Dear Resident
Thanks to all those who supported my successful re-election to the Kinross-shire Ward of PKC on 4/5/17. It is very humbling to have the privilege of representing yourselves for a fifth and final term; I pledge to do my best to deliver on the range of unfinished business highlighted in my election leaflet.
The election produced no party with overall control in Perth and Kinross and so I have held talks with Leaders of the Liberal Democrats, SNP and Tories in seeking to secure improvements for the shire from an agreed programme.
My talks were most productive with the Liberals and Tories so I have chosen to join their partnership administration, along with the sole Labour member and my two fellow Independent colleagues.
I have secured the Vice Convenership of the new conjoined powerful Committee for the Environment, Enterprise and Infrastructure, also serving on the Development Management Committee and the Modernising Governance MOWG that will look at devolving power to communities. I will also continue my work for the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust and the Perth & Kinross Outdoor Access Forum.
Finally, I would like to express my personal disappointment that my fellow Independent Ward Councillor Dave Cuthbert, with whom I had established an excellent working relationship, was not re-elected when I personally am aware of the huge amount of work he did in the Ward and at PKC. It is possible our combined vote was affected by the calling of the General Election during the campaign that inevitably began to focus people’s minds on national, as opposed to local, issues. However, knowing Dave, I’m sure he will be resolved to continue his work in the community and perhaps return to PKC office in due course.
Yours
Councillor Mike Barnacle
Independent Member for Kinross-shire