number of concerns, and the audience was very thoughtful, measured and considered.

Among the questions topics raised were, Violence in the Workplace, Gordon Browns plans to cut 104,000 jobs from the Civil Service, Privatisation of Public Services and Independence.

Interesting admission from Pauline McNeill that Independence would not be a disaster, and the Conservative who admitted that should the SNP win the election then there should be a Referendum on Independence.

The SNP are committed to halt privatisation of public services, will not cut the number of civil service jobs, and will introduce legislation covering Violence in the Workplace, and Corporate Culpable Homicide.

THURSDAY

Out with the team in Bellahouston, canvassing, and we managed to identify a good number of traditional Labour supporters who will be voting SNP, some for the very first time. Even those who are supporting Labour admitted they would vote yes in an Independence Referendum.

This is also evidenced in our survey returns across the Constituency.

Over the next week Pollok voters will receive my election communication from the Post Office, highlighting five key policy areas.

Only 12 days to go till - ITS TIME!

JAMIE WILLIAMSON

2007-04-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

I am sorry to report that my SNP colleague from Glasgow Baillieston, Jamie Williamson passed away yesterday.

Jamie, who had been a Nationalist activist for decades, was always a source of encouragement towards me, and many other SNP Candidates and activists. Indeed, Jamie recently attended my adoption meeting, and was very upbeat and positive.

This loss comes at a time when the SNP may well form the next executive in Holyrood.

Jamie will be in our thoughts and prayers over the next weeks.

RIP.

ITS TIME FOR A GOVERNMENT WITH NEW IDEAS

2007-04-14T21:21:00.000+01:00

As the elections draw closer, and having visited Penilee, Cardonald, Mosspark, Southpark Village, Darnley, Parkhouse, Priesthill, Central Pollok, and South Nitshill in the last week, it is clear more and more people are considering voting SNP, many for the first time. Indeed you may be one of them.

There's a simple reason for this. Across Pollok Constituency more and more people know that Scotland can and must be more successful. They believe that our country needs fresh thinking with a Government that cares about success for Scottish families.

On May 3rd you can choose a new MSP for Pollok, choose a new approach that will see Pollok Constituency prosper with more opportunities for all, and local taxes based on the ability to pay.

The SNP are ready to take Scotland forward. We hope you'll agree - ITS TIME FOR THE SNP.

COMING TO A BILLBOARD NEAR YOU

2007-04-08T22:37:00.000+01:00

ITS TIME FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES IN POLLOK

2007-04-06T21:34:00.000+01:00

Too many of Pollok's communities are blighted by the fear of crime.

That's why the SNP is committed to making every community across Pollok safer by increasing the number of community police officers and ensuring a more visible police presence on our streets.

Rather than filling our prisons with minor offenders, and building private prisons that cost the tax payer millions, an SNP Government will ensure that prisons are used to detain dangerous criminals and punish serious offences.

We will not stand idly by while Scots are afraid to walk our streets at night, we will act to punish those who break the law.

The SNP in Government will work hard to tackle crime, reducing the crime rate in Pollok, which is 4 times higher than the Scottish average.

ITS TIME FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES IN POLLOK.

THANK YOU

2007-04-06T21:22:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all who attended my adoption meeting. This event raised a lot of funds which will help us in our quest to sweep New Labour from Pollok.

I was delighted to welcome former Labour MP, Tommy Graham (pictured), who was raised in Pollok, who came along to show his support for my campaign. When people like Tommy and Jimmy Reid support the SNP, it is a clear signal that the SNP hold the values of social justice long since abandoned by New Labour.

More pictures of my adoption to follow.

This week I have been visiting all parts of the Constituency. It is clear our message is getting across, with many voters expressing that they will be switching to the SNP for the first time.

While me and my campaign team are out on the stump, our invisible Lib Dem opponents seem fairly confused about the name of this Constituency, either calling it Pollok or Pollock on the same page on their Glasgow website!

Only the SNP can sweep New Labour from Pollok.

Only 27 days to go - then its time!

ADOPTION MEETING 31/3/07

2007-03-29T08:18:00.000+01:00

Glasgow Pollok SNP will formally adopt their candidate for the Scottish Elections, Chris Stephens, this Saturday, 31/3/07 at 7.30pm, in the Pollok Community Centre, Langton Road, Pollok. Guest speakers will be Jimmy Reid (pictured) and Michael Matheson MSP.

Tickets £8 waged, £4 unwaged.

All Welcome.

ITS TIME FOR A FAIR DEAL FOR HARD WORKING SCOTS

2007-03-24T09:44:00.000+01:00

The people of Pollok are still reeling from the impact of Gordon Brown's budget and his decision to double the tax rate for low paid workers, from 10% to 20%. This act clearly shows how far New Labour have abandoned the principles of social justice, which they elected to uphold.

The SNP have published analysis, showing that Brown's Budget will be a worse deal for;

395,000 full time workers in Scotland who earn less than £17,000 a year

441,000 part time workers in Scotland who earn less than £17,000 a year.

the 2 most interesting quotes from the Budget thus far;

Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary "Whilst time is required to properly determine the full impact, abolition of the 10p starter rate means that the 2% cut in income tax is unlikely to benefit the majority of workers.

Mike Warburton Senior Tax Partner at accountants Grant Thornton " It is ironic that this effectively penalises some of the poorest families - who benefit most proportionately from the 10% band - to pay for this pre-election giveaway"

The SNP believe the best way to cut tax is to abolish the unfair, regressive Council Tax in favour of a fair, local income tax that will see 9 out of 10 residents in Pollok pay less.

Whilst this policy will resonate with the communities of Pollok, New Labour will pay a heavy price for abandoning principle and attacking the lowest paid in our society.

ITS TIME FOR A FAIR DEAL FOR HARD WORKING SCOTS.

ALYN SMITH MEP VISITS POLLOK

2007-03-22T22:51:00.000+01:00

Today i was joined by Alyn Smith MEP on the campaign trail. After some canvassing - which went well, we met local community activist and anti poverty campaigner Anne Marie Smith, who took us around the Constituency pointing out the lack of community facilities, due to them either having been demolished or now permanently closed.

Thereafter we visited Priesthill Community Halls, where volunteers like Flo Black are keeping the place running, with activities for the whole community, and then onto visit the Pollok Young Peoples Project, before meeting other community activists in the Wedge.

The main theme running through the whole day was how all these good projects and community organisations rely on short term funding, with many organisations and services being lost due to inadequate funding from Government and Council.

It is clear that Pollok needs real long term investment to strengthen our communities and help lift people out of poverty.

Over the next few weeks, I will be talking to people in the Constituency showing how only a vote for the SNP can achieve these goals.

ITS TIME FOR A GOVERNMENT SCOTLAND CAN TRUST

2007-03-19T00:12:00.000+01:00

SNP delegates from across Scotland left Glasgow's Science Centre yesterday ready to take on the challenges of Government after May, and to build a country we can all be proud of.

With high profile endorsements from George Mathewson, former chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland, lifelong peace campaigner and CND activist Bruce Kent, and Brian Souter, support from all sections in society are turning towards the SNP to lead Scotland to a better future.

The key message from the conference was that only the SNP can deliver a fair, just, prosperous country. As always the standard of contributions and speeches was of the highest quality.

Over the next 45 days the SNP in Pollok will show how our programme and the noble cause of Independence can move Scotland forward.

Pollok has a clear choice on May 3rd - stagnation, failure, and headlines for all the wrong reasons or a brighter, fairer, more democratic, healthier, wealthier future with the SNP.

ITS TIME!

IT'S TIME FOR FAIR LOCAL TAXATION

2007-03-17T09:35:00.000+01:00

At least 9 out of 10 residents in Pollok stand to gain from SNP proposals to abolish the unfair, regressive, Council Tax, and replace it with a Local Income Tax based on the ability to pay.

Here's how the SNP proposals could affect you;

(1) A single person currently earning £15,000, currently paying Council Tax of around £607, would pay£299 under the Local Income Tax.

(2) A single person currently earning £24, 755, and currently paying Council Tax of around £910 would pay £592 under the Local Income Tax.

(3) A family with 1 full time worker and one part time worker whose total income would be £32,000 a year, currently paying Council Tax of £1213, would pay £672 under SNP proposals.

(4) A joint household of say a nurse and police officer on a combined income of £44,000 a year, currently paying a Council Tax of say £1213 would pay £1017.

With the average income of Pollok lower than the Scottish by some £5,000, residents in Pollok stand to gain by moving local taxation to a fairer system.

Only a vote for the SNP on May 3rd will see fair, local taxes for Pollok.

ITS TIME FOR A DECENT MINIMUM WAGE

2007-03-10T11:27:00.000+01:00

Once again the New Labour Government and the Low Pay Commission have missed a big opportunity to help eradicate poverty by only increasing the National Minimum Wage by a paltry 17p, with less for younger workers.

With the gap between rich and poor growing since New Labour came to office, a bold approach is needed to stop too many lives being blighted by low pay.

The SNP support a single National Minimum Wage, based on half male median earnings (currently £6.75 an hour) for all workers.

Having 3 different rates is a nonsense, and its time for young workers to be rewarded for the work they do, not punished on the basis on age.

A higher minimum wage will boost the economy, and low paid workers will be able to spend more to improve their quality of life.

Only the SNP will deliver a healthier, wealthier Scotland, based on social justice for all.

ITS TIME TO BRING HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS DOWN

2007-03-04T13:52:00.000+01:00

Since 1999 NHS waiting times have increased to record levels, with fewer patients being treated than when New Labour came to office.

Hospital Services all over Scotland are at risk of being downgraded or closed altogether. New Labour and their Lib Dem partners in Government have failed to get to grips with the problems in our Health Service.

The result of this is that Scots NHS patients will now be made to wait TWICE as long for treatment as those south of the border.

IS SECOND CLASS TREATMENT FOR SCOTS THE BEST THEY CAN DO?

The SNP will take action to tackle staff shortages in the NHS.

To get waiting times down faster we will set up fast track diagnostic and treatment centres - within the NHS, not hived off to the private sector.

The SNP want to see a high quality, local and accountable NHS run for the benefit of Scots.

A vote for the SNP on May 3rd will protect Scotland's NHS.

In Pollok, the average life expectancy for a male is the 5th lowest (for females the 6th lowest) in Scotland. Glasgow Pollok needs a thriving NHS to address its health problems.

Only the SNP can deliver on health for Pollok.

ITS TIME FOR PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS TO DUMP NEW LABOUR

2007-03-03T11:02:00.000+01:00

Public sector workers and Trade Unions have reacted with anger, after Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a paltry 2% pay rise for Health Service and other groups of workers. The current Retail Price Index stands at 4.2%.

Scottish Secretary of UNISON, Matt Smith, commented in yesterdays Herald "its clearly unacceptable that anyone should be paid below inflation and that public sector workers should take this hit. Its bound to affect the way people approach the election.

Quite right too. The number of Public Sector workers living in Pollok, is higher than New Labours majority, and they have an ideal opportunity to give their verdict on May 3rd.

Only the SNP, with its proud public sector ethos, can protect jobs, services and pay.

Public Sector workers who are concerned that their union subscriptions are funding New Labour can log on to the link on this page for the SNP TRADE UNION GROUP, where you will find advice and assistance on this matter.

On May 3rd, Public Sector workers should dump New Labour and choose a better, accountable and vibrant public sector with the SNP.

BIN THE BOMB - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR SCOTLAND

2007-02-25T12:40:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I like many other concerned people in Scotland attended the Bin the Bomb March and Rally in Glasgow.

Like me I am sure you want a safer, healthier and wealthier Scotland, and believe that nuclear weapons are the wrong choice for Scotland. The SNP will not waste £25 billion on weapons of mass destruction, when it can be better spent on schools, hospitals and other public services.

On May 3rd, Scotland has 2 choices, a continuation of wasting billions on Nuclear weapons, and ignoring International commitments, with New Labour, or a peaceful, prosperous country with the SNP.

Peace in the sense of pulling our troops out of Iraq, and meeting our international obligations in getting rid of nuclear weapons, not building a new generation of them.

On May 3rd, you have the opportunity to a fresh approach - towards peace, prosperity and security.

ITS TIME TO IMPROVE NURSERY AND CHILDCARE PROVISION IN POLLOK

2007-02-25T11:46:00.000+01:00

Many people in Glasgow Pollok are still reeling from the closure of services provided by One Plus, who provided Childcare, mentoring and other education services in the Constituency.

I recently attended a public meeting where 2 former employees of One Plus are trying to maintain these services, by setting up their own Childcare organisation. Other providers who have taken over the services provided by One Plus, have immediately increased prices, resulting in many families in Pollok being unable to afford childcare.

On average Scottish families are paying £600 a month for child care fees, which is a second mortgage for many, and a recent study showed that many women pay almost all their salary for child care fees.

As part of a 10 year strategy for early years the SNP is committed to increasing the provision of free nursery education by 50% with families benefiting from longer hours and more weeks of free provision.

Not only will families in Glasgow Pollok benefit from this proposal, experts also agree that if we do more to ensure improved educational provision for nursery age children, they will see real benefits throughout their time in education.

The SNP is committed that this will be the first step towards providing free nursery and childcare provision enjoyed in similar nations such as Norway.

We in the SNP want to make life easier for Parents, and at the same time offer children the best start for their education.

We want families to have the best support in the world, which is why we are committed to gaining the control Scotland needs to deliver the best possible deal for families in Glasgow Pollok and throughout Scotland.

Over the coming months I look forward to campaigning on this issue and discussing how our proposals will see real benefit to people in the Constituency.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG

2007-02-17T21:23:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog page!

I hope over the next few months to share my experiences and thoughts with you while i try to become the next member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Pollok.

With both Solidarity and the SSP effectively sitting out the Constituency battle, i hope to be able to overturn New Labours majority.

New Labours record in Pollok is shocking. Among its failures are;

Low rates of school leavers with qualifications.

One of the highest crime rates in Scotland.

Average Income £5000 lower than the Scottish Average.

I aim to use this blog page to show how the SNP will eradicate these problems, and how only an SNP MSP for Glasgow Pollok will represent the interests of the people first, and that only Independence can transform the lives of people within this Constituency.

ITS TIME!