According to Wikipedia (the font of all completely accurate knowledge!!)…
‘a manifesto is a published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government’ … (sounds reasonable to me).
I have suddenly found myself in the midst of folk who are experienced in political campaigning and scrutiny of manifestos. So when I was asked what my manifesto was I drew a bit of a blank. I have talked to a lot of people about how I want to work, what my approach would be and the things I would like to be able to do, yet it is difficult as an independent candidate to be able to make promises of things I will change.
To take the example of Oakwood currently – we have 3 Conservative councillors working under a Labour controlled council. They find it difficult to put things in place and make changes because they don’t have a majority vote in the council chamber. The promises made by party political campaigners rely on them being in the majority. The coalition government gave us another example of this – the Liberal Democrats had to renege on tuition fees. If you are interested in how I might actually make an impact without a party behind me read my post ‘Independent Power‘.
Anyhow back to my manifesto. I thought I ought to get with the political etiquette and write one. It is quite simple. It fits on one page of paper. It doesn’t include any promises I can’t keep and although I won’t be engraving it on a 2 ton stone tablet, I will refer to it often if I get elected and make sure I do keep to the promises it makes.
Alex Dann - Independent Candidate for Oakwood Councillor 
Looking at the figures from previous elections, it only requires a few people who didn’t bother to vote last time, who recognise that having a councillor who really cares about Oakwood instead of just being another party councillor for the sake of the party not the people, and there’s no reason why Alex shouldn’t be elected. What lies between Alex and success is the view of Oakwood people that it won’t make any difference so why bother. You won’t know till you try, so I’d say, just this once, give Alex a go and see what might change. Go for it Alex!
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