In March 2017, the local press reported that three elected councillors – half way through their term – have resigned from Haslemere Town Council.
This has caused by-elections to fill these councillor vacancies including one by-election in the Haslemere South Ward (2 vacancies) where Maria Mateo and Nikki Barton live.
Mateo and Barton are your Independent candidates for this by-election.
The by-election will be on Thursday 8th June. As you are aware, this is the same day as the general election. You will have two ballot papers on this day at The Georgian House Hotel polling station. One will be to vote in the general election for an MP (one ballot paper, one vote). The other ballot paper will be to vote in the Town Council by-election for two new town councillors (one ballot paper, two votes for two councillors).
On the ballot paper, which will be a green colour, you’ll see our names – MARIA MATEO & NIKKI BARTON – and there will be no party political logo; after all, we feel in a local election, local decisions should simply be about people, not political parties.
ABOUT MARIA
Maria Mateo
I care about Haslemere. My family have lived here for over ten years. I am actively involved in our wonderful community. I have worked as a solicitor and local adviser with Citizens Advice and now training as a Waverley Supervisor with this charity.
I’m a volunteer and have given many hours to several community groups (Haslemere First Respondents, Orchard Club, and Haslemere Rugby and Football Clubs). I organised a local school’s walking bus.
As your independent councillor, I will be open and transparent, listening to Haslemere residents and representing your views in the Council Chamber.
ABOUT NIKKI
Nikki at HillFest
With experience as your County Councillor, I have a proven track record in putting Haslemere first. I moved to Haslemere South with my family a decade ago and have engaged with the local community through: school governorship; Haslemere Hockey Club; Fringe Festival; Haslemere Vision; Chair – Haslemere Community Rail Partnership.
I will continue prioritising community engagement with openness and transparency. Never afraid to speak up and my record as Haslemere’s first Independent SCC can be seen via the pages of this blog.
With a wealth of experience and understanding of local government, I will champion good traffic management and child/pedestrian safety as a priority.