tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post6662522610563716364..comments2024-03-29T10:36:26.431+00:00Comments on Senator Sam Mézec: By-election StatementSenator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-2714662747016544892014-01-15T17:50:38.525+00:002014-01-15T17:50:38.525+00:00Gutted I live in St Helier 1 as you'd have my ...Gutted I live in St Helier 1 as you'd have my vote for sure. Good luck and give them hell.Howienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-40833125877990510252014-01-14T18:56:05.848+00:002014-01-14T18:56:05.848+00:00You will have to get used to lies and misinformati...You will have to get used to lies and misinformation if you get elected, Sam. I am in no way condoning this kind of behaviour but, as a politician, it is something you will have to just take on the chin. Every time I turn on the T.V. or radio, open a newspaper or magazine, a politician somewhere, is getting the piss ripped right out of them.<br /><br />Occupational hazard I'm afraid. Grow a thick skin and you will go far.<br /><br />Thanks for the answer to previous question.Ashnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-62708876434553067522014-01-13T18:39:43.526+00:002014-01-13T18:39:43.526+00:00Thank you for your comprehensive answer.Thank you for your comprehensive answer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-39835099209284560082014-01-13T18:29:53.385+00:002014-01-13T18:29:53.385+00:00I've already explained why I am defensive, bec...I've already explained why I am defensive, because lies and misinformation about me are being spread. You also have to understand that I don't particularly want to be burning bridges. Former colleagues have been very supportive of what I am doing but I'm sure they would rather not be associated because no business particularly wants to be overtly political.<br /><br />I'm not working at the moment. As far as I'm concerned, campaigning and working are incompatible. You can't really do both and be giving 100% to each. I've previously worked in trust admin and as a junior legal assistant in a top litigation firm, which I left voluntarily because it wasn't what I wanted to do in the long run. I had just began looking for something else to do when the by-election became likely so decided that circumstance was perfect for me to give that a real go.<br /><br />I can't guess how much I'll spend. I'll be delighted if I get enough donations to spend the whole amount. Regardless, I think you can ask to see candidates accounts after the election if you ask the Greffe (though I'd have to double check that).Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-73316822112293741352014-01-13T15:45:21.609+00:002014-01-13T15:45:21.609+00:00I'm not sure for the reason for the slightly d...I'm not sure for the reason for the slightly defensive response to my question of how you are supporting yourself. I don't believe its an unreasonable question to ask a potential States representative how they are employed ? <br /><br />How have contributions gone so far, and is it likely you will be spending anything like the <br />£ 2000 cap ? <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-53767257498376629442014-01-13T13:48:47.084+00:002014-01-13T13:48:47.084+00:00You don't need to worry about my well-being, I...You don't need to worry about my well-being, I am getting by fine! (Though I can confirm that some hostile commentators claiming I am on income support are lying).<br /><br />There is a spending limit. It's around £2,000 and expenses accounts have to be filed with the Greffe after an election, which I will do. Whether all candidates officially declare all of their actual expenses accurately, I have no idea. You are meant to declare any freebies, which are deducted at their market rate from your allowance.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-87210934943722394042014-01-13T13:42:16.310+00:002014-01-13T13:42:16.310+00:00How are you affording to live at the moment even b...How are you affording to live at the moment even before the likely election expenses ? Will you be at a disadvantage to other candidates because of this, or is there a spending limit ? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-48451210305141013242014-01-13T13:35:16.232+00:002014-01-13T13:35:16.232+00:00I won't be spending a huge amount, but what I ...I won't be spending a huge amount, but what I do spend will come from donations. Anyone wanting to send me a donation will be welcomed with open arms! Just get in touch (but bear in mind anonymous donations are illegal, and so I will not accept them, they will have to go to charity).Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-48332129651158489472014-01-13T13:17:35.417+00:002014-01-13T13:17:35.417+00:00Can I ask how you are planning to fund your electo...Can I ask how you are planning to fund your electoral bid ? Unless you are working, where will the cash come from for posters etc. or are you planning on making it a pretty much online campaign ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-63644793102009054502014-01-12T21:22:09.249+00:002014-01-12T21:22:09.249+00:00Thanks a lot anonymous, I really appreciate it!Thanks a lot anonymous, I really appreciate it!Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-26967897146312603942014-01-12T21:19:42.506+00:002014-01-12T21:19:42.506+00:00Thanks Ash.
My full manifesto will go into detail...Thanks Ash.<br /><br />My full manifesto will go into detail on quite a lot of that, and I'm wary of revealing too much at this stage, simply because no other candidates have declared yet. But I will in time release a comprehensive document outlining what I can and will do if elected.<br /><br />If I do get elected, it will only be for 7 or 8 months before I'd have to face re-election. So what I would actually be capable of doing would be limited, but I think that what any other potential candidates could achieve would be even more limited.<br /><br />Because of my background in law, I understand legislation, States standing orders and the constitution (without trying to sound arrogant, I think I understand them more than several of our States Members). So right away I will be able to get active in bringing propositions forward. I will be capable and the 8 months will not just be spent twiddling my thumbs.<br /><br />Also, my experience of working for the Option A campaign means that I have already developed a good working relationship with several States Members (including ones from the other campaign groups). Because I get on with many of them, when I bring propositions forward, I will be able to speak to other members and rally support, which I hope will make me effective, not just someone who brings proposition after proposition forward, all doomed to failure.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-66200861522177494182014-01-12T20:23:57.565+00:002014-01-12T20:23:57.565+00:00Anon from earlier said:
You're welcome Sam. I...Anon from earlier said:<br /><br />You're welcome Sam. I'm a middle-aged right wing Tory who might disagree with you on some issues, but agree with you on others. Above all though, I have a great deal of respect for you because of your efforts to bring fairness to the voters of St Helier. That's why I'm happy to tip you off.<br /><br />You are right that there is some really dirty politics out there. I pity the exponents of it.<br /><br />Anyway, good luck. I'd vote for you if I could. There are enough middle-aged business types, we need a bit of variety. You're eloquent and bright, just what we need.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-36283993290262199292014-01-12T17:21:19.895+00:002014-01-12T17:21:19.895+00:00Sam.
TERRY LE MAIN
SHONA PITMANSam.<br /><br /><a href="http://youtu.be/0L5_Kk42B64" rel="nofollow">TERRY LE MAIN</a><br /><br /><a href="http://youtu.be/PG3he4alJPo" rel="nofollow">SHONA PITMAN</a>voiceforchildrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16825129148579102037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-51976162268304366302014-01-12T16:55:53.116+00:002014-01-12T16:55:53.116+00:00To the anonymous who posted a not for publication ...To the anonymous who posted a not for publication comment -<br /><br />Thanks for that, useful to know.<br /><br />I think you've identified the persons motives correctly. You can always be suspicious of someone when they say they don't care about something, yet find it almost impossible to talk about anything else.<br /><br />A few friends of mine have warned me about him because he has said a few things about me online that are blatantly lies, as well as screen-shotting some of my old Tweets and taking them completely out of context.<br /><br />It's dirty politics, but I'm not engaging with it. I suspect that the more vicious they are, the more it will look like bullying to most impartial observers. It was tried with Shona Pitman in the last election, who Terry Le Main was particularly vicious about, and she raised her share of the vote!<br /><br />If anyone wants a constructive discussion about disagreements, fine, looking forward to having lots of those on the doorstep. But if someone is vicious about me and intent on destroying me, it's a bit rich to cry about it when I just block them and don't react.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-70411370864914382472014-01-12T14:39:57.241+00:002014-01-12T14:39:57.241+00:00Sam, very interesting reading the comments and you...Sam, very interesting reading the comments and your replies. In doing so I have have come to the conclusion that many of your commenters are deluded. Now, before you jump to the defensive, I am not a troll, just an observer. How exactly do you plan to change a political system that has endured for hundreds of years ? Your supporters seem to think you are some kind of visionary who, once elected, will single handedly change the bleak and twisted political landscape, to a fertile and progressive utopia.<br /><br />I like you, you come across as well meaning. However, I'm not sure you really understand what you could possibly, if elected, be getting yourself into. To reassure me, can you please outline a brief idea of what exactly you plan to do if elected ?<br /><br />Thanks and best wishes.Ashnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-49220013045698752842014-01-10T21:14:36.142+00:002014-01-10T21:14:36.142+00:00That was me. I posted it before any other comments...That was me. I posted it before any other comments had been published. Haven't been on it since.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-20544017866734833742014-01-10T21:00:53.438+00:002014-01-10T21:00:53.438+00:00'I haven't looked at the comments online&#...'I haven't looked at the comments online' - I don't think that's correct, unless it is another sam posting about having his hair cut ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-72534374973627305722014-01-10T19:21:48.819+00:002014-01-10T19:21:48.819+00:00Sam, We have never met but I have followed your bl...Sam, We have never met but I have followed your blog postings for some time and this is the first time I have posted. So firstly I am very pleased to see you have taken up the so called 'cudgel' and I sincerely wish you all the very best in the forthcoming elections. My only words of advice to you are two fold, firstly by all means be 'friendly' with the likes of certain politicians but remember the very true and valid saying "There is no such thing as the free lunch". Secondly if you are voted in as a new Deputy as you rightly say your time will be limited before the next full elections, so my advice here is don't tilt at windmills, act as a 'mirror' to all those who want to change thing's for the limited few. By this I mean make them really work for their proposals and if necessary make the noddies work even harder to justify their backing for such proposals. You will of course not win, at least not in the chamber but you sure as hell will win hearts out here in the real world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-19972383159886951512014-01-10T14:51:49.744+00:002014-01-10T14:51:49.744+00:00Sam
Will you NEVER vote to raise GST even if circ...Sam<br /><br />Will you NEVER vote to raise GST even if circumstances change dramatically and it becomes the only viable way to pay for services like healthcare?<br /><br />The burden of tax may have shifted towards ordinary people with the introduction of GST but let's not forget we still have one of the most generous tax systems in the western world at ALL levels. The cleaner you mention above probably does not pay any income tax at all due to the extremely generous allowances (which are set to increase substantially).<br /><br />Although I disagree with many of your extreme views I do hope you find your way into the States as to me the essence of democracy is the balance that people with your values bring to a system often dominated by calculating robots.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-47264682987821941102014-01-10T13:53:23.656+00:002014-01-10T13:53:23.656+00:00Agreed, which is exactly why I think it's cand...Agreed, which is exactly why I think it's candidates politics that matter, not necessarily their experience and success in business.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-73546848765115330312014-01-10T13:49:07.058+00:002014-01-10T13:49:07.058+00:00Thanks Ray, really appreciate it!Thanks Ray, really appreciate it!Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-11727669524355724652014-01-10T13:42:01.213+00:002014-01-10T13:42:01.213+00:00Best of luck Sam, I think you will be elected, and...Best of luck Sam, I think you will be elected, and if so, irrespective of how you perform, you could not match the lasting damage which has been inflicted on us for years by "the old school network" and the dictatorial regime.Ray McCredienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-7208968607094778812014-01-10T13:29:47.441+00:002014-01-10T13:29:47.441+00:00'As far as I'm concerned, the only people ...'As far as I'm concerned, the only people whose opinions matter are the voters of St Helier No. 2' - <br /><br />Will that be the case if you are elected, as you will be asked to take part in decisions which affect the whole island ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-35160586775191502192014-01-10T13:29:12.546+00:002014-01-10T13:29:12.546+00:00Thanks anonymous.
I think you make a lot of excel...Thanks anonymous.<br /><br />I think you make a lot of excellent points here.<br /><br />I think the fact that the burden of taxation has shifted to people on ordinary incomes is a sign of a government with the wrong values.<br /><br />I believe in progressive taxation - i.e. the more you earn, the more you pay and the less you earn, the less you pay.<br /><br />As a point of principle, I think it is immoral to tax food and utilities. I will support any viable measure to get GST off of essentials and I will never vote to raise GST. I know that is a promise that islanders hear a lot and it gets broken, but all I can do is give you my word.<br /><br />I also think that if it can't be proven that a 1(1)K is creating economic activity in Jersey, then I am not happy with them paying a lower tax rate than their cleaner.<br /><br />At the end of the day, we can't tax people through the roof and we can't put businesses off coming to Jersey, but whatever system we come up with has to be based on FAIRNESS.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-34302367415895199112014-01-10T13:18:14.574+00:002014-01-10T13:18:14.574+00:00Also, the fact I am young is a perfect excuse to b...Also, the fact I am young is a perfect excuse to be cynical for some people.<br /><br />As far as I'm concerned, the only people whose opinions matter are the voters of St Helier No. 2. Every one I've spoken to whilst out and about has been incredibly positive. I'm even getting strangers come up to me in the street to shake my hand and wish me luck.Senator Sam Mézechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com