ST LAWRENCE
Are you standing for re-election in May? Yes/No Yes
Do you believe there will be a better or worse voter turnout than normal and why?
I continually hope that we will get a better turnout, and that we do have independent individuals standing who have sufficient ‘life experience’ to want to constructively work towards the benefit of the Island. If the electorate consider they have a real choice then hopefully they will turn out to vote.
Deputy
John Nicholas Le Fondre
Would the election be more or less effective if it was fought by political parties?
In the States Assembly debates can attract different political alliances which can change according to the subject. Such independent voting on a matter remains a healthy characteristic of our Assembly even though it has unfortunately become less prevalent under the present Ministerial system combined with collective responsibility. I still believe that Jersey voters overall tend not to be supportive of political parties, so to that extent I would suggest an election fought by political parties would be less effective.
What issues do you believe will be most prominent in the election, and what are your suggested solutions in brief?
Population There is no one solution that has as yet been presented, but better control of population is required. As a first step we need to properly understand the contribution that is made towards resources that are used by individuals arriving in Jersey – to that end some form of points system / work permit system over and above our existing employment and housing controls would seem to be logical.
Public Sector Reform
In my view the last 6 years of government represent a missed opportunity towards proper public sector reform. Whilst there have been changes (some of which have been painful) I believe there is still scope for meaningful reforms to take place, but recognising that front line workers have already borne the brunt of a number of changes. For example, improving the efficiency of how we use States offices could save between £8m and £10m a year yet at the time of writing progress on that project has been frustratingly slow.
We have a good quality of services, and it is our duty
to ensure that they are provided optimally, and also that the culture of the organisation is healthy.
Hospital
I do not support the proposed location, given that it is more expensive (by at least £20 million - £40 million) than the option that was the best technical solution (as originally supported by officers), namely the Waterfront. I am not fixated on any one site, however the proposed solution will also take longer than other realistic alternatives. It will also cause significant disturbance to staff and to fragile patients on the wards whilst demolition and construction take place.
Student Loans
I support assistance to enable students from all backgrounds to go to University. At the time of writing I await the details to be released by the Council of Ministers – it is clear that whatever the solution, it requires a collaborative approach between all stakeholders to find a working solution that is fit for all.
Ministerial Government The system, as represented by the current Ministerial Team, led by the Chief Minister, seems dysfunctional. Whilst some Ministers are trying to do their best, and communicate well, others appear to treat both the States Assembly (as the Island’s Parliament), and Scrutiny as a nuisance, and with a lack of respect. Governance and accountability seem poor (the Jersey Innovation Fund being just one example). The Complaints Panel seems to be ignored, particularly when their findings do not conform with the Ministerial view. There seems to be a lack of strategic vision, and then because of earlier (bad) decisions, matters get rushed, because of the need to be seen to be doing something – the Hospital project seems to be a classic example of this. I am also becoming increasingly irritated that the Jersey Care Inquiry report is being used as an excuse to take certain actions when it has been patently clear that matters could and should have been addressed at any time over the last 6 years, or earlier, (for example improving organisational culture).
Brexit I represent Jersey at the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, and Brexit is obviously an important topic that we have been considering. To-date I have been impressed by the work of External Relations in communicating the Jersey message to Whitehall and this must continue. In the meantime, I believe we should be prudent in our spending plans now and over the forth coming period until we are actually in a positon to judge the impact that Brexit has on Jersey, in particular the financial services industry (and the overall tax we receive therefrom).
Building a better future
www.br.je
Tel: 01534 767887
Our Politicians
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