‘Being weird isn’t such a bad thing’

I’d like to respond to the opinion piece written on Bristol 24/7 entitled: The good the bad and the plain weird. The piece focuses on the upcoming Bristol mayoral elections and candidates.

Firstly, I must address the title of the opinion piece. Sometimes, being “weird” is not such a bad thing. It often means, those that desperately make themselves different to the herd – away from the mainstream.

Those that think a different way. Sure, they may be “weird”, but they are still beautiful human beings walking this planet – just like the rest of us. I see people like this walking past me at the Chai Cycle everyday. What wonderous people they are – all with a story to tell.

I am running to be the mayor for Bristol and I have some good backing. Many people in this city that I have spoken to feel disempowered, disillusioned and disenfranchised.

Many more are living pitiful existences these days, living hand to mouth, reliant on the goodwill and of the kindness of other human beings. These people are the heroes – who recognise that actually we are all on this planet for such a short time and that we are all connected. An injury to one is an injury to all.

In Bristol, we have seen an explosion of people living in tents. Spiralling numbers of homeless people. On a daily basis, I am seeing people with clear mental health problems walking the streets and it would seem that they are not getting the help they desperately need.

I want to make sure that these people are not just brushed away by what is going on in Bristol at the moment. In the article, published yesterday on Bristol24/7 – the only mention I get is that: “What does Saville stand for? Anti-Ferguson and anti-gentriferguson.

This is true, I do hold these beliefs. I believe that George Ferguson has done damage to the fantastic city of Bristol. Sure, he insists “the city” is growing – but for who?

As people are pushed out of the places they have lived for years through these processes, what impact(s) will this have on the culture and demographic of Bristol?

We have seen rent prices grow exponentially making many homeless, making others leave the areas they have lived in and loved for years. This is the gentrification we speak of.

Whilst plush “luxurious abodes” are built in the centre of the city, people sleep in doorways. Whilst five star hotels with swimming pools on the roof are built – people die on our streets. We must ask ourselves the question: what sort of society are we living in? Furthermore, we need a mayor who is prepared not only to talk about these issues, but to do something about it. Actions speak louder than words. 

Of course, for those that know me – I have been involved in lots of campaigns over the years, both here in Bristol and further afield. I firmly believe that we should speak our truths and speak truth to power.

I would like to see rent caps introduced. I want to see more social housing built. I’d like to see Bristol City Council be more transparent in their dealings. I want to protect our front-line services in the city.

I’m interested in direct democracy which would hand decision-making back to communities. More than anything though, I believe that the role of mayor is to empower and engage Bristolians in the debate and to encourage participation. What we have seen thus far is dictation from the top of how things should be.

I believe in the rights of people – and at a time where our rights are being stripped away. It’s high time people spoke up and stood for what they believed in. This is another reason why I am standing. To encourage people from across the city to realise our own potentials as human beings and communities. 

I’m standing for a variety of reasons and as the election approaches, Bristol and Bristolians – we will have a stark choice and I encourage all the good people of this city to get involved.

Picture from Paul Saville for Bristol Mayor 2016

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