Only one of the West End’s four current councillors is not seeking re-election in the ward come May 4, with Vari McDonald of the SNP choosing to stand instead in The Ferry.
Nine candidates will compete for four available council seats, with representatives of each of the main political parties running, and independent, socialist and Green party candidates also standing.
The West End comprises Balgay, Blackness, Hawkhill, Logie,
Ninewells, Riverside and Sinderins.
The SNP have put forward two candidates – current councillor Bill Campbell and newcomer Steven Rome – and are the only party to do so.
Representing Labour and the Co-Operative party is Richard McCready, who has served as a councillor since 2007.
Lib Dem representative Fraser Macpherson has sat on Dundee City Council since 2001.
High on the list of concerns for West End residents are problems with on-street parking and the possible closure of Perth Road police station.
Such is the concern over the station’s future, MSPs from Scottish Labour and the Conservatives have raised the issue at Holyrood.
With an active and vociferous community council, successful candidates will need to continue to press the council about concerns over commuters using the ward as a “free car park”.
As the ward containing Ninewells, the use of surrounding streets by people avoiding paying for the hospital car park is driving people crazy, according to the West End Community Council.
Two of the four current non-SNP councillors have served in previous administrations, with Fraser Macpherson (Lib Dem) having served on the council since 2001 and Richard McCready (Labour) since 2007.
Even Scottish Conservative candidate Donald Hay has experience as an elected member, having served as a West End representative between 2007-2012.
.
Candidate profiles
The Courier invited each candidate to submit a short introduction to themselves and, if they wished, a video explaining why they deserve your vote.
Bradley Booth (independent)
I was born and grew up here. I went to school and university here. I’ve come to know many residents of this ward, and I would love the opportunity to serve them.
I believe the only way to fully represent your constituents is to be an independent. The only people an independent answers to is the people of his or her ward, whereas the party candidates answer to their party superiors, and then to those who elected them.
If elected I will fight for better mental health services, safer streets, and better parking to help our local businesses.
Bill Campbell (SNP)
Bill Campbell was elected as a councillor for the West End Ward in 2012, and said he has handled hundreds of constituents’ cases including housing, parking, schooling, refuse and social matters.
He served as depute convener of city development for the last administration.
He said: “I would be honoured to be re-elected as one of your West End Ward councillors and would serve you with the same dedication and commitment that I have already clearly demonstrated as a councillor and as part of the SNP administration between 2012 and 2017.”
Donald Hay (Conservative)
I have worked at NHS Tayside for over 30 years, currently at Ninewells Hospital.
During 2007-2012, I was councillor for West End, where I gained a positive reputation for hard work and dedication, something I will continue if elected.
I served on the board of Dundee Rep and was a former governor of Dundee Educational Trust. I’m currently involved in the Friends of Balgay and Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, as chair and vice-chair, respectively.
Fraser Macpherson (Lib Dem)
Fraser Macpherson has been a councillor for the West End on Dundee City Council since 2001.
Fraser has served as the council’s finance convener, education convener and planning and transport convener.
He said: “I have a proven track record of being a hugely active and committed representative for the West End and produces the local West End Focus newsletter to keep in touch with local residents, now up to its 98th edition.
“I promise to continue to work hard for everyone in the West End, year in, year out.”
Andrew McBride (Independent Network)
Andrew McBride has lived in the city’s West End for more than 20 years, and has served as the chairman of the West End Community Council.
He is running as part of the Independent Network, which was set up by former MP Martin Bell.
Andrew said: “(Having) represented the community council on the West End Community Planning Partnership, I have experience dealing with council officers, senior officers from the police, the fire service and the NHS, as well as representatives from various community and faith groups active in the area.
“I wish to serve to the people of the west end ward and that is it in a nutshell – elected to serve.”
Richard McCready (Labour and Co-Operative Party)
I have worked hard for the people of the West End, holding surgeries in four locations across the ward. I put the West End first and I’m campaigning to ensure that the police station on Perth Road is maintained. I am also campaigning to protect the Perth Road district shopping area.
I want to make sure that the investment at the Waterfront brings real, good quality jobs for people in Dundee. We must also ensure that the money invested at the waterfront is meaningful for everyone in Dundee.
As an opposition councillor I have holding the administration and officers to account and worked hard for my constituents.
I want the best for my community and will continue to work hard and put the West End first.
Morgan Petrie (Green)
Having worked in the creative industries for the last 30 years, I’m impressed by the way Dundee has integrated culture into its planning.
The V&A and the redevelopment of the waterfront is the culmination of that approach. That’s to be applauded, but as the city focuses on redeveloping the centre, the West End is being neglected.
Perth Road is suffering from a degraded bus service and too many empty shops. With 25 of the 29 city councillors being either SNP or Labour there’s a real lack of political diversity and alternative views being presented.
I recognise that the primary duty of any councillor is to provide a service to residents of the ward and I’d like to do that by bringing new, community-focused, Green ideas to the city.
Steven Rome (SNP)
I am thrilled to be standing to be your councillor for Dundee West End in the elections for local government.
I have lived, worked and studied in Dundee all my life except for an academic year spent at Grenoble University in France.
I graduated from Dundee University with a degree in contemporary European studies and am currently working in the West End.
In my spare time I have been actively involved with the running of my hockey club as a team captain, club fundraising coordinator, match secretary and a youth coach.
During my studies I was a member, and latterly president, of the Dundee University Debating Union, which meant I was responsible for recruiting and training new members, liaising with university staff and organising our internal competitions.
I would consider it a privilege to represent the West End as part of an ambitious administration, determined to do the best for Dundee.
Tam Wilson (Scottish Socialist Party)
I’m Tam Wilson, a socialist activist living and working in the West End. As one of the Dundee Against Cuts in all eight wards, I want Dundee’s council budget to be set on the basis of need, not austerity, and for our communities to be mobilised to fight for the funding we need to deliver first-class services.
I work at two primary schools in the West End, meaning I’ve seen the impact of education cuts first-hand. I’ve spoken to parents whose kids are struggling to get and eat their lunch at Harris Academy because of overcrowding. The Scottish Socialist Party were first to point out this consequence of closing Menzieshill High School.
I’ve recently been elected President of Abertay Student Association, making me the best-placed candidate to represent students. Combined with my experience as an activist, I know what it’ll take to represent working class people in the West End.
