27th March 2008

Dear Sir

Your article about Conservative Councillor Anne Smith’s understandable fury over the Lib Dems misrepresenting her voting pattern makes a significant error about the Greens (“Councillor set to sue over mailshot”, 24th March). You state that Labour obtained majority support (to form the administration) with backing from the Green Party. In fact, like Councillor Smith, we abstained. This has been portrayed by the media (and the Lib Dems) as “supporting Labour”, whereas in fact we purposely took a neutral stance between the two larger parties.

We always said we would handle the balance of power situation by voting on an issue-by-issue basis and working with whoever would support our policies. This has allowed us to stand up for Green Party principles, to oppose when necessary, but also to work cooperatively in order to make some real gains. We are especially proud that with just two Green Councillors we managed to get some progressive proposals incorporated into this year’s budget (a city wide bus service on New Year’s Day, more pedestrian crossings, more recycling facilties, more advice about energy saving, more help for small businesses).

Our voting record shows that we have supported the Lib Dems on some occasions (e.g. trying to save Wisewood School) and Labour on others (e.g. providing activities for young people). Sometimes either or both parties have supported our motions and amendments (e.g. objecting to identity cards, calling for targets on carbon emissions and recycling, tackling licensing problems in the city centre). Sometimes we have been a lone voice (e.g. calling for a major review of the lettings policy for council housing, asking for the Economic Masterplan to support local businesses in preference to multinationals with no long term commitment to the city).

We would prefer to focus on the issues, what we have in common and where we provide a distinct alternative to the other parties, so that the people of Sheffield can make informed choices in the coming local election.

Yours faithfully

Cllr Jillian Creasy