Dear Parishioner,
It has been an honour and a privilege to have served the community of St Helier for the past eight years as your Deputy. I now ask for your support to allow me to continue serving you for a third term.
I am a retired businessman and have lived in our district for 38 years. I believe that experience, stability and practical decision-making are essential as we face a number of important challenges in the coming years.
The Economy
We must maintain a diverse and stable economy that allows private enterprise to flourish. This includes encouraging and supporting agriculture, particularly organic farming, to help secure our future food supply. Our tourism industry must also be supported, and new businesses encouraged rather than hindered. Retailers should befree to open when they choose, rather than being forced to close on specified days. Government policy should continue to be informed by the independent advice of the Fiscal Policy Panel, particularly its emphasis on stability, low inflation and strong reserves.
The Hospital
The new acute hospital must progress without further delay. Enough public money and resources have already been wasted on schemes that have failed to deliver. The next Council of Ministers must ensure that construction begins early in the new term.
Education
With falling birth rates leading to fewer pupils entering primary schools, we must consider consolidating schools across the island. This should start with a new school in St Helier on the gas works site, freeing up existing sites that have long been left to deteriorate. We should also work harder to attract graduates back to the island after they complete their studies.
Environment
We must protect our marine environment while continuing to support the fishing industry. More should be done to encourage solar panels on new developments, reducing pressure to use valuable agricultural land for solar arrays.
Infrastructure
The shoreline management plan must be properly funded, starting urgently at Havre des Pas, and the eastern cycle network should be completed. All properties in St Helier should have access to mains water, and the sewer network should be extended where required.
Cost of Living
I support a reduction in fuel duty to help ease household costs and targeted assistance for those most in need.
Island Plan & Electoral Reform
A revised Island Plan is urgently needed and should be delivered by 2028, which must include more brownfield and derelict greenhouse sites. Planning rules are too restrictive and must be liberalised, especially for minor applications. I also believe the current electoral system(having three different types of election on the same day)needs reform, including reducing the number of States Members from 49to45.
Please vote AHIER for Deputy.
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Stewart Edgar Mourant MBE
- Daphne Sheila Hawes
- Robert Gilbert Moir
- Michael John Egré
- Norman St. Helier Le Cocq
- Alan Le Blond
- Patricia Symonds
- Jean McLaughlin BEM
- Michael Roderick Higgins
- David John Cotillard