05/05/10…Election candidate meets locals in the pub

JOHN Howell, the local Conservative election candidate, chose the Cross Keys pub in Thame last Thursday, April 29, to meet Thame constituents for an informat chat about local issues.

John Howell said of the event: “Having opened Thame’s brewery at the pub earlier in the year it was an obvious place to hold my meeting. The whole point of these meetings is that there are not set speeches. Individual voters have the chance of some quality time with me to talk in some detail about the issues which affect them. This is a much more mature way of approaching the voter than traditional set-piece hustings and, as many national papers have pointed out, is more in keeping with the national mood.

“For example, at the Cross Keys I was able to discuss the position of the proposed 850 houses in Thame and how the Conservative planning policies I had written would ensure this did not happen again and would give Thame more flexibility over the current numbers. We were also able to discuss rationally issues like immigration and the economy. Most importantly, on all these subjets people were able to look me in the eyes and judge me for myself. I feel vindicated by the success of these meetings.”

John Howell has promised to continue the programme of more intimate meetings with local residents in the constituency if elected.

PHOTO: John Howell pulls a pint during the recent opening of the Cross Keys micro brewere.