Meet the candidates running for a position on Ammanford Town Council.

The by-election will take place this Thursday, May 17 to elect a town councillor for the Iscennen Ward.

Here are the candiates:

Thomas Fallows - Labour

South Wales Guardian:

THOMAS Fallows is standing for election to Ammanford Town Council for Labour.
Mr Fallows has previously stood for positions within the Labour party, but this is the first time he has taken part in an external election.
Originally from Tycroes, Mr Fallows has lived in Ammanford for all but three years of his life.
Speaking to the South Wales Guardian about why he wanted to be elected, he said: “I am very grass roots and community focused, which is why I think I would make a good town councillor.
“It is important we hear everybody’s voice in discussions. If I was elected I would make sure to hold a surgery at least bi-monthly where people could drop in and share their views.
“We need everybody to get involved.”
Mr Fallows is on a zero hours contract, and using this platform to campaign against them is high up his agenda.
“They are very bad for people,” he said.
“It is something I am very passionate about along with a number of local issues.
“I was recently involved in the campaign to stop the county council shutting the town hall for example. I believe that would have had a detrimental effect on the town.
“I think it is important to have a young voice on the council as well, who may pick up on worries others might not.”

Rhys Fisher - Plaid Cymru

South Wales Guardian:

PLAID Cymru has announced that Captain of Ammanford Football Club, Rhys Fisher, will stand for the party in the upcoming Town Council by-election.
The by-election will take place on Thursday, May 17 to elect a Town Councillor for the Iscennen Ward.
As well as leading the town’s first football team, Rhys Fisher, 27, is a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and works at Coleg Sir Gar assisting those undertaking an apprenticeship course.
Announcing his candidacy, Rhys Fisher said he wanted to “play his part in creating a vibrant town, maximising the benefits of our open spaces and ensuring they are there to benefit the whole community”. 
The club captain said he wanted to ensure “all young people of Ammanford have the facilities and opportunities to learn, play and grow up in the best possible environment.” 
Speaking to a range of voters the Plaid Cymru candidate said he wants to be “a strong voice for local residents, ensuring the Council Tax Precept we all pay is put to good use.”
Jonathan Edwards MP and Adam Price AM said: “When chatting with Rhys, what shines through is his genuine desire to transform our town and boost the sense of pride we have in our community. We’re delighted he has decided to represent Plaid Cymru, but more importantly, that he wants to represent his fellow residents.”

Emyr John - Independent

South Wales Guardian:

EMYR John is standing for election to Ammanford Town Council to fill the position in the Iscennan Ward.
Speaking about his candidacy, he said: “For the last few years, I have attended Town Council meetings as an observer. This enables me to understand the issues that are important to Ammanford and need to be resolved. 
“I have however become increasingly concerned with the lack of published information by the Town Council such as minutes of meetings. 
“Given that each household in the Town is charged an average of £70 each year to fund the Town Council, if elected, I will seek to ensure that it is clear where this money is spent for better public accountability.
“I believe that I have already demonstrated my commitment to the Town Council by attending their meetings and don’t believe that party politics should cloud the decisions made by the Council. I therefore urge you to vote for me to ensure that the voice of a non-political Town Council resident is heard at future meetings.”