Ahead of the upcoming local elections in Oldham on May 2, The Oldham Times has contacted the parties and independent candidates to ask for a short biography of each person standing.
Here are the biographies for the Green Party candidates standing this year.
Andrea Chaverra Valencia - Alexandra
Andrea, 32, has lived in Oldham for 22 years, and works as a Personal Assistant. She completed A levels in Oldham Sixth Form College and continued her studies at the University of Derby, gaining a degree in Geology.
When she isn’t working, she spends time volunteering on a local organic farm, campaigning online or taking care of her physical and mental health.
Andrea is very concerned about crime and says “More investment in education, employment, youth services and community-based policing is essential for crime prevention”.
Andrea understands the current house market, which is favouring the wealthy and not solving the lack of social housing. Andrea is very passionate about the green belt and believes we can achieve the demand for homes without building on our green spaces.
Like Green candidates across the country, Andrea will make a difference with fresh ideas; listening to people and taking action on local matters.
Daniel Clayton - Chadderton Central
Daniel is an artist who has been a member of the Green Party for 10 years. He has worked in social care, retail and logistics. He has also experienced homelessness and the iniquities of Universal Credit.
As a Green voice for Chadderton Central, Daniel would prioritise ending social inequality; protecting the environment; and providing a platform for the people of Chadderton Central to engage with politics at a local, national, and global level. He says, "across the planet, from Gaza to Ukraine, from Yeman to Myanmar, the powerful are killing the powerless, creating humanitarian crises and ecological devastation.
In the UK the powerful kill the powerless with policy - by relentlessly cutting services and imposing a vindictive benefits system; by placing a greater value on capital than on human well-being."
The Green Party offers an alternative way of doing politics and a Green voice on Oldham Council will be the first step.
Sheraz Gondal - Coldhurst
I'm employed as a Support Worker in Coldhurst, and work with adults with learning difficulties to ensure that they are able to live independently and take part in all aspects of life.
A range of skills are needed in this role, including those gained as part of my studies for a Masters degree in Business Administration.
I am surprised that those working in social care are often paid at little more than minimum wage. As a councillor I would be interested to see how the value of care work can be recognised and recompensed more appropriately.
When I'm not working I like to travel and take care of my physical and mental heath. I am an animal lover and have 2 British short hairs and 4 canaries.
I'm highly organised and efficient and I have a proven track record of working well under pressure. I would relish the opportunity to put my skills to good use in the challenging environment of the council chamber. I will do what it takes to make a difference with fresh ideas, listening to people and taking action on local matters.
Jason Bromley - Hollinwood
Jason, 44, is a resident of Oldham for 38 years and works in mental health. Following study at Chetham’s and Oldham College, he built a career in the NHS while volunteering in the community. Outside of work, he enjoys guitar, gaming, and the outdoors.
A big focus for Jason is the environment, mental health support and growth of grass roots democracy.
"We need to have real, down to earth conversations about what we're leaving behind for young people to inherit and the ongoing mental health crisis, whilst ensuring greater funding for renewables and job creation".
Jason also recognises the need for greater representation and diversity within politics.
“Sticking plasters for mental health crisis and polluted rivers are a choice, and we need to make different ones, better ones”.
Like Green candidates across the country, Jason will make a difference with his down to earth approach, fresh ideas; listening to people and taking action.
Biographies of every Labour candidate standing in the local elections this year
Biographies of every Conservative candidate standing in the local elections this year
Biographies of every Lib Dem candidate standing in the local elections this year
Biographies for Independent and non-mainstream party candidates in election
Miranda Meadowcroft - Royton North
I was brought up in Royton, and as a bookworm went to the library all the time. I'm really excited about the library and town hall renovation and plan to use it when its finally completed.
I hope it will be a fantastic facility for everyone living in the area, and as a councillor I would make sure that it is busy, offering a space that is relevant and useful for everyone.
I lived away from this area after going to university and travelling, but was delighted to come back to work in the voluntary sector. I was a founder member of the Oldham credit union, and have been involved in the Green Party for 10 years.
Since coming back to Oldham I studied at the college to gain a teaching qualification, I have worked in further education and in schools and more recently I have worked in social care with people with neurodiversity.
As a carer I use the gym to reduce stress and try to keep fit.
I trained with the Citizens Advice Bureau and would bring that experience to the case work I would have as a councillor.
Jim Stidworthy - Royton South
I was born and lived in South Devon until aged 15 but I have now lived in Oldham for sixty years. I have two daughters, three grandchildren and a great grandchild.
I worked in three cotton spinning mills as well as working at Platt Brothers textile machinery makers for eleven years, Seton Healthcare for nineteen years and Rochdale MBC Street services, retiring as a supervisor in 2011.
Active in the past with local Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth groups. Separately with numerous local environmental issues including Beal Valley.
Standing as a Green Party candidate in Royton South for the eighth time, my main hobbies are gardening and reading.
I am for:
- Minimising the expansion of the local population and building development beyond present limits
- The adoption of policies and technologies to limit and reverse the harmful effects of human activity on the climate and other aspects of our shared environment
- Valuing all life as equal
- Achieving sustainably the well being of all, eroding the gross disparities of our society and ending social deprivation
- Reprioritising of health, education, and social care above material aspirations
Fesi Reza-Khan - Saddleworth South
I grew up in Oldham. I benefited from an education and health public service system that simply worked. I grew up surrounded by men and women, imbued with integrity, respect and decency. On their shoulders, I stood and elevated myself out of my humble beginnings. Looking around me I am saddened at how career politicians have squandered that legacy.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It is time for us to believe in ourselves again. Only then can we do for our children, what was done for us.
The mood of the nation reflects this and is crying out for change. This change must start here in Oldham, with us, this May.
I urge you to discover how the Green Party and I intend to enact this renewal process. Connect with us on Social media or reach out and join us. Let’s put people, families and communities first.
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