With local elections across the country in May, we speak with Alex Zychowski, Libertarian Party candidate for Midhurst division in West Sussex.
“cut council tax, returning more of residents’ hard-earned cash to their pockets”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m Alex Zychowski, a secondary school geography teacher and leader of the Libertarian Party. I am standing for two reasons: to cut council tax, returning more of residents’ hard-earned cash to their pockets, and also to protect the night skies over West Sussex.
“Cutting tax is the most essential service local government can provide during a cost of living crisis”
What are the main concerns in your ward and if elected what wider issues do you hope to champion?
Council spending in West Sussex is out of control. There is no such thing as “public” money – only taxpayers’ money. Cutting tax is the most essential service local government can provide during a cost of living crisis. I have identified savings to fund a 3% council tax reduction. This will require deep, sometimes unpopular cuts – but I am prepared to make those choices. All other candidates in this election are promising to protect or expand services. I am not. I can only promise the residents of Midhurst division some of their hard-earned money back.
As an amateur astronomer, I appreciate the value of pristine, unpolluted skies. Unfortunately, the South Downs Dark Skies Reserve appears to exist only on paper – as increasing levels of light pollution wash out our view of the Milky Way and disturb nocturnal fauna.
In March this year West Sussex County Council announced a £24 million spend on new street lighting using 4000K “cool white” bulbs – much brighter and bluer than recommended for dark sky areas and operating at wavelengths known to increase skyglow. A council that is home to a Dark Sky Reserve should not be spending millions of taxpayers’ money actively undermining it.
As a councillor, I will press the council to turn off unnecessary illumination in areas of low footfall entirely, reduce operating hours elsewhere and replace bulbs with low-intensity warm-colour LEDs at ≤3000K. This approach will lead to lower carbon emissions, save residents money and protect the view of the cosmos.
“This approach will lead to lower carbon emissions, save residents money and protect the view of the cosmos”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
I can be contacted on alex.zychowski@libertarianpartyuk.com. You can find out more about the Libertarian Party at https://libertarianpartyuk.com/ and you can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X/Twitter.
