Rottingdean Coastal

Lynda Hyde

I was born in Brighton and have lived in Brighton and Hove all of my life (I have not found anywhere better to live in the U.K). I attended Stanford Road Infants School, Goldstone Junior, in the original building in Ellen Street before it was all redeveloped and Fairlight Secondary School for Girls. I consider them to have been good schools.

As well as being a Councillor I run a business in Brighton with my husband and we employ thirteen staff. I regularly discuss local issues with them and this really keeps me in touch with the opinions of residents. Also, they are always happy to point out decisions and actions made by the Council which they do not agree with !

Of my three adult children two still live in Brighton and the third lives in Denton Village. He was the last to buy a property and could not afford Brighton prices. One of my wishes for the City is to build affordable housing for local people to buy. At the moment low cost housing is to rent or shared ownership.

I was first elected in 1999. I decided to be a Councillor because I wanted to make a difference (I know it is corny but is true) There are many local issues which I have been involved in and I have been able to make a difference which is very satisfying. I am particularly pleased when last year 2005 I was able to find finance to build a pavement for St. Margaret's School in Rottingdean. Prior to the new pavement being installed children had to walk in the road with cars. The safety of our children must always be a priority.

As well as ward work, I am Vice Chair of the Planning Sub. Committee, and I am Vice Chair of Licensing.

To contact Lynda, please call 291187

Email lynda.hyde@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Mary Mears

I was born and raised in Brighton and went to school locally. My family are now grown-up and l have grandchildren who give me great pleasure and keep me young. l have worked many years with my family in our local business that was established in Brighton over 50 years ago.

l have been involved with voluntary, charity and community organisations for many years and enjoy working to help them develop and improve. I am a Trustee of a local Community Association. Most of all l enjoy meeting people and trying to make a difference.

In 1992 l was elected to Brighton Borough Council in Marine Ward. Later l became opposition spokesperson on Housing and also Finance and deputy leader of the Group.

Over many years l have worked for the Conservative Party across the city and beyond. I have been Chairman of Kemp Town Conservative Association and also Deputy Chairman.

l was very proud to be elected in 2003 to Brighton and Hove City Council for Rottingdean Coastal Ward and now serve as Chair on the Housing and Housing Management Sub Committee's, Vice Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, and I am a member of the Major Projects sub Committee. I am deputy leader of the Conservative group.

To contact Mary, please call 294370

Email mary.mears@brighton-hove.gov.uk

David Smith

Councillor David Smith, Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove 2006/7.

I was born in Hove but have lived most of my life in Brighton. I went to Stanford Road Junior School and Shoreham Grammar School and did my national service in the Royal Navy. I married Pat in 1959 at St Peters Church in Brighton and we have 3 children Christopher, Joanne & Alison and 5 grandchildren.

I have been a Conservative councillor in Brighton since 1974 with a short break in 1995. I have been a member of all the major committees at one time or another. I was Chairman of the Tourism, Museums and Entertainments committee in 1978 and 1983-86. I was Chairman of the British Resorts Association in 1987/9 and I was made an Honorary Alderman in 1997 on the dissolution of the old Borough Council. I have been the Conservative spokesman for Culture, Tourism and Sport for Brighton & Hove City Council for a number of years.

My special interests include increasing/improving affordable sporting facilities for all residents regardless of age or disability and an expanding culture/tourist industry that will bring added wealth to the City and provide jobs and security for all our citizens.

To contact David, please call 291206

Email david.smith@brighton-hove.gov.uk