Green candidate uses pedal power to spread his message

MARK Stevenson, the Green candidate for the Henley
by-election, was out on his bike touring the
constituency this weekend. On Saturday he visited the
Green Fair being held by Chinnor Friends of the Earth,
where a bicycle sale was one of the main features.
“It was fantastic to see so many bikes being brought
in during the morning and so few left at the end of
the day” said Mark, “I know cycling is not for
everyone, but it can be a great way to get around over
short distances.”

Mark canvassed along several streets in the village,
handing out a small A6 leaflet to those who were
interested. Despite the deluge of paper being put out
by candidates from the other main parties, Mr
Stevenson came across people who did not know the
election was on. “I want to try and do things a better
way” he said, “if the amount of literature I have
received is representative of the amount everyone else
has had, then between them the Conservatives and Lib
Dems have already used at least three tonnes of paper.
Most of it seems to go directly into the recycling
box, people simply aren’t interested.”

Mark Stevenson’s plan is to do as much door-to-door
canvassing as he can and to hold public meetings so
that people can meet him face to face. So far he has
already had a meeting in Berinsfield, with meetings to
come in Thame (Tuesday 10th), Watlington (Wednesday
11th) and Wheatley (Thursday12th). Henley and
Garsington are planned, but not yet confirmed.

Mark said “I believe every voter should have an
opportunity to meet the candidates, after all we are
asking them to place their trust in us as their
representative. Everyone knows that election leaflets
are unreliable and often uninteresting. The best
opportunity for voters to really make their minds up
is a full-scale hustings with all the candidates there
to be quizzed by the audience. I’d be delighted if
this happened, but I’d be happy to visit any group of
residents who would like to meet me.”

Several motorists recognised Mr Stevenson and waved or
hooted as they passed him on the road. Mr Stevenson
said “I’m not anti-car, we couldn’t do without our van
for business. I just want to help make it less
necessary for people in rural areas to use a car,
let’s keep our village shops, post offices, small
businesses and health care. That’s better for
everyone. So please, keep waving or hooting to support
me!”