YOU can easily spot Stoney Garnett wherever he goes – he is usually wearing a striking red fedora hat. He has decided to stand for elected mayor because he is convinced he can help to make the city a better place for everyone.
Stoney was born in Knowle and had a variety of jobs during his working career, not least of which was 23 years as a postie in the city centre.
But Stoney is a man of many parts and is much better known as an entertainer, comedian, charity fundraiser and one of the most popular Bristol City fans in the land.
His work on stage opened up the door to working as an extra on films and television productions which means he has brushed shoulders with some of the best actors and actresses in the country such as Richard Harris, Penelope Keith and Anthony Hopkins.
He loved the work but eventually decided to give it up because he often found himself sweating buckets while invariably wearing a suit of armour during the height of summer or freezing to death in nothing but a T-shirt during the winter.
Even so, his modest acting career did lead to him becoming chairman of the South West branch of Equity, the actors' union, for seven years.
Years ago, he was also a keen footballer and now, even at the tender age of 65, he is still known to referee football matches for youngsters who play in Bristol's minor leagues when called upon to do so.
Stoney loves talking to people and is the sort of person who revels in socialising with anyone and everyone – especially if they are Bristolian.
"I love Bristol and I think Bristolians are lovely people," he said. "I think we just need Bristol to be a little bit better than it is," he added.
And for starters, Stoney would like to see a lot fewer traffic lights in the city because he thinks they do nothing except cause delays.
He has also promised to get rid of road humps because he cannot see the sense in them.
Stoney is a keen supporter of an arena in the city, partly because it would create jobs that people desperately need.
Stoney, who was divorced 13 years ago and has four children and eight grandchildren, said: "If I was elected, I would not be a headhunter.
"I would go in and listen to people and find out what was happening and take it from there.
"I know it's a massive challenge to be the elected mayor but I am always up for any challenge.
"I want to take the city forwards, not backwards so I would get people to help me run the city because I realise I wouldn't be able to do it on my own.
"On Day One, I think I would sit down and listen about what the job entails and take it from there."
Stoney, who lives in Whitchurch, said he would take advice from people before deciding which councillors would sit in his cabinet.
Stoney is keeping his cards firmly close to his chest over the £25 million cuts which need to be made from the council's budget during the next financial year.
"I've got some ideas but I don't want to give them all away just yet," he said. "Whatever crops up, I would deal with in the best way I possibly could."
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