In my conversations with many of you, you  told me how pleased you are that there is someone running who can finally represent you.  With a high immigrant population, you know that I will understand your concerns and aspirations, and fight for you where and when it matters.

I will tackle crime, yobbism, bullying, discrimination and anti-social behaviour to make Newham residents feel safe and protected, with more visible policing on the streets.  Drugs-related crime particularly has no place here.

As a multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-creed borough, the improvement of community relations in West Ham is a key task for me as an experienced campaigner for racial equality.  Coming from a country where 10% of the population are Muslim, I know how important  it  is to live  in harmony.  I stand for the UK’s immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Economic rejuvenation has to be a priority.  I will work to bring in regular investments to the borough and free small businesses from the shackles of unnecessary regulations.

Health is high on my list.  I will ensure  better, quicker services for those who need medical and dental treatment in the NHS, with more staff.  Residents must  feel safe to get treated in hospital and not  be afraid they might actually get some deadly bug there.

Poverty is a major problem in West Ham.  Our flat tax proposal of 22% for anyone earning over £12,000 will lift many residents and pensioners out of the poverty trap.  Anyone earning below £12,000 will pay  no tax. 

Like you I do not want to be 70 years old before I can retire.  So I will fight tooth and nail to prevent the government imposing such an unfair scheme on our senior citizens.

Education is unaffordable for many families.  I will work to abolish university tuition fees, and introduce school vouchers so parents can send their children where they want.  I want education to be something we can all share, rather than just for the wealthy.

I will work to improve the availability of low cost housing for residents. 

I will ensure the cleanliness of streets and  improve rubbish collection.

For the youth, I will ensure that they have the sports & leisure facilities that they require.

For children, I will ensure that West Ham has care facilities that parents want to see.

Thank you for your support.  I will not let West Ham residents down.

Gene Alcantara