Election 2008

With apologies to Abraham Lincoln, "You can please all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time but never all of the people all of the time".  Communication within and without the States must improve. I promise to listen to all of your differing opinions but when voting in the States it will be for that which I believe, knowing all the facts, is for the greater good of the whole Island.

We've been through a very difficult four years, States members old and new struggling to adjust to a new constitution, fighting to maintain our position in the Global economy and protecting our highly respected International reputation, all of which we have achieved. "A house divided against itself can not stand" and we have certainly evidenced that. In the next term we must focus on a balanced, controlled rate of change, working together on the serious issues we will face. The media and the States should work positively together for the greater good of all.

Prioritising expenditure has been on the agenda for the last four years. It is a very difficult task! How does one choose between coastal defences and waste disposal, Beaucamps School and the Castel Hospital? Nonetheless, this we must do.

The scale and scope of change in our society is accelerating and must be reined in to prevent overheating. It has an effect on the overall budget, which should be re-written from scratch. We must not lose sight of the GBP priority to distribute wealth wisely, protecting the least able and/or wealthy. Nor should we forget that the wealth providers (the business community)must be given the support they need to prosper.  A balance between the two is essential.

I remain optimistic for our 'Rosy' future.