I am standing for re-election as commissioner in the 2025 Elections. Born and raised in Glen Maye, it has been a privilege to serve the people of Patrick since the last by-election. Over the past year, the board has faced numerous challenges. However, we have successfully kept rates at an all-time low—an impressive achievement given the circumstances. Despite rising costs, our below-2% increase has maintained a reasonable level of service, which we hope will meet residents’ expectations. That said, there are pressing challenges ahead.
The role of commissioners is often debated and does not typically attract much interest. However, I strongly believe that Patrick’s Commissioners need a mission statement that clearly defines their purpose and goals. Having such a statement would provide a framework for accountability and give us something tangible to measure ourselves against.
Residential Care
Patrick has a seat on the residential and respite care facilities committee for the west. I attended the opening of Valkyrie Court in March, and ensuring proper care facilities for an aging population is a priority the Isle of Man must get right. Making the right resources available at the right time is critical, and the benefits of achieving this are enormous for society as a whole. I will seek to hold my fellow Commissioners to account on this issue.
Empty Buildings
The Niarbly café has been closed for the past three years, with no indication of when it will re-open. We need to be proactive in ensuring that such facilities are not left empty and allowed to decay, as has happened in Glen Maye.
Pathways
Maintaining the pathways across the parish is the least we can do to ensure that people can fully enjoy and make the most of the amenities in this part of the island. Notably, some work could be done on the path to White Beach, to name just one.
Western Civic Amenity Site
As your representative for the Western Amenity Site, I am aware of the difficulties we face. The site is outdated, and much of its equipment has reached the end of its operational life. Significant investment is urgently required. While past administrations have operated with minimal to no investment, the site now demands substantial funding. To run any operation efficiently, investment in infrastructure, personnel, and equipment is crucial.
In its current state, the site’s future beyond the next financial year is uncertain. The DOI is not interested in assuming responsibility for it. However, savings could be made by reducing administrative overhead across all amenity sites. It is also important to note that the DOI controls approximately 70% of our costs. While we have the freedom to secure third-party contracts for waste disposal, these agreements demand additional time and personnel to manage. This places extra pressure on an already overstretched workforce, as these responsibilities require distinct skill sets.
Putting the site on a stable and sustainable path will require ingenuity and determination. It is also essential that we have a conversation about expectations and establish a clear mission statement. I am passionate about reducing waste and wish to continue the work I have begun, despite the challenges. In my firm opinion, the site can operate in a cash-positive way while providing a service that prevents fly-tipping and achieves market rates for commercial waste.
Of course, these improvements come at a cost. I will be collecting an attendance fee—where there’s no cost, there’s no value. If you’re dissatisfied, you need to be able to assign a cost to it. More importantly, offering attendance allowances may encourage diverse candidates, such as mothers or disabled individuals, to stand for election. Their perspectives could help address issues that might otherwise go unconsidered.
I am committed to exploring what can be achieved. Can the heartbeat of Patrick beat loud and strong? I am ready to listen and work with you towards that goal.
If you require more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best regards,
Leo Cussons
Website: https://www.leo.wcx.me
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leocussons
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeoCussons
