The World According To

The World According to GEVA

BLACKETT | Cllr Ward 15

We have been through awful times over the past two years and Storm Arwen was most certainly an event none of us needed. Since then we have been hit by two more storms; each wreaking havoc, bringing down many lovely old trees and plunging us into darkness again. Community resilience is uppermost in many minds, as one of your councillors I am more than happy to be part of helping build that.

Resilience also means making sure people can be warm in adverse conditions like the storms. Understanding the need to cut our carbon emissions, I have expressed concern that we are hurtling down a path totally dependent on electricity – until we have a resilient power supply, we should be very careful about what we are doing. With rising costs of everything from food to fuel, many families will be struggling to keep warm and to eat. I am not comfortable with that situation. People need a back-up heat source, and I fear we have already gone down a path of depriving many of that – I hope it’s not too late and am making my views known, I hope to some effect.

Resilience also means being able to pick up the phone and call for help if someone is ill or there is a fire. With BT going digital soon, that will not be possible if the power goes out. I have taken this up with our MP Andrew Bowie. If you are worried about how you would manage with no landline and no power, you can email him at andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk.

Much of our economy depends on tourism and I have had an interesting conversation with Michael Foy at Aboyne Academy. We need to understand what young people want from a career in hospitality and young people need to understand what ‘business’ wants from them – there are exciting prospects to be had if you are prepared to work hard. Royal Deeside has some of the finest produce within reach, we now need to find a way to make sure our cafes and restaurants have the staff they need.

Finally, Cllr Paul Gibb has indicated he will not be standing at the council elections in May. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for all the work he has done for the Ward and for all the help and support he has given me personally. He is a man of integrity and incredibly hardworking. I for one will miss him (but have his home phone number and if I am re-elected, won’t be shy to ask for help or advice if needed – be warned Paul!!!)

My mobile number, if you need me, is 07876 475269 and my email is cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk – or find me on my Council Facebook page