Tom Pedley is the Green Party candidate in this Thursday’s by-election for a Torfaen County Borough Council seat in the Llantarnam Ward of Cwmbran.
Cwmbran Life offered candidates the chance to write a piece about why residents should vote for them.
Tom wrote: “My name is Tom and I’m proud to be standing as your Green Party candidate in the Llantarnam by-election for Torfaen Council on 2 July.
“Llantarnam is a wonderful community and I would be honoured to represent local residents on the council. If elected, I will work tirelessly, listen carefully and provide a voice for those who are overlooked.
“l’ve been fortunate to call Cwmbrân home for the past eight years. During that time, l’ve supported local independent businesses, become involved in the artistic community at Llantarnam Grange, and regularly clear litter from our green spaces and rivers alongside my daughter.
“I have worked as a teacher, a 999 call-handler, and in the library service.
“Like many local people, l’ve experienced the pressures families face and the challenges of making ends meet.
“My background is in biological sciences and am passionate about protecting our natural environment. Access to clean, safe green spaces benefits our health and wellbeing, and action on climate change is essential if we are to leave a better future for our children and grandchildren as our legacy.
“These are challenging times, and people are worried about what lies ahead. More than ever, we need communities that are united, welcoming and supportive.
“I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
“I want to be a councillor who brings people together, not one who seeks to divide.
“We are seeing the rise of divisive politics, pointing the finger at vulnerable groups, whilst furthering the interests of tech billionaires who think nothing of destroying the environment.
“Year on year we are seeing more extreme weather as a direct result of this – heatwaves and floods that damage local infrastructure and put lives at risk.
“A vote for the Green Party is a vote against this.
“By working together and looking out for one another, we can build a stronger, fairer and more caring community. I believe in the people of Cwmbrân, and I believe that real, positive change starts at a local level.”