Green Devon County Councillor Paula Black speaks to the PRSD

By PRSD, on Friday, July 31, 2009

The Green Party’s Paula Black won a seat for Totnes Rural in the Devon County Council elections, we caught up with her to find out what it means to be the Greenest county councillor in Devon.

What were the big issues you faced on the doorstep during the election?

The big issues were that people were so fed up of politics after the allowances scandal, with so many people saying they were never going to vote again, and “you lot you’re all the same”. However, we are not all the same, the Green Party has a completely different agenda.

What’s your opinion on Steen-gate?

Well what do you expect from those people who believe they have a divine right to run? They rule as if they are owed the world. As for feeling jealous, as we were all accused, I don’t want a big house in the country, thanks. I’m happy just being me.

What can you bring to the county council?

Being only one may seem to some as having little influence, however that is not true. Firstly, just being a councillor means that the officers have to answer the questions I put to them. So if you think that the council is plotting to build an incinerator next to you, I can ask the questions to find out.

Secondly, as I have joined a non-aligned grouping we have been allocated a good numbers of committees which we have shared out, so I am on the Environment and economic scrutiny board, as well as Devon Conservation, and investment, which is more than the average for a councillor.

Thirdly, and perhaps more importantly, I am the voice that can ask the real searching questions at county meetings knowing that the people who voted for me expect me to probe and deliver, and I will strive to represent the people of my district and not any business.

What’s your background?

I became politcally active as a young woman, a family friend took me to Greenham Common when I was 14 and I felt immense power from the people who were both women and men who had given up careers to protest against the siting of American nuclear cruise missiles on our soil. Perhaps it was a defining moment in a young woman’s life, to see how defiance and determination against all odds can have a profound effect upon policy. I have always had a deep dedication to wanting to protect our environment and provide social justice, believing that together against all odds we can make that difference. I was teaching in a primary school until elected, and have a MSc in Ecology, I have three children who are utterly gorgeous

What were your immediate feelings when you found out you’d be elected: relieved; worried; combative?

First reaction was utter humbling knowing that people had the confidence to vote for something they believed in, something positive, then ok let’s do it!

During its time the Lib Dems made progress on environmental projects in Devon – recycling and the Renewable Energy for Devon (RE4D) for example.  Where did the previous administration not do so well environmentally?

Yes the Lib Dems have begun to make some changes, and for the better. However, their thoughts on incineration I can not agree with, also its the different way of thinking that the Green Party explore; one that is not addicted to the notion of constant economic growth in a finite world. This has brought debt and misery, because every up has to have a down, growth is unsustainable and until we accept that the economy will be driven by greed and poverty.

What do you think the new Conservative administration will implement, and what needs to be done?

I do not know what their plans are, they are under an obligation to cut funding, where the axe falls will depend on what they see as essential services and what they feel is less important. I am sure that there are very tough times ahead for all of us. As every bubble bursts it gives us as humans to consider how we should behave to the most vulnerable in our society, to each other and our planet.

How will you represent the people of your constituency at county level?

I hold a fornightly stall in Totnes where I encourage residents to come and talk to be. I shall be atteding most town and parish council meetings and please call and write if you need advice.

You’re a member of the Green Party, is there a place for party politics in local poltics?

As a Green Party member and the belief system that I hold the 2 are not in conflict, and yes politics big and small effect our lives in so many ways. There is no whip system with the Green Party, advice and expertise given and I represent my district the people of my area, their needs are the ones that are most important. Devon is a beautiful county with an abundance of habitat wealth, as well as amazing people

Overall, what with MP financial tribulations and anger at the present government, was it a disappointing June 4 election for the Green Party?

I can’t see how it is disappointing, as a party we have never had as many votes in Devon we beat Labour by several thousand votes, and nationally over 1 million voted Green for the Euro’s we are building a strong commitment. Since being elected I have found it funny how people from a whole spectrum of different parties have come up to me to assert that they too are greens, so that our message that we need more care of our environment is a strong one that everyone wants to own. They know what to do next…

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I feel its a great honour to have been elected, one that I hope will be able to achieve something positive for our local area, and one that hope will inspire people to become more involved in politics in their local area. We can make positive changes, we can make a difference, and we need to build community and commitment from us all.

Paula Black, many thanks