| Name: | Stephen Cole |
| Year of birth: | 1952 |
| Municipality: |
Kirkkonummi |
| Town: | Kirkkonummi |
| Title: | Retired Businessman |
| Email: | stephencoleSFP@outlook.com |
Stephen
Cole
Kirkkonummi
"A successful future for Kirkkonummi from a new person"
Home:
Born in the United Kingdom. Lived permanently in Kirkkonummi for nearly 8 years
My family:
Finnish wife and we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this March.
Married, 1 adult son and 3 Finnish grandchildren
Occupation:
Retired Businessman and entrepreneur
Experience:
Started and worked in both small and large businesses
Worked with the European Social Fund
Past Company Director of 8 companies
Organizations:
British in Finland – Founder and group leader
Past treasurer - Anglo Finnish Guild (FinnGuild)
Education:
Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Cardiff University
Important political topics
Economy & Business
Kick-Start Kirkkonummi
Unemployment is a big problem both in Kirkkonummi and in the rest of Finland. This is a waste of people and resources and a burden on the taxpayer.
I would encourage the local municipality to encourage and make it as easy as possible for residents to start their own business. This could be by turning a hobby into a viable enterprise, earning an income.
Statistics show that most small business do not last more than one year. This is because the costs in setting up an enterprise and having the time to generate an adequate income within a period of 12 months, is very difficult.
I would like to introduce a small business grant or soft loan which would support a small enterprise for no more than one year. The grant or loan could also be conditional on the entrepreneur providing an equivalent amount to show their commitment to make their business work.
This could be partly funded by the municipality and in partnership with Business Angles and large local businesses.
By giving these people hope and work, this would alleviate the burden on the tax system and provide a financial kickback for Kirkkonummi.
This may not be for everyone but for those who want to make a difference to their lives and to the local community, it might help to those who cannot find a way out of unemployment.
The best schools
Education is extremely important for all of us. It is what makes Finland standout from the rest of Europe. It should be totally funded by the Finnish Government and the Municipality because it is of benefit to us all.
Free education provides equality and equal opportunities for everyone. It helps people from all social and economical backgrounds increase their knowledge, drive economical growth in Kirkkonummi and Finland. It also encourages inclusivity and will ultimately benefit the whole of society.
It is vitally important for our children, our grandchildren and even for ourselves that we all have a good understanding of the wider world and what will be our future.
Candidate's answers in election machine
1 / 14
In Kirkkonummi, it is important to promote the attractiveness of new residential areas or business establishments, even if it comes at the expense of nature.
It is important to promote the attractiveness of new residential and business establishment but \"never\" at the expense of nature.
2 / 14
The West Rail between Espoo and Salo should be implemented, even if it means that Kirkkonummi must finance part of it.
3 / 14
In Kirkkonummi, it is better to save money by cutting down on the service network for residents rather than reducing municipal staff.
4 / 14
Early childhood education should be free for everyone.
Education should be free because it benefits us all.
5 / 14
Schools should prioritize traditional textbooks over digital learning materials.
Books are still important but as new technologies are introduce, these will provide additional learning skills.
6 / 14
One of the municipality’s most important tasks is to invest in sports facilities and opportunities for exercise and recreation.
Sport, exercise and recreation are an important part of living in Kirkkonummi and should be available to all.
7 / 14
It is important to provide all residents with equal opportunities for cultural activities.
It is important to provide all residents with equal opportunities to all cultural activities. It bring inclusiveness to Kirkkonummi.
8 / 14
The municipality should introduce or improve opportunities for residents to influence how municipal funds are used through participatory budgeting.
It is important that residents feel part of the municipality and are provided with explanations of where funds are to be used.
9 / 14
The municipality should invest in public transportation.
Public transport is a vital service for all residents of Kirkkonummi and especially the elderly and disabled but also the young and those without other transport.
10 / 14
It should be possible to be a resident in more than one municipality, for example, through digital municipal citizenship.
11 / 14
The municipality should better facilitate the expansion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.
Renewable energy is vitally important for a sustainable and secure future.
12 / 14
The municipality should mix more housing types in planning than is currently the case.
13 / 14
The municipality should introduce anonymous recruitment.
In a fair society, job recruitment should be based on the application and the fitness for the job.
14 / 14
If you could give a superpower to your future political leader, what would it be?
You can satisfy some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot satisfy all of the people all the time. (Ref: John Lydgate)