Q. What one thing would the candidates do to change the tax system to make it fairer for islanders and reduce states spending?
A. Public sector reform is urgent. We must reduce corporate overheads including communication departments etc. Having worked in both sectors one doesn’t find the multiple layers of management which exist in the public sector in private businesses. This has to be reduced by restructuring .We must protect front line services. On tax I want to review the zero ten tax system whereby companies operating locally but owned off island pay no tax but extract economic value. They may even be paying low wages to people supported by income support. I want a review of the marginal tax /standard rate tax system to make the entitlement to personal tax allowances fairer. I have brought amendments to the budget for tax incentives. Independent taxation is a must
Q. There was no mention of green issues in candidate’s speeches .How can we prevent Jersey becoming overcrowded and degenerating into economic decline?
A. My priority is our environment. We have to manage population by setting limits on licences issued to employers to bring in skilled people, but until we develop local training it will be necessary to give these approvals. The Island plan has to be rigorously enforced . We must protect the coastal national park, conserve our biodiversity , take opportunities for wind and tidal power which have huge potential to make us self sustaining in energy, produce more sustainable food , improve traffic management and have a programme of urban renewal.
Q. Could we have 12 senators not 8?
A. I wasn’t in the States when the decision was made to remove four. It was a retrograde move. We have 10 ministers and it is important for ministers whose decisions affect the whole island to have an al island mandate. That is why I have stepped aside as an elected Deputy and am seeking election as Senator. If elected I will be seeking election as Planning Minister.
Q. If you are elected what would your top priority be for the next four years, remembering the quote “it’s the economy stupid”?
A. For me personally, notwithstanding the quote, it’s the long term protection of Jersey’s special environment, to quote the Planning law “to ensure land is used in the best interests of the community and our coasts are kept in their natural state.” This means enforce the Island Plan rigourously. We need to sort out the planning system to give greater consistency in decisions and restore confidence of property owners and businesses in the system so they can rely on it and make property investment decisions with less risk. A focus on urban renewal is required to make our built up areas good places to live. Only in this way can we meet the growth in population without spoiling our countryside.
Q. In the light of the plan to corporatize of harbours and airport would the candidates consider scrapping harbour dues and airport landing charges to bring in tourists and stimulate the economy?
A. I am not generally in favour of corporatization. This involves setting up expensive boards and we have used it as an excuse to restructure States departments and reform the business activity which we could and should have been able to do ourselves as a States entity. The new companies have a very narrow policy focus, i.e. they focus on the profits of the business and give no weight in their decision making to wider strategic policies and other public objectives. This is especially true of land use decisions. On the charges we have to look at the evidence whether there is case for reduction in dues to increase volume.
Q. Should the constables have an automatic seat in the States? A yes/ no answer is required.
A. No. The Constable’s job is an entirely different; their priority is to run the parish. Their States work is subordinate. If they choose a wider role and have the time to discharge both these two roles effectively, then constables should also have the chance to seek election to the States .There is a job to do in reviewing legislation in which the Constables role could be extended in some way.
Q. What are the candidate’s views on the Bailiff continuing to chair the States assembly?
A. I have found the Bailiff to be scrupulously fair, objective, and non political and helpful to all members. The Bailiffs legal knowledge is important to apply States procedural rules as debates often become very complex. Sir Michael Birt has been an outstanding example to further Bailiffs. So, I am in favour of the Bailiff remaining as chair of the assembly. Time prevented me adding to my answer the external pressures to change may force this issue to be put back on the agenda but as far as I am concerned I see no problem with the current arrangement and this should remain as is for the foreseeable future.
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