Dena Smith Ellis has been elected to Rye Town Council after a meeting at Rye College on Monday September 15. Five candidates put themselves forward for the vacant position on the Council created by the resignation of Rebekah Gilbert in the summer.
She was chosen by councillors through a process called co-option as not enough local people requested a full election.
Mayor Andy Stuart opened the meeting welcoming the candidates and public attendees. “Having so many candidates is great for local democracy and I hope that any unsuccessful candidates will consider standing again for the full elections due in 18 months time.”
Town Clerk Richard Farhall explained the procedure which involved a three minute statement from each candidate followed by each being posed the same three questions:
- How would you go about regularly engaging with the electorate in order to represent their views or needs to the council?
- What powers or influence would you like to see the council make more use of in order to serve the electorate?
- If you had one wish or aspiration for Rye what would it be?
Other than Simon Bowler, who was already committed to be on holiday, all candidates were present at the meeting to put forward their views. They were required to leave the room and then each, in alphabetical order, made their individual statements to the council.
Simon Bowler The Town Clerk read out a statement from him and his pre-prepared answers to the three questions. He emphasised his involvement in social and charitable activities in the community and the need for promotion of the tourism industry and the creation of affordable housing to support families in the community.
Firat Bozyel described his welcome to the town in 2022, citing exceptional community spirit and support. He particularly focused on the need to engage with, and support, younger people to help develop the next generation in Rye. He also highlighted preserving the character of Rye, with individual businesses and no large corporations taking over the town.
Lyn Dutton focussed on growth, exploiting the potential created by the Rye Neighbourhood plan. He wants to see economic development and job creation through both incremental and strategic initiatives, taking advantage of the upcoming changes in local government structure. He also sees better communication with the community as a requirement, and potential cooperation with neighbouring parishes to create additional opportunities for Rye.
Dena Smith Ellis pointed out that we are at a pivotal time of change with many unknowns. In this environment, engagement with the public is essential. She described her passion for “community creation” as an essential bridge to bring people together. She promised to “learn and serve”, looking for ways to connect to all the elements that make up Rye. Her wish is to help the people to get along together and focus on commonalities rather than differences.
Owen Thompson noted that his three years in Rye had demonstrated the strong community spirit that exists, with many examples of working together to improve life in Rye. He cited the Leisure Centre reopening, Green Waves festival and fireworks as clear examples. He emphasised his approachability, down to earth approach and sense of humour as assets in engaging with businesses and residents in the town. Along with the other candidates, he believes we are in a time of change, with an opportunity for the council to assert more control to better meet the needs of Rye.
After hearing from the candidates, the councillors then made their decision in a vote that needed an absolute majority for one of the candidates. Richard Farhall explained the process would continue with repeated rounds of voting if required, eliminating candidates with the lowest number of votes.
In the end the decision was straightforward and clear, with Dena Smith Ellis gathering eight votes in the first round - immediately reaching the necessary threshold for co-option. The mayor thanked the candidates, members of the public and councillors for their participation and Dena duly signed the “Declaration of Acceptance of Office”, immediately becoming a Rye Town Councillor. Her term in office continues until May 2027 when the Rye Town Council elections will be held.
Rye News will have a full interview with Dens Smith Ellis in next week's edition.
