Cape Town - Communities no longer need political parties to service them as they had the opportunities and failed.
That is why ward 24 independent candidate Carmen Kearns put up her hand, because she felt despite promises made every election year, people were still living under dangerous and unhealthy conditions.
Kearns said it was after her son got robbed just four days after they moved back to their home town of Bishop Lavis that she decided to run for the election. She said she was determined to change the Delft South and Blikkiesdorp community’s “horrendous” situation around.
“Rampant crime and constant cable theft coupled with power outages which go on for weeks is an everyday occurrence. This is on top of the dismal failure to provide us with basic service.
“As a result in January, I created a community maintenance group which is a service-failure report platform to help people that cannot help themselves by logging complaints.
“Non-functioning street lights, potholes, blocked drains are a daily occurrence,” she said.
Kearns said clean streets, free from illegal dumping, the protection of public services, small business growth, youth upliftment, reclaiming of streets from thugs and a safe playing environment for children were some of the pertinent issues that needed urgent attention in the area.
“As an independent candidate I do not affiliate myself to any politics and parties but receive my mandate from the community. If they honestly need change, come November 1, they should use their voting power. I listen, observe, take action and execute, which is what I am currently doing.
“Our current councillors are all about themselves and those they favour. Our grievances mean nothing to them. I believe the community is now ready for change in service now, it’s long overdue,” she said.
Kearns said people should vote for her as she only had the best interests of the community at heart.
“Irrespective of the outcomes after November 1, I won't stop what I am currently doing for our community. I’m proud of my service delivery to the community so far,” she said.
Resident Denise Davids said Kearns had done more to help them than their current ward councillor.
“We as a community nominated our lady friend for the excellent service she has rendered to us and we pray that the ballot favours her so that she can continue her good work with adequate resources,” said Davids.