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Swindon's General

(—

-V Liberal
Democrats
CONSERVATIVE

Simon Coombs Simon Cordon
Conservative Liberal

Party Democrats

West Swindon had continued to grow steadily and has become Is it conceivable that this Conservative government could be re-
popular as an attractive place to live. Since the last election, the area elected? It is, and the reason is devastating. Many people believe
has become more important as a place of work, with new jobs still Labour could be even worse. For the legacy we face in 1992 is not
being created and new offices at Windmill Hill and Westlea. just of 13 wasted Tory years, it is a story of failure by successive
Whether community infrastructure - roads, schools, doctors' governments of both these parties over the decades.
surgeries - can keep pace with development is a continuing That is why the Liberal Democrats say it's not just a new party
concern. Over the past nine years, I have repeatedly taken these we need in government, but whole new SYSTEMofgovernment.
issues up on your behalf with local and national government, and We need fair votes, less secrecy, stronger individual rights, more
have helped many individuals and community groups with a wide control over our own affairs. And we need fresh ideas.
range of other problems. No one has ever been turned away. Britain's economic performance is not helped by governments
As an area ofgrowth, job creation and prosperity, West Swindon that manipulate the economy before elections. We would stop this
cpitomises the fundamental strength in the British economy which with an independent central bank and full membership of the single
has been built up under Conservative leadership. More people own currency. No other party offers this. It is unique to the Liberal
their own homes and shares in industry. Real net income for Democrats.
families on average earnings has gone up by over a third since 1979 Why do we tax wealth and jobs when we want more of both, but
and access to consumer goods and basic utilities has improved we don't tax pollution when we want less of it? Policies that tackle
dramatically. these questions to protect our environment are offered by the
While West Swindon mirrors this long-term strength, many local Liberal Democrats, by nobody else.
people have also felt the effects of the current world recession, All parties argue that education and training is essential for future
particularly younger families in starter homes and those who have prosperity. They're right. But only the Liberal Democrats have
been forced to look for new jobs. said what the others are afraid to say. If the only way to pay for our
In a downturn, 'cure-alls' always look tempting. However, £2 billion education package is a penny on income tax, then we will
Labour's high tax and high spending policies would only make the do just that. Again unique to us. On offer from no-one else.
situation worse and store up problems for the future. Nations can't Our opponents would tell you that a Liberal Democrat vote is
spend their way out of slump any more than individuals can spend wasted. Never have they been so wrong. The only wasted vote in
their way out of debt. In the end someone must pay the bill. And this election is one that puts back into power either of those parties
that person is invariably the taxpayer - and the consumer, through who have governed for the past forty years. In contrast, every
higher inflation. Liberal Democrat vote will be a vote to change Britain for good, a
The only sure way to keep the economy on course for recovery further vote with which Paddy Ashdown can argue for a better
is through sound and careful economic management. Last month's fairer Britain.
Budget is the right way forward. The new 20% tax band for the As a Swindon man I want the very best for my town. A strong
lower paid - so bitterly opposed by Labour - will further stimulate local MP, who will see that our voice is heard whenever and
the economy, boosting industry and small business, and helping wherever. It is no surprise therefore that I am spending much of
families with their finances. my time talking about the things that matter to Swindon people,
Locally, Swindon needs a policy for balanced growth - making -a pensioners' bus pass, no to PMH opting-out, investment in Park
job creation the priority, but ensuring that neighbourhoods and and Ride as part of a programme of unclogging our roads, and the
the environment are protected. Labour's policy of slowing down need for Swindon to stop growing and invest in areas that have been
growth hinders local job creation, as does their favouring neglected, like the town shopping centre. As a West Swindon
manufacturing over service industry when jobs in all sectors are councillor for the past seven years I hope that I have proven my
needed. ability to put the local community before my party, something I
Both locally and nationally, only the Conservatives have the would continue to do as our MP.
policies which can keep us on course for recovery: by encouraging The Liberal Democrat programme, for Swindon and for Britain,
individual enterprise, keeping taxes and inflation down, curbing is unique to us. It is offered by no-one else. And the only way to
excessive trade union power, and improving essential public services get it, is to vote Liberal Democrat.
and infrastructure by giving the people more power through the
Citizens' Charter.
I hope that I can count on your support - for the future of West
Swindon, the town and Britain as a whole.