Dear Sir,
I find myself in a situation where I have to defend myself against comments made about me in a letter written in last week’s issue by Mrs M Tomlin where statements were made that I would like to clear up.
During our one and only meeting in Tesco there was no talk or reference made as to how I could serve my ward properly simply because I live in Darlington.
The question put to me was how could I be an Aycliffe Councillor living in Darlington and how could I know about what goes on in and around Aycliffe whilst living so far away?
Darlington is just a few miles away, not a 2 hour commute. It is common knowledge I now live in Darlington as from last year it is stated on Great Aycliffe Town Council website
As stated previously, I work in Aycliffe, I am a School Governor in Aycliffe and run my own Road Management group in Aycliffe. I also attend PACT meeting and Resident Association meetings in Aycliffe.
I am at an advantage with regards to my role as a councillor because of the people that know me on a personal level. Family, friends, colleagues and especially the public that I have helped know exactly how active and effective I am as a Town Councillor.
I did not know former Councillor Tomlin so I could not possibly comment on how good or bad a Councillor he was, but he did lose his seat in 2007 to Independents whilst serving as a Labour Councillor and Deputy Mayor. It does appear Mrs Tomlin has a grudge against the Council to which her husband no longer belongs.
I would urge Mrs Tomlin to put her money where her mouth is and stand in the forthcoming By-election .
As for rattled cages mine has not been rattled it has merely been stroked. I have encountered many obstacles in my life and on this  occasion I see M. Tomlin’s comments as a deliberate attempt to derail my quest to serve on the council and see out my term of office.
Like all previous obstacles I plan to this brush aside and carry on regardless.
Cllr Paul Kjenstad.