My politics: Councillor David Rogers OBE

The most rewarding thing about politics is helping to shape the future of my community by working with elected colleagues and a wide range of local people and organisations. This has been described as being a ‘Cabinet member for your ward', and the idea is explored here:

• Leadership Centre for Local Government – Cabinet Member for your ward (Adobe PDF)

In my view, action based on these principles is an embodiment of what is nowadays referred to as the ‘Big Society', but to me has always been ‘Community Politics'.

Other important issues:

• Campaigning for resources for public services to be joined up at a local level, recognising the particular needs of those parts of the county which suffer deprivation.
• Raising the level of understanding of the likely demographic impacts of our ageing society, and the importance of integrating all aspects of health and wellbeing.
• The need for sustainable development, particularly affordable housing, skills training and local employment opportunities while protecting the coast and the South Downs.

Being elected locally has also opened the door to involvement at other levels of public service. In my case, I served on the Sussex Police Authority for almost 25 years. My main role nationally is as chair of the Local Government Group's Community Wellbeing Board.

• Local Government Group

Some websites I recommend

East Sussex County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Liberal Democrats

The official online presence of the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg.

Norman Baker MP

The latest information about what my MP is doing.

Tideway School

Visit the website of the Newhaven secondary school with technology status which was devastated by a huge fire in 2005.

Newhaven Community Development Association

The umbrella organisation for the voluntary and community sector in Newhaven.

Asham Trust

Website for literary enthusiasts, including the foremost short story prize for new women writers.