Both Mr Jones and Mr Gordon have raised the issue in their own way.
The Conservative MP brought up the topic of dentistry in the House of Commons in September while Mr Gordon met with the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson to raise the issue in March last year.
Expect the lack of dentistry in Harrogate to raise its head again at some point in the next six weeks.
Housing
Whether it be new estate off Kingsley Drive or 3,000 homes in the west of Harrogate, or the Manse Farm development in Knaresbrough, housing is a major issue.
The Stray Ferret has covered the extensive housebuilding in the area and its knock on effect onto local residents extensively.
Given its prominency in Harrogate and Knaresborough, the topic is expected to be debated extensively by candidates.
Mr Jones raised the issue over new build estates in the House of Commons as recently as April, where he pointed out he had run a ‘fair deal for new estates’ campaign for over a year.
Meanwhile, Mr Gordon is no stranger to criticising the government’s record on housing.
In April, he told the Stray Ferret that new homeowners should be protected from “dodgy developers” by strengthening the law on leaseholds and freeholds.
Education
The provision of education is always a hot topic at elections.
Both Mr Gordon and Mr Jones have clashed before over the issue of funding for schools.
But, in the Harrogate district, perhaps a more pressing issue is the provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
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The Stray Ferret reported recently on a significant increase in demand for SEND places.
A report before councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee on March 14 showed a significant increase in the number of education health and care plans submitted to the council.
The plans detail a child’s needs and are given to schools to consider ahead of a potential admission.
The matter has even seen parents from Harrogate go to Leeds to demonstrate over provision for SEND pupils.
Transport
The need for people to get around is another issue frequently raised in Harrogate.
Mr Jones, who is a former rail minister, has campaigned for better rail services and championed the town’s electric bus fleet.
Some of this has led to noticeable improvements in the town, such as more direct services to London. But other areas remain questionable.
Take for instance the pledge by government to divert millions of pounds of HS2 money towards potholes and road repairs.
While some roads in the Harrogate district have benefited from resurfacing, others still await repair.
Readers of the Stray Ferret this week shared with us pictures of some roads in the district which they feel are in need of some attention.
It’s a topic which election candidates in Harrogate may face at some point this campaign.
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