What Acting Locally Really Means

Earlier today, the Northants Telegraph published a piece I wrote about how the role of a councillor is changing. If you haven’t seen it, the heart of the message was simple: in a world where national decisions impact local lives more than ever, we need councillors who understand the bigger picture — and act decisively and transparently at the local level.

But here on my own site, I wanted to speak more personally. Not just about the idea itself, but what it really means — for me, for Kingswood, and for the kind of councillor I hope to be.

The Traditional View — and What’s Changing

Most people still think of councillors as being focused on potholes, bins, and planning applications. And yes, those are important parts of the job. But the role today is evolving. Local authorities are now expected to help deliver complex national priorities — from social care and housing, to health inequalities, economic development, and community safety — all while operating with tighter budgets and higher expectations.

What’s often missing in this picture is the link between those big national ambitions and the everyday experience of residents. That’s where a good councillor matters.

Bridging the Gap

Before my career in emergency planning and community resilience, I served in the military — an experience that taught me how vital it is for systems, people, and priorities to be joined up. From the front line to the command tent, having a clear understanding of what we’re all doing — and why — can be the difference between success and failure. That same principle applies to public service.

When people start asking, “What are we even doing here?” — trust, credibility, and purpose begin to erode.

That’s why I believe local representation and leadership needs to connect the dots. It’s not just about what services are delivered, but how they’re delivered — and how clearly that’s explained to the people affected.

Tangible Local Action, Not Just Talking Points

If elected, I’ll push for greater transparency in how decisions are made and communicated. I’ll keep building relationships with those who hold power and bring those conversations back to residents in real terms, not press releases.

In emergency planning, for example, I believe there’s huge untapped potential in connecting council processes with neighbourhood capacity — making it easier for residents, community groups, and local institutions to understand how to prepare and support one another in times of need. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the kind that builds trust, safety, and resilience.

It could also be as simple as how changes to local services — like recycling rules or transport timetables — are communicated. When messages are vague or inconsistent, it creates confusion, frustration, and mistrust. A good councillor doesn’t just chase the problem; they help get ahead of it — by asking the right questions, pushing for clearer answers, and making sure the community isn’t left guessing.

Looking Ahead

If the article sparked something for you — if you’ve ever felt like decisions are made far away from the people they affect — then you’re not alone. And I hope this campaign gives you a sense that something different is possible.

This is a quiet, steady kind of campaign. One built on listening, showing up, and helping people understand how local democracy can work for them — not just at them.

Thanks for being part of it.

— Gary

🗞 If you're interested in the full piece published today in the Northants Telegraph, you can read it here.

📬 If something here resonates, please share the article or my flyer with someone in Kingswood who might care about the future of our community.