WORKING: LIKE A DOG
I’ve thrown myself into my work these last few weeks. Doing long hours is tough but it’s proved to be good therapy and just what I needed after the PPC campaign 😉.
We’ve made big new investments in the equipment, workspace and the workforce at our Mytholmroyd factory and we’ve already been able to create a couple of new jobs, both of which we filled with local candidates. Ace.
The creation of decent jobs and economic growth is the thing I find the hardest and most complicated of all to achive but it’s also (maybe because of that?) the thing that most gives me the feeling I’m part of the solution not the problem – that feeling is very important to me.
I’ve only ever known and loved socialism as the underdog way of organising things and doing the right thing as an investor, employer and a socialist in the current climate is tough. We’re surviving, yes, but I dream about what UK businesses could achieve with a government that works for the many, not the few.
Family life has inevitably taken a hit, kids are a barometer of what’s going on around them and whenever mine draw their dad at the moment, he’s in his work clothes. I wouldn’t want it to be like this forever, but I don’t mind them learning that making things happen usually comes on the back of hard work and a solid plan.
They’re lucky kids overall, which we reflect on together at the food bank collection their school has set up.
HEARD ABOUT SCOTT PATIENT?
Speaking of hard work and a solid plan, we’ve lucked out in Mytholmroyd with our candidate for next week’s elections. Scott Patient is young, smart and working class — I haven’t met anyone better to rep this area on the council.
He kindly came down to the factory for a chat, I’ll be promoting the video on facebook between now and Thursday because I believe that a win for Scott is a win for the people and businesses of Mytholmroyd.
I first met him just walking down the street and I’ve been blown away by his sense of purpose, integrity and style ever since.
Local working class people in their 30's/40's tend to juggle the biggest contributions (young families, hefty mortgages, tough careers, older parents, etc) but sometimes feel under represented.
It’s inspirational to watch him step up to the plate with 3 kids, a mortgage and a small business in tow — more power to his elbow. If you want to get something done, ask a busy person.
More than half of eligble voters in Lud Foot and Mytholmroyd don’t get out and vote, Scott’s got fresh reasons for these folks to take another look.
My rough and ready video is a tiny contribution to the campaign but it’s what I’ve got to give right now. He’s an incredibly genuine and down-to-earth bloke who comes across well on video and there are many good quotes in the interview:
‘I got involved in being a flood warden because I was affected by flooding and my kids school was affected by flooding’ …
‘We’re going to be having 2 years worth of flood works [in Mytholmroyd] and it needs to be managed properly. I can help make that happen in a smooth manner’ …
‘When I was elected to town council last year, I made a promise that I’d keep people informed’ …
‘I just got the feeling that I can make things happen’
