Whilst a very large and important election has been played out over the past few days and weeks, a much smaller (but also very important) election was held on Monday evening (9 December) at the meeting of the full Town Council. Councillors overwhelmingly voted to co-opt Vanessa Hillier as the new Town Councillor to represent the Marlborough (East) Ward.
Three candidates presented for the vacant position and after each had the chance to state their case for appointment – ‘why them?’, they were questioned by Councillors who, at the end of the three presentations voted by secret ballot and Vanessa Hillier was chosen by an overwhelming majority on the first ballot.
Vanessa is Marlborough through and through, born in Savernake Hospital and has lived and worked in the town for all of her life. At her address to Councillors she set out why she should be chosen as the new Councillor. She trained as a nurse, has worked with people with learning disabilities, managed a Care Home in the town, and now works supporting the elderly in the Marlborough community.
Questioned by Councillors regarding why she should be appointed, when asked by Cllr Cooper “What quualities, or skills would you bring to the Town Council?”, Vanessaa replied that her experience, working with people from all walks of life has made her adaptable, sociable, able to listen and having had plenty of committeee experience an abilty to work with others towards a common goal.
To Cllr Andy Ross’s question of “What are the most important issues facing Marlborough at the moment”, she replied that there were significant issues regarding the elderly in the town, not enough social housing, problems with the medical provision available in the town, where patients in their nineties have to get LINK to take them to Pewsey for their appointments, which she felt was “not acceptable”. Also – parking….
Cllr Loosmore then asked the final question: ”Who/what does a Town Councillor represent?”, to which she replied: ”The people of Marlborough”.
From now on she will, and her first major appearance will be at the full Town Council meeting on Monday 20 January.