May 2008
In my last Guardian article I urged readers to use their vote on May 1. One of the pleasing results for me was of course the return of a Labour majority in Neath Port Talbot because the widely accepted view that it is the best run Council in Wales deserved support from the voters. In my constituency of Aberavon I was delighted that the five overall Labour gains were due to the success of Labour activists in leading so many community campaigns.
I get a sense that more young people participated this time. I was a guest at the Port Talbot Tigers Football Club Awards Ceremony in the Afan Lido before the Election. Our Mayor, Councillor Tony Taylor (subsequently returned as a SDP Councillor) made a telling point about tolerance and strength of community locally with no racially intolerant candidates standing. The Tigers are an excellent example of citizenship building, community cohesion and civic participation which helps democratic involvement of young people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
The return of two twenty-four year olds is evidence of that. The Labour gain by community activist Scott Jones in Cymmer – keen to stand in 2004 but was too young – is an example to be followed by all parties.
And so is the marvellous achievement further a field of young Sara Pickard, returned as an Independent Community Councillor in Pentyrch, near Cardiff. Sara has Down's Syndrome and works for Mencap Cymru. She will be meeting me soon in my constituency office to discuss her work which involves encouraging all young people to vote and to be active in their local communities. We shall also be discussing how to help young people with learning difficulties to gain employment. I shall be telling her about our impressive Gateway Bookshop and the activities of Shaw Trust in Llandarcy.
Well done Scott and Sara, you are both a wonderful inspiration to people of all ages to participate fully in their communities and to help provide better opportunities for all.
