Robert Ball
- Name:
- Robert Ball
- Party:
- Scottish Labour Party
- Constituency:
- Perth
- Election result May 2003:
- 5629 votes (17.81%), third of seven candidates
- Election literature available in Aspect:
-
- Election policy statement:
- Labour working for you in PERTH CONSTITUENCY
ROB BALL believes that the Scottish Parliament has made a real difference to the people of Perth on a wide range of issues from care for the elderly to student fees.
- WORLD CLASS HEALTH SERVICE
- PERTH'S QUALITY OF LIFE
- BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES
- AN EDUCATION FOR THE 21 CENTURY
World class health service
Labour is investing massive sums to provide a world class health service in Scotland. We are setting key targets for health improvement as well as for faster treatment. We plan a better and longer life for all.
It is vital that our health improvement plan takes local needs properly into account.
Perth's quality of life
Perthshire is considered to have one of the best qualities of life in Britain. Labour plan a sustainable future. By 2020 we plan 40% of Scotland's energy will come from green sources such as wind and wavepower. We will recycle much more of our wastes. Soon every community will have recycling facilities. By the end of the decade all households will have doorstep collections.
Building strong communities
Labour plan to combat social exclusion which can be just as bad in rural area as in urban ones. We will cut the number of people living in fuel poverty. We will improve community safety through extra CCTV sites and through the use of community wardens. Rob will listen to the views of community councils.
Education for the 21st Century
Labour is committed to the Comprehensive School system which allows every chlid to reach their full potential. We are pledged to provide 200 new or refurbished schools and to reduce class sizes further. We have met our target of providing higher education for 50% of our young people and we will not introduce student tuition fees.
- Personal details used in election:
- Dear Voter
I am proud to have been selected us Labour candidate for Perth Constituency. I work at Stirling University where I am Dean of the Faculty of Management and Professor of Public Sector Management. I live wth my wife Moira and son Chris (aged 14). I have had considerable experience of Scottish public life, having served us a Councillor for more than twenty years. During this period I was deeply involved in improving public transport and child care and after school care facilities .
The Scottish Parliament has made a real difference on issues ranging from student fees to free care for the elderly. It has also helped to bring Government in Scotland much closer to the people.
Health care will be a key issue in the Parliament. The Labour Government is investing heavily in this service and it is crucial that improvements are delivered. I shall look very carefully into proposals for hospital care in Perthshire. It is vital that we preserve the extemely high quality of the Perthshire environment, both from the tourism viewpoint but also for attracting new organisations and jobs into our area.
Perth is a genuinely marginal constituency. At the last General Election Labour was very close to winning. A very small swing would make Perth a Labour seat. There is absolutely no need for any Labour supporter to get involved in tactical voting.
Yours faithfully
Professor ROB BALL