Local SNP members in the Baillieston Ward of Glasgow City Council have chosen a local member, David Cassidy, to be their candidate in the Baillieston Ward by-election being held on 6 November.
Mr Cassidy has often been compared to the 1970s singing sensation of his namesake but believes that he will be better known as a local champion for the people of Baillieston.
Commenting on his selection Mr Cassidy today said, "I am delighted to be chosen for the SNP to fight in this by-election. In May last year, Labour had a majority of the first votes and in the last by-election we overturned that majority to hold John Mason’s council seat against the odds. This is a great opportunity for the people of Baillieston to elect its third SNP councillor and make history by gaining the first seat in a by-election in Glasgow under the new STV voting system.
"As a local resident, I am only too aware of the needs in this area. Making sure that our children get the right start in life is important. This is why I will be campaigning for both free school meals and reducing the class sizes for P1-P3. Every day in my work life, I help the out of work get a job. I know getting a good start in your early years makes all the difference throughout your life."
Local SNP MP John Mason welcomed Mr Cassidy’s selection stating, "I am delighted that David is to be the candidate in this forthcoming by-election. In the short time I have known David, I have been very impressed with him in all my contact. This is an opportunity for voters to build up the SNP team in the East End - a team which will work together for the community's interests."
The SNP Leader of the Opposition, Councillor James Dornan, added, “This is going to be a historic by-election for Glasgow City Council. The people of Baillieston may be getting weary of having to vote but they do have the opportunity to loosen Labour’s grip on the East End and take a step forward for progress in Glasgow.”
The by-election has been caused due to the death of Labour Councillor Douglas Hay and will be the third time electors in the ward will go to the polls in 15 weeks (24 July – Glasgow East following David Marshall’s resignation, 18 September – Baillieston Ward by-election following John Mason’s resignation as a councillor).
Polling day is 6 November 2008 providing one of the shortest ever campaigning periods for a local government by-election – 39 days since the vacancy occurred.
Notes:
1. David Cassidy, 29, lives with his wife and 8 month old daughter in Baillieston. He is a welfare-to-work programme specialist with the Wise Group based in the East End.
3. Local Government by-elections must be called within 3 months of vacancy occurring. It is the Returning Officer’s prerogative to decide the date of a Council by-election.
Local SNP members in the Baillieston Ward of Glasgow City Council have chosen a local member, David Cassidy, to be their candidate in the Baillieston Ward by-election being held on 6 November.