Biography:
I am 50 years old and have three children, James 20, Joshua 16 and Jack 11.
I was educated at Victoria College before undertaking Business Studies at Highlands. After working for Kleinwort Benson as a Trust and Company Administrator for a number of years, I joined the family farming business.
My experience of working in the agricultural industry included working abroad, developing Jersey-based production and marketing a wide range of crops. Before the 2011 elections I oversaw the diversification of our business with the creation of Rondel’s Farm Shop.
Track Record:
Public Accounts Committee
Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel
Vice-Chairman Population and Migration Scrutiny Review
St Helier Accounts Committee
First Tower Residents Association
Vice-Chairman La Pocqulaye Youth Committee
Governor Rouge Bouillon School
Vice-Chairman St Helier Allotment Society
Founder of Fete de St Helier Street Party
Policies:
Road Safety
We must improve road safety within the parish. Presently there are not enough bicycle lanes for cyclists. I have previously mooted the possibility of a cycling ‘track’ and I would like to work with the Connetable to introduce this.
Wifi free zone
With the birth of Digital Jersey and the laying of fibre-optic across the Island, I believe that consideration should be given to making St Helier a wifi-free zone. This would benefit business and retailers as well as being a valuable resource.
Community
More needs to be done to assist those who need help the most. We need to promote home visits to the elderly. Similarly we need to continue to improve facilities for young people, to ensure that they are proactive in the community, and not reactive to a lack of opportunity.
Affordable Housing
Three years ago I said that we must do more to deliver affordable housing. I have pushed throughout my term for this to be delivered and I will continue to do so if re-elected. I am concerned by the plans to reduce the stamp duty exemption threshold for first time buyers and this needs to be reconsidered.
Small Businesses
As a Director of a small business, I know how difficult it can be due to red tape. By removing unnecessary regulations the burden can be lifted on small and medium enterprises in order to allow them to survive and eventually grow. This would assist job creation as well as economic growth.
Tourism
Having been the Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Fund Scrutiny Panel, I have seen firsthand the benefits that tourism can still bring to the Island. At present visitors contribute 15% of our GST receipts and I believe we must fully support the work of Kevin Keen and Jersey Tourism.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Great War, whereby millions of people gave their lives to ensure that we could enjoy the freedoms that exist today. Throughout the course of the year I have led a campaign encouraging Islanders to plant poppy seeds in memory. I hope that we all exercise our right to vote, in homage to those who gave their lives.