Smithfield Election: Jayne Johnson – Independent

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 21st, 2023

An election will be held on Thursday 23rd to decide who gets to be the new councillor for Smithfield ward. ‌

If you live in the Smithfield ward make sure you turn out to have your say by voting!

We have attempted to contact all candidates to conduct a quick ‘Q&A’ with them along the same lines as every council election previously, along with an opportunity to introduce themselves to you.

Today we are featuring the responses from candidate Jayne Johnson – Independent :

My Name is Jayne Johnson

I have lived in Smithfield for the last 40 years.

My working career started in a local factory, I also volunteered at Caia park Partnership as a youth worker.

When I was made redundant, I took the opportunity to gain a degree in Youth and community at Glyndwr University.

My interests have been community based, starting with the Smithfield Residents twenty plus years ago supporting the Community garden and joining the Community Council for 15 years.

I am currently a housing support officer at Caia Park partnership, supporting residents in social and private rented accommodation.

I have gained experience and knowledge, working with multiple agencies which will help in my role as councillor if privileged to be voted in..

The Q&A…

1. What are the three biggest issues for your ward, how do you think they need to be resolved, and what will you do to achieve it?

The Ward has a few concerns which are regularly brought to Residents meetings. Smithfield is on a main route to and from Wrexham centre, litter parking and traffic are amongst them.

A flashing speed sign has been placed on Hightown/ Derby Road, asked for by the residents, supported by the local Councillor and paid for the Community Council.

Joint working is the way to get improvements done.

2. What do you think needs to be done to help Wrexham recover from the pandemic and what hands-on-role can you play as a councillor ?

Wrexham football team have raised the profile of Wrexham in the last couple of years. I think this should be built on, making Wrexham a place people want to visit for the amenities on offer.

3. As a councillor you may have the chance to take on further roles eg. Lead Member, Audit, Scrutiny. What appeals to you and what skills do you bring to that role?

I have a back ground in Youth Work, housing and a keen interest in activities for both the Young and elderly residents. I have years of experience, and transferable skills which can be used across all areas.

4. What do the words climate emergency mean to you and your ward?

I have a keen interest in the environment, 6 grandchildren who need a cleaner better future.

I find most people in the ward want better for there family’s future.

5. What is the biggest thing you would have done differently from the ruling administration over the last 5 years? (Or, if you were part of the Administration – what would you have done differently?)

Any large organisation has its good and bad points, as long as people are at the heart of decisions, I will be happy to support with my vote’

6 Local health pressures are well documented, from delayed ambulances to issues in the hospital. How can the council help resolve those problems?

There is no easy solution to this problem, but I believe the health service needs more funding. And a joint cross-party approach at all levels. We can not have a change of heart every time there is a new minister or government.

7. What will you do on a local level to help support people in your ward affected by the cost of living crisis?

People need to be more aware of help available, Caia estate office along with Caia community advise, are very good at promoting, help available. Residents who work full time do not realise they, may be intitled to help in a variety of ways. I will find out and publicise help available.

8. How would you improve the local education system?

I do feel I am not well enough informed, at this time to answer the question. I will be committed to work for improvements.

9. When the public view the next Full Council following the election, will you be sitting as part of a Party, Group or coalition, and if so, specifically who and why?

I have been independent for the last 15 years, leaving me free to vote across, all initiatives that benefit the ward without party pressure.

10. What local activity have you taken part in over the last few months to improve your ward? Regardless of if you win, will you continue any such action that benefits your ward?

The Residents meetings will continue, regardless of who wins. I will as always work with anyone who has the wards interest at heart.