Ramsey will this week have the chance to elect two new commissioners.

Following the resignations of Eric Corkish and Patrick Ayres, the town will have two by-elections on Thursday, July 19, to elect commissioners to represent its north and south wards.

The contest in the north ward will be between George Monk, of Coburn Drive, and Lon Pinkerton of Stanley Mews, in Douglas.

Mr Pinkerton had lived in the town for 40 years before he recently moved to Douglas.

He said : ’I have considered standing previously over the last 10 years and now feels the right time to stand and allow the voters of north ward to judge whether they feel I am the right candidate to represent them.’

He added that he believes his 25 years’ experience in public services have given him the skills needed to negotiate while working towards the best interests of ratepayers.

He said that looking forward, he saw ’the future role of Ramsey Cottage Hospital, rates reform and possible future local authority reforms’ as three areas that will have a major impact on the town.

Mr Pinkerton added: ’To represent the best interests of all residents and stakeholders, especially those vulnerable residents of Ramsey who may need our understanding and support.

’Delivering accountable and affordable services to ratepayers, planning strategically for the future and allowing business to flourish in the town and above all being honest and straight forward in dealing with customer feedback and problems.’

’I hope that the people of north ward trust me with their vote, allowing me the chance to represent them and voice their concerns until April 2020, and hopefully beyond.’

Standing against him is George Monk. He moved to the island in 1999 with his wife and son and they made Ramsey their home.

Mr Monk said: ’If elected, I would actively work to ensure that ratepayers’ money is spent wisely for the good of all Ramsey residents.

’With the recent purchase of Ramsey Courthouse, I would endeavour to ensure that the future plans maximise the usage of the building for the benefit of the town.’

He also raised the issue of Ramsey Cottage Hospital and said he would work to ensure no more services were eroded from the hospital.

He added: ’We need to continue to fight for the regeneration of Ramsey, which in my opinion has stalled. Jobs need to be created, and government must play its part.

’Moving a government department to Ramsey would be a start. The development of the quayside is another issue which needs urgent consideration. I would encourage any initiatives in these areas.

’Ramsey is a beautiful place in which to live, and we have much to be proud of, but with forward investment to boost its economy, we can ensure that Ramsey becomes a vibrant thriving town once again.’

In the south ward, the electorate can choose between Daniel Webb, of Waterloo Road, and Nigel Howard, of Briarfield Gardens.

Mr Webb said: ’Ramsey has done so much for me. With its beaches, the Mooragh and Coronation Park, and sense of community, it’s given me one of the best childhoods a person can have.

’Recent elections have seen younger guys like Ffinlo Williams, Luke Parker, and Juan McGuinness getting involved in the commissioners and I want to add to that influx of energy. As a 25-year-old young professional, I can bring fresh positivity and financial insight to the board along.’

Mr Webb said he believed that new shops such as Conor Cummins’ coffee shop, Conrod’s, had brought a real boost to the town.

He added that Ramsey must now ensure sustainable growth and encourage more islanders to visit the island.

As a member of the Isle of Man Green Party, he wants to see the biosphere status protected and wants to encourage more recycling in the town.

He added: ’I believe getting the most out of the recently-purchased Ramsey Courthouse and revitalizing the Queen’s Pier are also key challenges along with safeguarding the future of the Ramsey Cottage Hospital.’

’I’ve been provided me with a fantastic education through Albert Road and Ramsey Grammar School and I was never prouder than when I had the opportunity to represent the people of this northern town.’

Standing against him is Nigel Howard.

Mr Howard said: ’I wish to represent Ramsey as commissioner as being a local resident home owner with a young family I have a vested interest in ensuring services and the community are as good as they can be.

’I have an interest in local politics have already established relationships professionally and socially with different members of the community.’

He added that, for him, the biggest challenge the town faced was attracting more business, including more affordable retail establishments.

He would also like to see more done for families and children in the town, citing the closure of a local charity as a creating difficult childcare problems.

Mr Howard said he would like to see the local authority try to help more parents get back into work to aid both the economy and individuals well-being.

In addition, he wants to improve the social fabric of the town, by forging new links between the younger and elderly which, he believes, can help the community spirit and help people take pride in where they live.

He said: ’If I am elected this is great news and I will do my best for the place. If I don’t, it’s still OK as I will help and do my best as an active member of the community.’