Have you ever fancied being a Mansfield District Councillor? Or even Executive Mayor?
Next year will see elections for both and you can find out what life is like for a councillor at an information event at the Civic Centre on Thursday 20 October at 6pm.
The council and mayoral elections are held every four years and this year's vote will be on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Among those who will be standing for re-election will be Councillor Craig Whitby, a Labour councillor who represents Manor Ward and he will be among the councillor’s attending the event to talk about what it is like being a councillor in Mansfield and answer any questions people may have about the role.
He said: "My own expectations of being a councillor back in 2018 ended up being vastly different from the reality, but in the best way possible. I can honestly say that this has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I attended my first budget meeting in January 2018 and listened to the portfolio holder for finance deliver his report, and if I’m honest, I didn’t understand it all. Then, with help, training and guidance from the council, 12 months later I was delivering that very budget report.
"I was fortunate to get elected and even more fortunate to be offered a position on the Mayor's cabinet, with the responsibility of a new combined portfolio of Corporate & Finance. I found the support given to new councillors from the council incredibly helpful, and this was further supported by training provided by the Local Government Association (LGA).
"As an elected member, holding a position on the cabinet, striking the balance between being a good ward councillor and performing a role that must consider the entire district is vitally important – and often difficult. My one guiding principle is that, as a councillor, never forget that you are there to be a voice of your constituents in the council."
Councillor Mick Barton, leader of the Mansfield Independents and a councillor for over 20 years said the job can create a "massive difference in the community".
He said: "The qualities you need to become a councillor include having a good local knowledge, understanding various issues within your ward and having dedication and passion for the local community. You want to become a councillor to make a difference and improve the area.
"You also have to understand you cannot move mountains but you can certainly make your residents voices heard. It's a job that's to be taken very seriously, you represent the residents voice and that is just invaluable."
Cllr Martin Wright, of the Mansfield Independents, added: "They say the most difficult part of being a councillor is getting elected. Campaigning isn't easy but is very rewarding when local people feel they can put their trust in you. Then it becomes up to you to repay that trust and earn the right to be in such a privileged position as a district councillor. A good councillor builds relationships within the council, wins respect from officers and establishes channels where issues can be resolved if at all feasible."
Chief Executive and Returning Officer at Mansfield District Council Adam Hill added: "This information event will give people the knowledge and, hopefully, the confidence to stand for election.
"Being a councillor is an immense honour and also extremely challenging but, as an authority, we offer councillors a lot of support to help them take on this role."
The information evening will be in the Council Chamber where there will be a video and presentation by Democratic Services officers about the role of elected Members and the support offered to them by the council.
Questions will be taken at the end and officers will also be able to answer questions privately at the event. There is no need to book a place just turn up on the evening.
For more information, email Democratic Services Manager Mark Pemberton on mpemberton@mansfield.gov.uk or call 01623 463301. There is also information on the council website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/elections