Interview with Max Thomas the Independent candidate for Kirkwall West and Orphir

Max Thomas Independent candidate for Kirkwall West & Orphir

Nearly six years ago I came to Orkney with the plan of getting my degree in Scottish History and Archaeology and then heading back to the mainland. There were a few stumbling blocks along the way, but I’m on course to earn my degree this summer and I have no plans to leave Orkney. It didn’t take very long for me to fall in love with Orkney and make it my home. I am running in this election because I feel I have a duty of care to my home, and the people who reside within it.

It is quite obvious that I am younger than the other candidates, being just 23 years of age. I realise that to many people I lack the life experience and wisdom required to succeed as a councillor, but I disagree. I believe that my perceived weakness has the potential to be my greatest strength. I can bring a new voice and a fresh perspective to the table and can stand as a representative of a wider demographic that has had greater interest and involvement in politics in the wake of the Scottish Independence Referendum and the European Union referendum.

I want to see this island flourish, particularly as we face the Brexit process and what comes after. I can promise that I will do all I can to serve this community, but more than that I can promise that I will do all I can to serve the individuals that call this island home. I do want to know what the community and the individuals within want to see from the next council, which is something I have attempted to find out through the canvassing I have undertaken thus far.

Some of the things that the people I have spoken to have said they want to see includes, but is not exclusive to, improving the signposting around the island, reducing the number of zero-hour contracts that the council has and increasing the amount of recreational activity for teenagers. The concerns of the people are what I intend to take to council as I believe that is the best way to be a representative of the people.

I encourage everyone to get in touch and let me know what you want to see the next council do and achieve. Email me at maxthomas2017election@gmail.com and I will be happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

West and Orphir. 4.to be elected

• COWIE. Sandy. 4 Laverock Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1EE.
• FOULKES. Barbara. 6 Jubilee Court, Kirkwall, KW15 1XR.
• LESLIE. Barbara. Twartquoy, Greenigoe, Kirkwall, KW17 2RA.
• MACLEOD. Alastair. Independent. 3 King Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1JF.
• MANSON. Leslie. Independent. 19 East Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1HZ.
• RICHARDS. John. Orkney Manifesto Group. 8 Main Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1BU.
• THOMAS. Max. Independent. 1 Mounthoolie Flats, Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1WZ.

Polling will take place between the hours of 07:00 and 22:00 on Thursday 4 May 2017