Do you feel you could speak on behalf of your community and represent their needs and concerns? Have you ever thought about becoming a Waveney District Councillor?

The Council is holding two events in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, Lowestoft, in February to provide potential candidates with information and advice about standing at a local election. The dates and times are as follows:

• Tuesday 19 February 2008, 2pm to 4.30 pm
• Saturday 1 March, 10 am - 12 pm

Lorraine Light, Member Development Officer at Waveney District Council said: “Anybody with an interest in becoming a Waveney District Councillor is welcome to drop in to one of the events. There will be an opportunity to meet some of our councillors and officers will be available to help answer any questions. “You may have already decided to stand in the district elections or you may be wondering what it might involve. This event has been organised to help anybody who is interested to make up their mind.”

Explaining why people stand for election, Lorraine continued: “Distrit Councillors are the community’s decision-makers. There are many reasons why people stand for election , but often it is because they want to help local people and represent their needs and concerns.

“You don't need any previous experience, but an understanding of how a council works would be helpful. If elected, you will be offered training to help you carry out your duties. Councillors come from all walks of life, and we welcome people from all backgrounds.”

District Councillors hold office for four years, after which an election is held. The next district elections will be held in 16 wards on 1 May 2008. On 27th March 2008 a Notice of Election will be published that will provide information about how to get your name on the ballot paper. The legal deadline for submitting nomination papers will be midday on 4th April 2008.

Candidates must be 18 or over, on the electoral register in Waveney or have lived, worked or owned property in the area for at least the past 12 months.

View further details here

The majority of candidates are nominated through a political party, but individuals are welcome to stand independently. Candidates must get one person to agree to propose their nomination, another to second the proposal and eight assentors, all of whom must sign the nomination paper. All must be on the electoral register in the area in which you wish to stand for election.

Anybody requiring advice about nominations, election expenses or any other aspect of the district elections can get further information from their political party office, existing councillors or the councils election office on 01502 523 238.

Nomination papers can be obtained from the Elections Office, Town Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1HS. Alternatively you can telephone: 01502 523 238 or email: elections@waveney.gov.uk  Details of elections and the statement of persons nominated are published, when applicable, on Waveney District Council’s website.