My name is Sally Newton, married 24 years, with one son and four spaniels.  My husband is a farmer, and I have worked all my life, not only on the farm, but with my own career.

I started out as a PA to an accountant, but being indoors was not for me, so after getting scientific qualifications I went into research at the Royal Veterinary College at Potters Bar.  Travelling to farms gave me my first taste of being out and about, and eventually led me to being a medical representative for over 28 years in the pharmaceutical industry.  I gave this up to be a Councillor.  At one point I thought I would be a “Counsellor” and took my Certificate in Counselling at Hatfield University.  Often I think I will continue in this field when I retire from being a Councillor.  However, I do have the following letters after my name: MBACP.

I have always taken an interest in politics, but more on the sidelines whilst bringing up my family.  I started by selling raffle tickets for my local party, then joined the Conservative Women’s Association, ending up as Chairman.  Once my name was in the frame, I was approached to stand at first as a Town and then as a District Councillor.

Due to the sudden death of County Councillor Frank Escott, I stood for County Council in a by-election in February 2004 and won thereby becoming a County Council for All Saints Ward in Hertford.

Elections in May 2005 saw me returned to the County Council in June 2006 and I was asked to join the Cabinet as Executive Member for Adult Care.  This I did, and am now involved in very rewarding but, at times, difficult work.

I am an environmentalist, and believe that whilst providing good services for our community, it is important to keep a balance with our heritage, culture, environment and services.  Affordable housing is essential, but so is green belt.  New housing appears to be necessary in these parts, but any development needs to be well thought out.  Building for the sake of meeting government targets will not meet local needs.  Once green belt is gone, it will never return, neither will the wildlife nor the eco system which is currently compromised.

I strongly believe in supporting the young and try to encourage as much as possible music, sports and the arts.  The successful Olympic bid for 2012 will bring much to the County that we must act upon, and utilise, and no opportunities must be missed.

As if I hadn’t enough to do, I became Mayor of Hertford in May 2006 to run for a term of 12 months.  This role has probably been of most benefit to me as it has given me opportunities to meet and get to know the people of Hertford and them me, and truly understand their wants and needs and expectations of the town.  Frustrated that I can’t always get all that is wanted, I work hard to try and achieve what I can.  Working for some time on three councils gave me the experience and insight of all their work, and assists in communicating fully in a system that relies a lot on partnership working.  This year (2007) I made the decision not to stand in the District Council elections so that I can concentrate on my Cabinet role within the County Council.

I am currently trying to get funding for an increasing elderly population, without government support.  The demography shows year on year a population living longer, and needing more services than ever, not just elderly but the physically frail, and those with special needs.  The government, although aware, have not increased funding, and so the Council has had to be prudent and very clear on how to divide resources, so that the Council continues to provide all the necessary and excellent services available.  However, it is becoming increasingly difficult.  I am also working hard to get appropriate parking in Hertford, a skate board park for the young, and the War Memorial made safe against vandals.  These are all ongoing projects.

On a personal level, I swim when I can find the time and also like reading autobiographies to see how famous people struggled and dealt with all life threw at them.   I horse ride too when I have the time and have qualified as a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor, so have BHSAI after my name.  Perhaps one day I’ll run a riding stable!!