W4Y were keen to find out a little more about James, so we asked him some questions and this is what he said…
W4Y – Thanks for giving up your time James to speak to us. What made you want to be a Youth Cabinet Member for the area?
James – I wanted to get elected as a member for the Youth Parliament and to the Youth Cabinet for East Sussex because I wanted to represent young people in my area and try to give a more positive image of young people today.
W4Y – Do you think that young people have a negative image then?
James – Unfortunately, I do think young people have a lot of negative media coverage. It is sad to say, that there aren’t enough positive stories about achievements of young people. This misunderstanding that young people are all drug-taking, anti-social, yobs often leads to fear of the younger generation.
W4Y – What in your opinion are the three most important issues for young people in Wealden at the moment?
James – For me the three most important issues for young people in Wealden are, firstly a lack of public transport. It needs to be more accessible, in some rural areas there are no buses at all. And it needs to be cheaper for all young people who are in full time education. Secondly, there should be more places for young people to go. The options are very limited at the moment. I would like to see more things like swimming pools, skate parks, and youth clubs. The trouble with many youth clubs is that they are not open enough and at times when young people want to go. Thirdly, smoking and drugs, these topics are of concern, I believe, to most young people and I think there is more work that needs to be done on re-enforcing the health issues regarding smoking and drugs.
W4Y – if you could change just one thing in this area for young people, what would it be?
James – It would definitely be better public transport links. This would give greater choices of places to go for young people and have a great impact on making existing facilities widely accessible to everyone. If the fares were cheaper, it would encourage more usage of public transport too, and that would be a greener option as well.
W4Y – Do you have to attend loads of boring meetings?
James – I do have to attend a lot of meetings, as Deputy Member of the Youth Parliament representing Wealden and Lewes, as well as going in my own capacity. I am also a Member of the East Sussex Youth Cabinet and have to attend monthly meetings. There are also many other projects that I get invited to attend. For example at the moment I am taking part in a project where I am shadowing as East Sussex County Councillor, where I get to attend some of his meeting too.
W4Y – What’s the best and worst thing about your role?
James – The best thing is being able to meet lots of different people from different backgrounds and being able to work as part of a team to achieve our aims for young people in the area. The worst thing is sometimes trying to find the balance between school and youth parliament work. …but it’s all good fun.
W4Y – Have you heard of the Wealden Youth Website before this interview and have you used it?
James – No unfortunately I hadn’t. But now I have had a look around I am very impressed with what I’ve seen.
W4Y – now than James lets find a little more about you, here are five quick fire questions…
W4Y – What’s your favourite food?
James – Chips!
W4Y – What’s your favourite film?
James – Rush Hour 3.
W4Y - Your favourite band?
James – Kaiser Chiefs.
W4Y – Your favourite TV programme?
James – The Simpsons.
W4Y – And lastly, if you could have a meal with anyone – who would it be?
James – Elvis Presley, because I admire him for his determination and the way he inspired so many people.
