I would like to introduce myself. My name is Lisa and I moved to Wokingham with my daughter two years ago. Prior to that I lived overseas for 20 years in New Zealand, Oman, Australia, and Saudi Arabia to name but a few. Whilst overseas I brought my two children up alongside my part-time work in the tourism, events, and teaching industry. My spare time was spent studying a Degree in Business (Tourism), a Level 7 in Event Management and Marketing. I also volunteered within my children’s schools and the local communities.
Living, working, and volunteering abroad has exposed me to lots of different (not all good) situations. Some of the things I’ve witnessed and supported are helping disadvantaged children at the YMCA to develop their social skills; helping local women overcome the anxieties of moving to a new country and feeling totally alone; and supporting traumatised families that have lost everything, including family members, in a local disaster. I have set up and run three girl guide groups enabling them to learn life skills. We visited a local medical centre, fire station, and organised a fundraising bake sale with all the proceeds donated to a less fortunate community in Kenya. I’ve also organised first aid training, planned and escorted outings within communities. I attended regular community board meetings to ensure that any issues and grievances in the community were listened to and resolved for those involved.
I chose to live in Wokingham because I like the local people, environment, and location. I now feel settled enough in the community, and I also have a good insight into the challenges we all face to keep Wokingham as the desirable and welcoming place it is to live in. This is why I’ve decided to stand for election as a local Councillor.
I am a people person, a natural organiser, a decision maker, and a straight talker who enjoys and believes in supporting everyone within the local community. We are all paying towards the upkeep of the town and deserve the best services possible, in the most cost effective way. It is important to continue all the hard work that has enabled Wokingham to thrive and to leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
I cannot promise, if I am lucky enough to become your councillor, that everything will become perfect. However, I will have a voice and I will be prepared to use it in order to protect the values and rights of the local community.
Some of my personal goals if I become your councillor:
1) To work with the local police to ensure our safety and security is adhered to. 2) Increase activities and entertainment for our youth in the local area. 3) Support local businesses as they face the ongoing challenges of rising costs. 4) Encourage a variation of new businesses to the town centre and surrounding areas. 5) Prevent over construction in the area, so we do not lose all the greenery in this beautiful area.
Thank you for taking the time to read my campaign biography.