As your current Borough Councillor, I should like to invite you to support my bid for re-election.   Since my success in the February 2006 By-Election, I have served the residents and businesses of Charing both from a local and borough wide perspective.   At Borough level I have been a member of the Executive for the last 4 years and has served on a number of committees including Planning, Audit and Transport.  In February this year I was appointed Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council. 

My endeavours have always been focused on supporting Charing and Ashford by ensuring that the growth and development is both sensitive and sustainable.  We need the economic development to lead the growth and we certainly need the supporting infrastructure.  Central to this is the need to promote a safe and pleasant place for people to thrive.  In the rural areas we need to encourage and retain local shops and businesses.  We must value our environment and do all we can to promote recycling and renewable energy to support the wellbeing of future generations.

Personal Biography:    Gerry Clarkson retired from the Fire Service following a career that spanned 30 years, during which time he rose through the ranks to become the Chief Fire Officer for London and was appointed the Chief Executive of the London Fire & Civil Defence Authority.   He was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal for distinguished service in 1983 Birthday’s Honours and further honoured by Her Majesty in 1990 by being awarded the CBE.  He holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Economics & Industrial Relations. 

Gerry Clarkson has lived in the Charing Ward for 20 years and is married with two grown up children.