Linda Topping is the Conservative candidate in the election for the directly elected mayor of Watford, which is taking place on May 22nd. She has outlined some of her plans in an interview for the Watford Observer:
A good initial signal is that she will take an immediate 10 per cent pay cut. She would also “light up the Croxley Rail Link viaduct like the London Eye.”
Mrs Topping has a background in business and charity work. She was a founding organiser and chairman of the Starlight Walk, which has raised more than a £1 million for the Peace Hospice, and is currently a director and trustee of the Darcorum Sports Trust.
The report adds:
One of the areas she said she would look to save money would be the combined cost of the offices of the elected mayor and managing director…
Another area Mrs Topping said she would like to reform at Watford Council was its printed magazine, About Watford. She described the magazine’s content as looking like a “Lib Dem manifesto”
She backs small shops saying:
“A lot of our shopping centres need attention. I think these smaller shopping areas are vital to ensuring not just a happy community but also that a community lasts. We have got to support smaller businesses.”
Despite the poor opinion poll ratings the Lib Dems did well in the council elections for Watford in 2012. They only lost one seat. But it is the choice of directly elected mayor that is of greater importance. The Lib Dem incumbent has terrible misjudgment. It is time for a change.
Watford deserves better. Good luck to Linda Topping.