Branch Coordinator - John Lowther "I joined the Greens after becoming disillusioned with Labour in the early 2000s.  I was particularly concerned about Labour’s support of the Iraq War and privatisation. The Greens describe themselves as a compassionate, socialist party that put people’s welfare over profit for party-paymasters. We recognise that there is far more to politics than a periodic trip to the ballot box and work all year-round to make a difference in our community.  With greater numbers we could do more.  If you care, get involved! " email me: john.lowther@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

	Branch Speaker - Willie Thompson "'We need policies and action to resist the destruction of our social infrastructure that's taking place right now, and ones that at the same time combating the environmental crisis that threatens to destroy us all." email me: willie.thompson@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

Doxford - Caroline Robinson "I joined the Greens as they are the party that best represents my values.  I got sick of the usual old politics from the three mainstream parties that offer nothing progressive nor new.  The Greens have a clear plan for what they stand for.  I’m proud to be part of a party that takes the environment, social justice and caring for all in society seriously.  This party puts people before big business and profits, this is what this country needs to fix so much of the problems Britain faces today." email me: caroline.robinson@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

Hendon - Sam May "The other parties expect us to have short memories when it comes to phrases like “broken promises”, “bankers’ bonuses”, “Iraq”, “ID cards” and “Margaret Thatcher”. As Greens we strive to Think Global and Act Local.  In Sunderland we face rising energy costs, increasing unemployment, and attacks on services such as the NHS, libraries, and education. Nationally, we want to create jobs through investment in renewable energy and recycling.  Locally we would act responsibly to protect services, encourage micro-generation and seek to offer free insulation, as Green Councillors have done in Kirklees, saving each household an average of £150 per year." email me: sam.may@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

Houghton - Neil Bains "I am a business to business sales specialist dealing with IT Consulting and hardware. I believe that fairness should be evident on all levels of society and that small, new businesses make a real difference in the local communities in which they operate. There is a clear future for green business in any area of the country, and providing this in local areas will create local jobs while helping with climate change." email me: neil.bains@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

Millfield - Jack McGlen "My family and I have lived in Millfield for most of my life. I believe the area deserves representatives who are committed and hard-working. If elected I will persistently demonstrate this commitment and hard work in word and deed. All too often people seek to be councillors for the wrong reasons, I would not look for the votes of my neighbours and friends if I was not committed to improving their community. I joined the Green Party in December 2010 having been impressed by the fact they are distinct from Labour, Liberal Democrats and Conservatives and are genuinely interested in the needs of working class people and our environment. It is my position that the present cuts agenda is despicable and designed to make the hard working majority and the most vulnerable in society pay for problems created by inept and self-serving MPs, bankers and finances. Care for the elderly, opportunities for bright kids to have a fairly priced education and local jobs are being snatched away from us. This would be avoidable if we were to introduce the Robin Hood Tax, curb the unreasonable bonus's bankers receive and look again at the salaries of the highest earning 10% of civil servants." email me: jack.mcglen@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

Pallion - David Campbell "I believe that the current council are very out of touch with what the people of Sunderland want. I joined the Green Party as they are the only party that make it clear what their aims are. The Greens stand out from the main three parties, as the party willing to tackle issues fairly, sensibly and logically. We are a total open and honest party. Sunderland needs representatives that listen and act on what the residents want and not people who join the council for personal gain. I was born and lived all my life in Pallion. I’m no longer willing to sit back and let the current council do little to nothing to help develop my home area. I am committed to improving Pallion on all fronts.” email me: david.campbell@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk Follow me on twitter: click here My Blog: click here

Silksworth - Joella Lynch "I joined the Green Party in November 2010 after deciding that I wanted to learn more about the beliefs and policies of the political parties running our government. I realised that the Green Party’s core values most reflected what I felt a political party should be about, not just on the environmental issues, which I am passionate about but also their basic core values on how our society should operate. For me the Green Party represents a fairer society and the use of more truthful politics to get us there." email me: joella.lynch@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

	Southwick - Bill Martin "I joined the Green Party because Climate Change is the single biggest issue facing us today. I am also a socialist and was attracted to join a socialist party. I think improperly regulated capitalism is environmentally unsustainable." email me: bill.martyn@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

St Anne's - Emily Blyth "Born and raised in South Hylton, I have my roots in St Anne's Ward and care passionately about this part of the city. There's a unique sense of community here, and a great deal to be proud of, but just like anywhere else there are challenges and problems to be addressed. I would love to see St Anne's build on its rich heritage to be a place where small enterprises can thrive, the natural beauty of the area can be protected and enjoyed, and people can feel happy and safe. Perhaps most importantly, a place where we can live together as a community, connecting with one another and looking out for each other. These values are at the heart of the Green Party, and I'd love to hear from anyone in the St Anne's area who shares these ideals." email me: emily.blyth@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk

St Michael's - John Appleton "The striking thing about St. Michael's ward is its greenery, both on the streets and in the open spaces, such as Backhouse Park. I'd like to protect this, as well as improving our waste management and the cleanliness of our streets, to cut the ward’s impact on climate change. I’m a great believer in the idea that a diverse population is necessary for a progressive society, and given the diversity of the city, I want to play a part in increasing diversity awareness and equality in both St. Michael’s ward and the Sunderland area as a whole." email me: john.appleton@sunderlandgreenparty.org.uk