LAUNCESTON Town Council is up to full membership, with four councillors co-opted last week bringing the total number up to 16, writes Amy?Dennis.

The meeting on Tuesday, May 16, heard from six candidates, with town councillor votes deciding who would be co-opted on to the two spaces for the south ward and two spaces for the central ward.

Sam Allen and Sandy Cooper were co-opted for the south ward, and Paula Bullen and Jessica Williams for the central ward.

Cllr Margaret Young, who at the start of the meeting had been appointed town mayor, said: “I think it’s the first time ever we have had so many female members of the council. Long may it continue.”

Half of the town councillors are men, half are women.

Each of the six candidates had up to three minutes to explain a bit about themselves and why they wanted to join the town council.

Sam Allen, who has lived in the town for seven years, said: “I have a passion for the area I live and work in. Over the last 18 months I have attended several town council meetings. I’ve seen how much the town council needs to support Launceston. I could bring a fresh approach to matters in the area.”

Sandy Cooper, who described herself to the town council as an ‘immigrant’, said she has lived in Launceston for five years. Originally from Texas, Sandy, a former communications specialist in the military, said: “I have spent that five years meeting as many people as I could and becoming part of the community, putting down roots, I’ve built a business. I think as an immigrant I bring to the council the ability to see things from the other side to give a fresh perspective on what we could do to make this town more accessible.”

Paula Bullen has served on the town council for the Launceston central ward for just over a year. She said: “I would like to continue to do so. Due to matters beyond my control I was unable to stand at the time of the election. I have learned lots of things but still feel as though I’m a ‘newbie’. I’ve hardly scratched the surface of becoming the best councillor I can be. I have enjoyed the challenge. We are all trying to make lives for local folk just that little bit better.”

Jessica Williams has lived in Launceston at Kensey Valley Meadow for nearly three years. Pointing out that she has regularly attended town council meetings as a member of the public since last year, she said: “Observing these meetings has given me a greater understanding and knowledge of Launceston, the issues and challenges it’s facing I would not gain any other way.”