Gus Hoyt, Green: We campaign with the hope that the other parties will follow suit

“Well done darling, this is the best present you could ever give me!” said my mum on mothers-day, as I called her from the campaign trail.

The beautiful sunny weather was reflected in everyone’s moods as they welcomed us at their doors. Canvassing has been going extremely well. We have an excellent and dedicated team and almost everyone we have called upon – from St Agnes to St Andrews — has wished us success in May. It feels as if the time for change is finally here.

Gus Hoyt with Green Party leader Caroline Lucas

People’s main issues are education (University fees and Academy status) and the Cuts — all of which the Greens avidly oppose. The green space sell-offs and the shocking public transport feature highest in the local peeves, two other long term Green priorities.

Of course there is a heavy anti-Lib-Dem feeling on the doorstep. People naturally feel betrayed. Rather than exploit this, I have set strict volunteer guidelines; to point out our alternative and sensible policies – how we will act and vote — and not to exploit this anger. We campaign with the hope that the other parties will follow suit. Besides an election won by misrepresentation and deceit would be a very hollow victory indeed.

Aside from canvassing at least three days a week we have completed another Ashley-wide leaflet in record time! As well as outlining our top five policies, we focussed on the use of neighbourhood roads as “Rat-Runs” and our comprehensive plan for tackling this age-old danger. We also introduced QR reader technology for a link to our website, receiving record visits!

Most evenings have been full of fascinating meetings and project launches — much to the chagrin of my girlfriend…The Bristol Energy Co-OP was inspiring. They aim to supply free electricity to community buildings and promote the fast uptake of Solar PV. We “re-booted” the Montpelier Energy Group with great promise for the future with thanks again to Bristol Energy Network, Bristol Green Doors and The Converging World for their reports and input.

A North Bristol Green Party meeting at Café Kino was squeezed into my diary alongside two for Freebus — a campaign for free local public transport. There was however, some time for relaxing too at Green Drinks at Cosies (after canvassing) and a reunion of us Bristol CAT students (Centre of Alternative Technology) at the Hare on the Hill.

Remember the Referendum on the Alternative Vote on May 5. I strongly urge everyone to vote “Yes” (as well as Green) on this important day. It is a compromise offered by the Con-Dem alliance, however, it is an important first step; if it fails we will be stuck with our current medieval system.

I have been asked to speak on AV both at Speakers Corner and at the Friends of the Earth Debate alongside Paul Smith, Stephen Williams and Charlotte Leslie.

Walking past the Tesco on Cheltenham Road made me feel sick to the stomach. It is nearing completion and teaming with private security guards. How the planning committee passed this development is beyond me. We must vote with our pockets and stay away from the perceived convenience of this shop. It takes money and jobs away from our communities. Support the alternatives and watch this space for some exciting news in the future!

The Westmoreland House (big empty buildings on Stokes Croft!) strategic planning group — of which I am a member — will be meeting in a fortnight to discuss in which direction the development should take. Clearly such a prominent building should have the people of Stokes Croft at its heart and avoid the mistake most inner-city “regeneration” project make. This is an incredibly exciting project and I look forwards to contributing my experience in sustainable building practices.

Now off to write my speech for tomorrow. I hear St Andrews Park beckoning for that task!