Practical policies for quality of life

• The quality of people's lives must come first
• Promoting diversity of business and sustainable prosperity
• Expanding opportunities for all
• Reform of government - without sacrificing the Islandwide vote or transparency in the council of ministers
• Preserving a living countryside for today's residents and future generations
• St. Helier - an elegant and vibrant place in which to live, to grow up, to work and to shop
• A balanced sustainable transport system: improved bus service with the new operator, a better deal for pedestrians, cycle facilities of international standard
• Putting a priority on the environment for the sake of all our futures
• Rigorous and fair planning procedures to protect our heritage, and good design to build for the future
• Working together for the benefit of all who live and work in the Island
• An education system that values the potential of the individual and of the community
• Caring government is efficient government

• 36 year old Jerseyman, resident of St. Helier
• Teacher of languages: English, Russian and Jèrriais
• Translator and interpreter: working for local companies attracting business from abroad, and for business people drawn to the Island by our reputation in offshore finance.
• On call as interpreter for States Police and Immigration: in this capacity I am called out to translate interviews at the police station, prison and harbour.
• Member of St. Helier Roads Committee for 6 years, working for quality of life and serving the community.
• Chairman of Jersey Pedestrians Association
• I am commited to the Island’s heritage and culture. I have illustrated a series of children’s books on local history which are used in local schools.

On the economy, I believe that we do not have balance in our economy. We are perilously over-reliant on one industry to pay for all the services we want. We must have a diverse economy to avoid being exposed to volatility in the international financial system and also to reduce our vulnerability to outside pressure. Tourism and agriculture are vital components of economic success.

A diverse economy also makes the most of all the talents of our people and is inclusive. One of the problems with one overwhelmingly lucrative industry is that everything ultimately depends on that one industry and the influence of that industry will consciously or unconsciously unbalance decision-making.

In an economy where decisions were made on the basis that tourism really mattered, would St. Helier have had many of the current developments inflicted on it?

Many reforms are needed, and many reforms I agree with. I am happy with a ministerial system, although I oppose the version of collective responsibility on offer. However, to listen to many current States Members, one would believe that having ministers is a solution to our problems - but if these ministers simply follow the same failed policies as before it is not the radical change we need.

One other problem with concentrating purely on reform of the States is the need for reform at Parish level. Born and bred in St. Helier, a resident of the Parish and having served six years on the Roads Committee, I am well aware of the burning injustice whereby the States is pushing service provision onto the Parish while failing to tackle the injustice of the rates burden.

I believe that we need to preserve the countryside as a living asset, and that it is therefore reasonable to focus new development on existing urban areas. However residents in those areas must see their quality of life maintained - and wherever possible enhanced. If urban areas are to cope with the pressure of additional development and higher density on behalf of the whole Island then this requires that the States take on a fair proportion of the burden of services in return

I will work for quality of life and fair provision for all. Vote for change, vote for me - but whatever you do: please vote!