tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21114563142436839392024-03-06T20:03:09.715+00:00Senator Sam MézecSenator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-91820097562319733012020-06-17T20:27:00.003+01:002020-06-17T20:27:39.061+01:00My speech at Jersey's Black Lives Matter demonstration 06/06/20<br />
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<br />I want to thank each of you for turning up on short notice. As I look out here I see the beautiful rainbow that is our Jersey society. I see men and women, black and white, young and old, LGBT, all faiths and none, all of us here united to say with one voice that we reject the racist violence perpetrated against George Floyd and too many others. <br /><br />We stand in solidarity with the brave men and women in America and around the world who stand up to injustice wherever they find it. <br /><br />But most importantly, we are here to say to people in Jersey, our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, from ethnic minorities or other nationalities, that we stand with you, we celebrate all you contribute to what makes our society so special, and we will never let you come into harms way because of the depravity that is racial injustice. <br /><br />I want to thank you Chief of Police, Robin Smith, for his commitment that our police in Jersey will never descend to the behaviour of their American counterparts, because they understand that our diversity is a source of our strength. <br /><br />I also want to thank the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator John Le Fondré, who is at a D-Day commemoration today, marking that crucial moment in the fight against the Nazis, but has sent his support for this demonstration and asked me to pass on those words to you. <br /><br />And I want to thank the organisers of this demonstration for ensuring that it will be recorded that we in Jersey were on the right side of history. <br /><br />We live in dark times. Whilst the world is engulfed by a deadly pandemic which brings hardship and anxiety on so many, on top of that we also face the horror of what seems like a growing tide of racism, bigotry, Islamophobia, anti-semitism and homophobia, often incited by cowardly politicians and their paymasters in the media and big business, who exploit these divisions for their own self-interest. <br /><br />But we must always remember that we are many and they are few. <br /><br />The power is in our hands to fight for a fairer society for us all to enjoy, no matter what our background is. <br /><br />Even though we have plenty to feel angry about, I ask you not to leave this event feeling angry. Leave it instead feeling determined and inspired <br /><br />There are still injustices here we need to tackle. We still have to do more to tackle racism, sexism and homophobia here. But crucially we must accept that our freedom from the injustices of racism and prejudice are incomplete with our freedom from economic injustice. Our growing gap between the rich and poor must be addressed as a priority alongside these other injustices. <br /><br />So I urge you to stay inspired, stay involved, get organised and whilst showing our solidarity with others around the world, make sure you play your part in securing a fairer society here, and I promise you on behalf of Reform Jersey, we will be alongside you every single step of the way. <br /><br />I want to end with a quote which I hope sums up our sense of optimism though we face these dark times. It is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr, who said “let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great national with all their scintillating beauty”.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-2315539308714894482020-06-01T17:32:00.001+01:002020-06-01T17:32:21.617+01:00The 'New Deal' for Jersey - My statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Over these last few months, Jersey has faced our greatest public health crisis in a century, and now we also face our second major economic crisis in just over a decade. <br /><br />We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the decisions made now will fundamentally affect the future wellbeing of our island. This is a time where bold action is required, if we are to ensure that Islanders livelihoods are protected. <br /><br />Throughout this crisis, islanders have faced restrictions and hardship that most of us have not seen in our lifetimes. We have been unable to see our loved ones, many have lost their jobs and incomes, and we have faced growing anxiety and stress in the face of an uncertain future. <br /><br />We have persevered in order to protect one another from the coronavirus. <br /><br />But through this difficult time, we have also seen the very best of our society. <br /><br />Whilst tens of thousands of islanders adhered to strict lockdown requirements, our front-line workers dedicated themselves to serving and protecting the public, sometimes in circumstances which were unsafe for their own health. <br /><br />Our voluntary sector and networks have stepped up in a co-ordinated effort on a scale never seen before, to support the most vulnerable. <br /><br />The government intervened directly in the economy to provide an unprecedented package of support for businesses, to prevent mass unemployment and destitution. <br /><br />These actions have shown what is possible for our community, if we come together in our time of need to provide for one another. <br /><br />Our mobilisation of efforts will see us through the rest of this health crisis, and we will have to conduct a recovery programme to get Jersey back on its feet. <br /><br />But we must accept that Jersey had serious problems before this crisis hit. Problems which were often made worse by government policy. Simply going back to what we had before is not good enough. <br /><br />The previous decade in Jersey had seen a huge growth in the gap between the rich and poor, with poverty rising and wages stagnating. Despite record numbers in work, productivity had been steadily declining, and we had just had a year of pay disputes in the public sector. <br /><br />What economic growth we did have was based on an unsustainable population policy, and the proceeds of that growth were felt only by a small number of people at the top of the income scale. <br /><br />All of this happened because of an ideological drive for austerity, which has proven to be a complete and utter failure. <br /><br />The question must be asked, if we can mobilise our efforts to deal with a health crisis, why can’t we mobilise our efforts to deal with the crisis in living conditions, with the crisis in housing costs or with the climate crisis? <br /><br />This is not a question of reality; it is a question of political will. <br /><br />This crisis has shown that what many considered was impossible before was actually possible all along. <br /><br />We froze rents. We made primary health care cheaper. And we directly subsidised struggling businesses. <br /><br />We did those things because they were essential. We must now adopt the same approach as we rebuild our economy, because securing people’s living standards is essential too. <br /><br />But we will not achieve that through wishful thinking or platitudes. Only with a clear vision to coalesce around will we be able to achieve this change. <br /><br /><br /><b>Today Reform Jersey is proposing a New Deal for Jersey. </b><br /><br />This is a vision for Jersey’s recovery from coronavirus that puts people first. <br /><br />This plan takes inspiration from those who came before us, and learns the lessons of history, that you cannot cut your way to prosperity. It is only by investing in people and services that we create prosperity which we can all enjoy. <br /><br />The New Deal proposes a phased approach, based on the Three Rs; Relief, Recovery and Reform. <br /><br />I will go through each phase in turn. <br /><br />The first phase - <br /><br /><b>Relief – We must continue to support Islanders in the immediate aftermath of the crisis.</b> <br /><br />Many Islanders are hurting, having suffered from hardship which was not of their making. People have lost their jobs and incomes, businesses have failed, and many have racked up debt. If these people are not helped, we will see the recession prolonged and the economic crisis exacerbated. <br /><br />We say that there must be no cliff edge where people suddenly lose the financial support they have had to rely on, before their livelihoods have been restored. The government must not allow people to fall into destitution. To do otherwise would be short sighted and cause unnecessary pain. <br /><br />This means not withdrawing the benefits being paid to unemployed people who may struggle to find work. <br /><br />It means continuing to provide greater subsidies for access to primary health care, for people who are ill. <br /><br />And we believe that it also means freezing rents until proper rent stabilisation regulations can be implemented, and not allow islanders to face the prospect come October of paying rent, a rent rise and rental debt, which will prevent them from contributing to our economic recovery. <br /><br />The second phase- <br /><br /><b>Recovery – Transforming our economy and public services to drive up the standard of living.</b><br /><br />Before the crisis, our economy was not working in the interests of our whole community. This is a sickness which must be corrected in a new economic framework if we are to secure our long-term sustainability and wellbeing. <br /><br />But as well as addressing the structural problems which have delivered us a decade of frozen living standards and growing inequality, we must prepare our economy for the challenges of the future. With any economic stimulus package that is created, there must be a focus on green jobs and digital skills. <br /><br />This means investing in skills and education, not just for our young people, but for those who want or need to reskill to seek new job opportunities. <br /><br />This means the government playing a leading role in getting people back into work. Either through working directly with businesses to support people into jobs or creating those jobs itself. <br /><br />It means ending the scourge of insecure and low paid work, which too often is suffered by those in care roles or front-line jobs which have proved so essential in the crisis. We must abolish unfair zero hours contracts and bring the minimum wage up to a living wage. <br /><br />It means factoring in cost of living pay rises into our normal budgets, rather than year after year of effective pay cuts. <br /><br /><br />The final phase – <br /><br /><b>Recovery – Ensuring that we build systematic resilience for future crises.</b> <br /><br />Jersey’s journey through the coronavirus crisis was made easier by the fact that previous generations had paid into large reserve funds which Jersey was able to fall back on to stabilise our situation and provide cashflow for emergency response actions. But our ability to pay back into the reserves will be hampered by a broken tax system which held back our access to those funds. <br /><br />And getting new support packages up and running, like the co-funded payroll scheme and the agreement between the government and the GPs, took too long and exacerbated the crisis. In the event of a future crisis, the government must be able to implement a response swiftly to ensure that the damage done is as limited as possible. <br /><br />Our States-owned companies were beacons throughout this crisis, able to change their plans to accommodate the needs of islanders in the crisis, such as scrapping planned price increases and even increasing internet speeds for those working from home. This demonstrates that this ownership model is a success to be proud of and should be used for other key enterprises which are too important to be left in the hands of venture funds which have no purpose other than to extract wealth from Jersey to shareholders outside of Jersey. <br /><br />We must create a clear ‘Crisis Response Plan’ which can be ready to be implemented in the event of a future crisis, so there can be clarity and confidence from Day 1. <br /><br />We must reform our tax model, so the wealthiest islanders and corporations pay their fair share, and do not leave the burden falling on people who can scarcely afford it already. <br /><br />We must incorporate primary healthcare into the public sector, so we are able to ensure islanders health needs are met all year round, and so that our GPs can be mobilised in a time of crisis. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Relief, Recovery and Reform, will be our mantra for how Jersey can come out of this crisis stronger and more together, and help create a fairer society for us all. <br /><br />Some will say this is all a pipe dream. Some will dismiss it with abuse, rather than take on the ideas. <br /><br />These people will be those who measure Jersey’s success by it’s GVA and by the number of high net worths who want to live here, rather than on Islanders happiness and wellbeing. <br /><br />Let’s be clear, this New Deal will challenge vested interests who were quite happy with how things were before. Those who benefited from tax privileges, the broken housing market and exploitative employment regulations, will not accept an alternative. They will fight to oppose it. <br /><br />But they do not have history or justice on their side.<br /> <br /> Their plan after the 2008 financial crash failed, and it will fail again if it is tried now. That is why we need a New Deal. <br /><br />We believe that we have a community out there in Jersey which is feeling inspired for something better. As we have gone out every Thursday evening to clap for our frontline workers, we know that they deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve our commitment that we will honour their dedication and sacrifice by creating a fairer society for us all to enjoy. <br /><br />We have a choice between another wasted decade on austerity or to build on the momentum we have now to bring people together around a New Deal which ushers in a new era of prosperity. Succeeding generations will be condemned to a poorer future if we do not learn from our history, and make the wrong decision. <br /><br />We hope you will join us. Thank you.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-89064527303406848162020-03-24T14:50:00.002+00:002020-03-24T14:50:20.160+00:00Coronavirus: Minister welcomes increased tenancy protection<br /><br />The Minister for Housing, Senator Sam Mezec, has welcomed developments which will give tenants protection from eviction during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has undertaken to do more.<br /><br />Jersey’s Magistrate’s Court has announced the adjournment of all eviction cases before the Petty Debts Court as part of a package of measures in response to the pandemic. <br /><br />The Minister also wrote to leading housing providers, and has received confirmation from Jersey Landlords Association, and several social housing providers and letting and management agencies, that evictions will not be pursued during the outbreak. <br /><br />Senator Mezec said: "There is still more to do to give tenants protection in legislation, which I soon hope to be in a position to say more about, and we are working hard to house those vulnerable islanders who need urgent accommodation. In the meantime, however, I hope these commitments will provide tenants with peace of mind that they are not at immediate risk of losing their homes because of the pandemic. <br /><br />"I welcome the commitment provided to me by many of our housing providers that they will take a pragmatic and compassionate approach to dealing with their tenants, many of whom may see their incomes reduce because of coronavirus. Most have confirmed that they are already putting procedures in place to manage rent collection and late payment during this difficult time."Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-66493836887567633352019-06-09T18:08:00.001+01:002019-06-09T18:10:07.338+01:00My speech at the Citizens Advice AGM<div>
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Last week I was very kindly invited to be the guest speaker at the Jersey Citizens Advice AGM. I was pleased to take questions afterwards and hear about the important work the organisation is doing to support Islanders in need.<br />
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He is the transcript of my speech.</div>
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Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak to you at this AGM tonight.<br />
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I was really pleased to be invited and thought I might start by revealing a little-known fact that it is actually the Citizens Advice Bureau’s fault that I am in politics in the first place.<br />
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I will leave it to others to judge whether CAB should be thanked or condemned for that.<br />
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Originally, my intention had always been to become a lawyer. I got a law degree at university, started studying my Legal Practice Course and was working for a local law firm here.<br />
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When I was studying in London, I volunteered at a Citizens Advice Bureau in Hammersmith, basically to get some experience. I went through some of their training, and got to learn the values of the CAB, about being independent, non-judgemental and on challenging discrimination.<br />
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We had all sorts of people come through our doors, sometimes people who were absolutely desperate for help, sometimes people who just wanted to get a second opinion on something to be on the safe side. Sometimes we could help people to help themselves by empowering them with knowledge of their rights, helping them fill out paperwork they didn’t understand etc, and sometimes we couldn’t help them, but could get them to another agency which could.<br />
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The truth is that I discovered that I found this work much more rewarding than I did working in a law firm, where often my work was about helping rich and powerful people in commercial disputes. Whereas at CAB we got to make a more direct impact on people’s lives and learnt about the structures and processes of government which often make life more difficult for ordinary people, but with a push in the right direction could be changed for the better. That experience is a key part of what convinced me to go into politics instead.<br />
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Tomorrow will mark one year since the new government took office and I became Minister for Housing, and then Minister for Children as well a couple of months later.<br />
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I think you will probably find few people in Jersey who don’t accept that housing is one of the top political issues of our time and this government is facing a huge challenge to try and fix things.<br />
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I come at it from the perspective of believing that having a roof above your head and the security of a home which you can be comfortable and safe in, is a fundamental human right.<br />
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Something has happened over recent decades where many people have found their housing situation become more precarious and more unaffordable. Home-ownership feels more out of reach for young people than it was for their parents, and the cost of renting is putting too many people in rental stress.<br />
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I have said that I believe the housing market is broken and works too much in the interests of investors, rather than people who need a decent home.<br />
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For too many people, their access to housing holds them back in life, rather than providing them a stable position to move their lives forward which is what it ought to do.<br />
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I had found that in the last year of my term as a St Helier Deputy, the number of constituency cases that were coming my way about Social Security issues was declining, but housing issues were increasing. In my discussions with Citizens Advice they have also reported a rise in housing issues.<br />
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Reflecting all of this, the government has made ‘reducing income inequality and improving the standard of living’ one of the headlines of our Strategic Plan, with a particular work stream focusing on improving housing in the Island.<br />
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The Government has set up a Housing Policy Development Board, which brings together different States departments that hold the relevant levers to affect change, as well as independent experts to get to work on tackling what we see as some of the key issues we need to get to grips with.<br />
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To name just a few of them – <br />
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<li>External buy-to-let – making sure that local people are not at a disadvantage when purchasing homes to live in</li>
<li>Scraping the 90% market-rate rule in social housing – finding a more sustainable funding arrangement for homes for lower income households that doesn’t put people in rental stress</li>
<li>Measures to improve rental security and mid-tenancy rent rises – so tenants can actually live knowing that if they haven’t done anything wrong, they don’t have to worry about losing their home</li>
<li>Introducing transparency in letting agent fees – as has been done in the UK, so prospective tenants are not hit with unfair charges which can’t be justified</li>
<li>Keyworker accommodation – making sure we are welcoming to people coming in to work in our essential public services where we have struggled with recruitment in the past because of housing problems </li>
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Overarching all of this, the board will be looking towards the next Island Plan and future years to work out how we can meet the needs of our population.<br />
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Outside of the Policy Development Board, I have begun work on some of my personal priorities. <br />
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<li>Improving how the Social Housing Gateway works – so people are helped into the most appropriate homes for them and improve transparency in how that system works</li>
<li>Introducing a housing advice service – discussions with Citizens Advice will be fundamental to making sure we make that work </li>
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But, when it comes to my housing portfolio, I have no greater priority than addressing the issue of homelessness. <br />
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We are one of the richest places in the world, with a community that is intrinsically hardworking and generous, and we have no excuse whatsoever to not deal with this issue.<br />
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As Minister, I regularly have people in desperate situations contacting me because they are either homeless or about to become homeless, and I have been so frustrated at the lack of options the government actually legally has to save a person or a family from that situation.<br />
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Often this is single men who aren’t eligible for social housing, people who are on the Housing Gateway but nothing is becoming available, and even a single working mum who had had to sleep in her car with her children because she ran out of options.<br />
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At the end of last year I held a summit with various government departments and charities, to scope the work to put together a homelessness strategy.<br />
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We are working with homelessness charities here, independent experts and, of course, Citizens Advice, to have something in place within a year.<br />
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So, these are our ambitions, and there is a lot to be getting on with, but despite what commentators in the media might say, we have not been standing still until this point.<br />
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In the last year, the work to improve standards in the rental sector has been substantial.<br />
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In the social sector, Andium Homes are on track to deliver 100% Good Homes Standard at twice the speed they initially planned for. They’re currently on 97%.<br />
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The introduction of minimum standards in health and safety for residential properties has been hugely important, and the Environmental Health Department have done some sterling work to build an enforcement regime for those standards and use not just a stick but a carrot as well with landlords who need a helping hand or advice to make sure they do the right thing.<br />
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A consultation has just opened now on a new landlord licencing scheme, which will bring this industry into the 21st century and give us the tools we need to ensure the market is working fairly and that tenants are protected.<br />
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We have seen recently headlines about how the slightest change in housing rules will decimate the market, but I think these proposals strike me as entirely reasonable that we subject the second biggest sector of our economy, an area which has such a huge impact on people’s well-being, to regulations that match its importance. We have regulations in place to stop people selling food which is rotten, the same should apply for housing.<br />
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As you might be able to tell, I don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge before us, but I am optimistic that we can and will make progress to make life better for the people that I am privileged to represent. I will certainly be all ears when Citizens Advice wish to speak to me about the experiences your clients have, because that will be invaluable in improving things.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-57991964913668427872019-03-13T17:11:00.001+00:002019-03-13T17:11:27.998+00:00Senator Mézec lodges proposition to end dual role of the Bailiff and establish an elected Speaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />“We will support introducing an elected Speaker to preside over States sittings and to undertake outreach work to promote democracy in our Island by engaging with schools, businesses and civic groups to improve how they interact with the States Assembly.” – Reform Jersey 2018 election manifesto ‘Working for a Fairer Island’ <br /><br /><br /> Following the announcement made in the States Assembly on Tuesday by the chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee that they were unable to reach a decision to bring a proposition to establish an elected Speaker, Senator Sam Mézec has lodged a proposition to enable the States to decide to end the dual role of the Bailiff in time for the retirement of William Bailhache in October. <br /><br />Senator Mézec had been pressuring the PPC to bring forward proposals since the election last year, whilst a working party had been established to investigate potential options. However, this work reached an impasse this week as no consensus in support of the working party’s proposals emerged. <br /><br />Reform Jersey party chairman Senator Sam Mézec said - “<i>Numerous reports have been published which have said that it is unhealthy that Jersey does not have an effective separation of powers between the courts and the States, and legal advice provided to the government has indicated that our current system puts us at risk of human rights challenges in the future.” <br /><br />“The States Assembly has never before had the opportunity for a straightforward vote on establishing an elected Speaker and leaving the Bailiff to focus on his court duties, and now the time has come to make that decision in time for the retirement of the current Bailiff.” <br /><br />“I hope that the Assembly will take this decision to take our democracy into the 21st century and meet democratic best practices as are well established around the world</i>.” <br /><br />The amendment is due to be debated in the week of 30th April.<div>
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THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion •<br />
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(1) to agree that –<br />
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(a) the States Assembly should
select its Speaker either from amongst the elected members of the Assembly, or
by appointing a person who is not a Member of the Assembly but who would be
eligible for election to the Assembly;</div>
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(b) the States Assembly should
select a Deputy Speaker from amongst the elected members of the Assembly;</div>
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(c) the selection and
appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be the first items of
business for any new States Assembly and, should either office become vacant
during the term of an Assembly, be the first item of business at the next
scheduled meeting of the Assembly;</div>
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(d) the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker should be elected to serve for the duration of an Assembly term, or for
the remainder of the Assembly’s term if (for any reason) they are elected
mid-term;</div>
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(e) the process for electing
the Speaker and Deputy Speaker should follow a similar format as those for the
election of the Chief Minister, Ministers and Scrutiny Panel Chairmen;</div>
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(f) provision should be
made for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to resign and/or be removed from office
by the States Assembly;</div>
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(g) the Speaker should be
required to act impartially, and be seen to act impartially, at all times. To
that end, the Speaker may not lodge propositions, table questions, participate
in debates or vote on propositions. Upon being elected, the Speaker would be
required to resign from any membership of a political party;</div>
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(h) the Deputy Speaker should
be required to act impartially when chairing meetings of the Assembly and
undertaking official duties related to their role as Deputy Speaker. When not
acting as Deputy Speaker, the Member elected to this post may continue to lodge
propositions, table questions, participate in debates, vote on propositions and
sit on scrutiny panels;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
(i) the functions
of the Speaker shall include –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
(i)
fulfilling all the functions of the Presiding Officer as set out in the States
of Jersey Law 2005 and the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey;<br />
(ii) representing the
States Assembly both within Jersey and overseas;<br />
(iii) promoting the development
of the States Assembly and democracy in Jersey;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
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(j)
the functions of the Deputy Speaker shall include –<o:p></o:p></div>
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(i)
fulfilling the functions of the Speaker in the absence of, or at the request
of, the Speaker or at any other time when the office of Speaker becomes vacant;<br />
(ii) supporting the
Speaker in representing the States Assembly within Jersey and overseas;<br />
(iii) supporting the work of
the Speaker in promoting the development of the States Assembly and democracy
in Jersey;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
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(k)
the additional resources required to support a Speaker and Deputy Speaker
should be provided for within the current structure of the States Greffe;</div>
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(l) the Bailiff
should remain as the Civic Head of Jersey, continue to swear in Members of the
States Assembly in the Royal Court, Preside in the Assembly during the process
of electing a Speaker, and be invited to Preside in, or address the Assembly,
on ceremonial and other appropriate occasions;</div>
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(2) the Privileges and
Procedures Committee should bring forward all necessary actions, including
legislative amendments, to implement these changes in time for the Assembly to
select and appoint a Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the meeting of the States on
22nd October 2019.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-78824493582542318212019-01-26T12:11:00.003+00:002019-01-26T12:11:56.935+00:00Please Vote Lyndsay Feltham for Deputy of St Helier No. 3/4 district on 27th February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNbKHQONL4TXJUelKdxiMykfsSCIyWgWFaliAwY1fcV1mbJuHnJaPh79Rb4EV_lIcB0Xiw7GGQawsiNNlHH-z3GDyCvqNIPxzCB2aEPn-3l9MabDbICvabicdIAKcks-LJDIX0DcCI0Tv/s1600/Please+vote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1232" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNbKHQONL4TXJUelKdxiMykfsSCIyWgWFaliAwY1fcV1mbJuHnJaPh79Rb4EV_lIcB0Xiw7GGQawsiNNlHH-z3GDyCvqNIPxzCB2aEPn-3l9MabDbICvabicdIAKcks-LJDIX0DcCI0Tv/s640/Please+vote.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Westmount resident and public servant, Lyndsay Feltham, has announced her candidacy in the upcoming by-election in St Helier No. 3/4 district.</b><br /><br />Mrs Feltham was born in Jersey and has spent over 12 years working as a public servant, both in Jersey and for the State Government in Western Australia. <br /><br />“<i>I am standing in this election because I want to support the delivery of positive change for the benefit of the Island. I am standing as a Reform Jersey candidate as I believe that we can deliver more together, working as a team</i>.”<br /><br />“<i>I firmly believe that it is the duty of the government to maximise the value of the services that it provides to the people. For me, this does not mean austerity-driven budget cuts and a continuous drive for savings. It means keeping people at the heart of decision making, encouraging public sector innovation, and involving the community to co-design the services best suited to meet their needs. More listening and more action</i>.”<br /><br />Party chairman Senator Sam Mézec said “<i>we are really pleased to be supporting Lyndsay in the by-election. She has an in-depth knowledge of the political issues facing the Island. Her experience working in the public sector in both Jersey and Australia, as well as supporting her mother’s campaigns when she was younger, will be invaluable in making her an effective States Member from day one.</i>”<br /><br /><br /><u>Notes for the editor</u><br /><br /><ul>
<li>Lyndsay was educated at Grouville, Le Rocquier and Hautlieu Schools, and has a Masters degree in Cultural and Media Studies and a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts - Enterprise Management.</li>
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<li>She is 40 years old and lives in the district, with her husband and daughter.</li>
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<li>She is the daughter of former St Helier No. 3/4 Deputy Shirley Baudains.</li>
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Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-16525103310780855412018-08-16T16:48:00.000+01:002019-01-25T21:11:43.421+00:00Enemy of the Parish System - the Jersey Way in action<br />
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At the end of my last blog, I said that even though I was not an enemy of the Parish system, I would inevitably be portrayed as one for trying to hold the system and those involved in it to account.<br />
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Oh how right I was! I seem to have struck one hell of a nerve!<br />
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It is a very long running tradition in Jersey that if you stick your head above the parapet or try to speak truth to power, the establishment types will do what they can to run you down and publicly disparage you, even if they're not able to use facts to do so. This is part of the "Jersey Way" that Francis Oldham rightly criticised in the report of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. It is also symptomatic of the undemocratic nature in which Jersey is run. When you do not have a proper democratic culture, many do not know how to properly respond to democratic criticisms, so you get what I have faced over the last couple of weeks.<br />
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My full blog which made several observations and criticisms of how the Parishes administer themselves and contribute in the States Assembly can be read here - <a href="http://sammezec.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-parish-system-what-democracy.html">http://sammezec.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-parish-system-what-democracy.html</a><br />
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In short, my main criticisms centre on these points -<br />
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- The Constables routinely bring forward propositions in the States to reduce democratic participation.<br />
- Many Parish meetings are held in private, with virtually no information put into the public domain about what happens at these meetings.<br />
- Elections for Parish positions are not held in a transparent way<br />
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Treason! How dare I make these observations which are totally untrue, and how dare I speak when I am clearly so misinformed and ignorant!<br />
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Or at least that is the response from sections of the Parishes.<br />
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The first full response to my blog was published on Tony Bellow's blog, by someone called Adam Gardiner. It can be read here - <a href="http://tonymusings.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-truth-about-parish-system.html">http://tonymusings.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-truth-about-parish-system.html</a><br />
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It is titled "The Truth About The Parish System" which is a pretty gutsy name, given there is not much truth in it.<br />
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Both myself and local blogger Gabriel Carter attempted to publish responses on this post, but for some reason Tony has not published any of them. Obviously when it comes to the Parishes, the debate is closed.<br />
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Mr Gardiner attempts to make 6 corrections, which were either demonstrably not true, failures at being pedantic, or not actually corrections at all, but a rather justification of the status quo.<br />
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You may wish to have both posts open in separate browsers to follow along, otherwise my commentary would look messy if I copied every reference point.<br />
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The first "correction" is that I am wrong to say that the Comité des Connétables recently brought a proposition to the States to reduce polling hours for elections for the position of Procureur de bien Public to 12pm to 8pm.<br />
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This is a bit of a weird correction given that what I said it just true. Like... it just is. It happened. The proposition was lodged (<a href="https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2018/p.89-2018.pdf">P.89/2019</a>) and the debate happened.<br />
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The Public Elections Law currently says that public elections must have polling hours from 8am to 8pm. The Comité wanted to change it to 12pm to 8pm. That's the fact. That's what happened. It's all on public record.<br />
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His "correction" centres on a pedantic point that the law used to state that polling hours for Procureur elections were reduced, but after an oversight in subsequent amendments to the law, this section fell away and the situation reverted to the full polling hours instead.<br />
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Well, sorry Mr Gardiner, but regardless of whether the law was expressly changed or simply fell away, both have the same effect. The law was changed, and the Comité tried to change it back.<br />
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His second correction revolves around my comments that the Constables wanted to move a proposed public referendum from a Saturday to a Wednesday, because holding it on a Saturday would be a "nuisance".<br />
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You see, it wouldn't be a nuisance, it would just be impractical...<br />
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It is bizarre reading a correction that isn't a correction, but actually reiterating the exact point I was making. It's not a nuisance, it's just impractical. Ummm... what's the difference?<br />
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Thirdly, I was wrong to say that the Constables increase the number of signatures required to call a Parish Assembly from 4 to 10, even though that is exactly what I did. But I'm wrong to say they did it, because they were right to have done it, apparently.<br />
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That isn't a correction, it's just a subjective justification for their actions.<br />
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Although he makes a fine dig at Reform Jersey for being ones to complain about signatories anyway. Again, this is another example of facts not mattering, because if Mr Gardiner had paid real attention to our nomination form debacle, he'd know that the Royal Court ruled that our nomination forms were valid and legal. But, whatever, facts don't matter!<br />
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I'm not sure the fourth "correction" needs addressing, given that it clearly isn't a correction. I made a justified criticism of the Parishes holding important public meetings at times that are inconvenient or unattractive for most Parishioners. I preferred to watch the England match in the World Cup, rather than going to my Parish Rates Assembly. But, hey, the 99% of us St Helier residents who prefer football to Parish Assemblies are wrong, and the 5 or so people who did turn up are right!<br />
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Fifth, I said that there is no information online whatsoever on when the Parish Roads Committee election are.<br />
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Mr Gardiner says I am wrong.<br />
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Perhaps he can have a quick check of <a href="http://www.parish.gov.je/">www.parish.gov.je</a> and tell me where there are any details of when the next elections are. If not the exact date, at least the month or year.<br />
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Of course, they are no where to be found.<br />
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He says that all Parish Assemblies are advertised in the Gazette. This is true. They are advertised with a few days notice.<br />
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It is also quite amusing that when I point out that St Ouen did not have even the names of their Roads Committee members on their website, Mr Gardiner attempts to pin it on me for not letting St Ouen know they had not done this. But, I suppose everything is my fault.<br />
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Sixth, I said that (at the time of writing) there was virtually no information online about the upcoming Procureur nomination meetings, so prospective candidates or Islanders who were interested could be aware of them. He said I was wrong to say this, even though the record shows that what I said was accurate. I don't even know why Mr Gardiner bothers taking this stance when it's just nothing more than naysaying.<br />
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He says that vote.je was set up for general elections, not parish elections. Unfortunately for him, that isn't the relevant distinction. The law in Jersey defines elections as either Public Elections or Parish Assembly Elections. The former is a full public ballot, the latter is a meeting in the Parish where the vote is taken then and there. Procureur elections are Public Elections, exactly the same as Senators, Deputies and Constables. Vote.je was set up to cover Public Elections and has in the past covered Procureur elections, but did not do so this time.<br />
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My whole argument is that putting this information online is not difficult when there already exists the right forum to do it.<br />
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Lastly, the final point isn't even an attempt at a correction, but just a last ditch attempt to condescend to someone from behind a computer screen.<br />
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He says "SM chose to go into politics and needs to understand that not all agree with him." <br />
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This is just condescending and patronising. It's also illogical. If I believed everyone agreed with me, why would I have published a blog which overtly said at the start that there is not just one perspective on how the Parishes are run? If I thought everyone had the same opinion as me, I'd have kept quiet because I'd have had nothing to write about.<br />
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He then says "debate and consensus is the way to achieve change and is called democracy - whereas peddling misinformation on a website is not!". I couldn't agree more, but maybe this pot should leave the kettle alone.<br />
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Here's my take on it - If you're going to throw your toys out of the pram because you don't like what someone stands for, use facts and reason. Don't claim someone is pedalling misinformation, when actually you are the one who has got pretty much everything wrong.<br />
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The second batch of criticism came from the newly elected Constable of St Ouen, Richard Buchanan. This can be read in the JEP here - <a href="https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/08/14/criticism-of-parish-system-on-ministers-blog-rejected/">https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/08/14/criticism-of-parish-system-on-ministers-blog-rejected/</a><br />
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First things first, I like Richard. He's a sensible guy and has made some good contributions early on in this term. We have different perspectives on politics, but we both care about the Island and I've enjoyed working with him so far. We can have our banter with no hard feelings.<br />
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But he does use words like "misinformed" and "lack of understanding" without really elaborating to show what exactly it is that I've got wrong.<br />
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The central point he takes issue with is when I said that the Parishes (except St Helier) hold their Roads Committee meetings in private. He says that no one has ever asked to attend a St Ouen's Roads Committee meeting, and he probably wouldn't say no if someone did ask.<br />
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The problem though is that there is virtually nothing online that says what the St Ouen's Roads Committee does, when it meets, what the agendas are and the records of the minutes. If I wanted to go observe discussion on something, I don't have that information accessible, and this is part of the problem.<br />
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In fact, until just a few days ago, there was no record on the St Ouen website that they even have a Roads Committee! The names of the members were not even published.<br />
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In all fairness to Constable Buchanan, when I pointed this out to him he immediately corrected it and it is now one of the most detailed pages on the Parish website.<br />
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But much more needs to be done to improve access to information and therefore engagement with the system, and that is a discussion we need to have.<br />
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Just one final development to report on -<br />
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Since I published my blog which criticised the lack of information on the nomination meetings for Procureur de bien Public, 7 Parishes have held their nomination meetings. Apart from St Helier, the rest have not published anything on their websites to let their Parishioners know what the results of those nominations were and if there is a contested election.<br />
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When they have published the nomination meeting details in the Gazette, some have done so with just 5 or 6 days notice.<br />
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I stand by every word when I say that the Parishes are awful at promoting these elections.<br />
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You can now donate to Reform Jersey! Just click the link below.<br />
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Your donations will go towards our campaigns to make Jersey a fairer society.<br />
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Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-9350480395111779762018-08-01T22:25:00.002+01:002018-08-01T22:27:10.916+01:00The Parish System - What Democracy?<br />
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A couple of years ago a senior Constable said in the States Assembly that Jersey's Parish system was a 'beacon of democracy'.<br />
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It's a nice thought, and you can see where he was coming from.<br />
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We have this rather unique system of local government where, at least once a month, a public meeting is held which any Parishioner can turn up to speak and vote for or against a binding motion on matters within the Parishes competency. Not only that, but Parishioners set the budget and vote on what level of local tax they pay. Pretty nifty! Where else trusts its population to be the sovereign decision makers in this way? Not many places I can think of. Isn't that wonderful?<br />
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Well... no. It isn't wonderful.<br />
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As lovely as the concept may be, the fact of the matter is that the Parishes are far from the democratic beacons they theoretically could be. In many instances, they actually operate in way which is unashamedly anti-democratic.<br />
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I'm provoked to get this off my chest here because of a recent incident in the States Assembly where the Comité des Connétables was so brazen in their contempt for democracy, that even I was a bit surprised at the hubris they showed.<br />
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The States recently debated <a href="https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2018/p.89-2018.pdf">P.89/2013</a> which was brought forward by the Comité des Connétables to change the law to reduce polling hours in elections for Procureur de Bien Public from 8am-8pm to 12pm-8pm.<br />
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Yes, you read that correctly. They actually went to the efforts of bringing a proposition to the States to <i>reduce</i> the amount of time that people can turn out to vote in.<br />
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On an Island which we know suffers from appallingly low election turnouts and poor engagement with Parish democracy, they wanted to make it even less convenient to take part.<br />
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There is no reason for doing this at all, apart from the Parishes finding facilitating elections to be a bit of a nuisance and wanting to mitigate it.<br />
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Well, I'm sorry to say to the Constables, that democracy is meant to be a nuisance. It's difficult, it's noisy, it costs money and it often doesn't go the way you want it to. But it's democracy and it's sacrosanct.<br />
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This move was anti-democratic. The States saw through it and managed to embarrass the Constables enough into withdrawing it when some of the new Constables stood to speak out against it (which is a positive sign).<br />
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But this is not an isolated incident.<br />
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The day before, the Constables brought an amendment to move a proposed referendum from being held on a Saturday to being on a Wednesday instead. Something which was done purely because holding a public vote is a nuisance for the Parishes, irrespective of the obvious fact that a Saturday would be more convenient for the vast majority of the voting population to vote on.<br />
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Just before the recent election, the Constables brought a proposition to change the law to introduce a new criterion for being allowed to stand for election as Constable, that you must be a British citizen. That requirement did not exist before. A group of politicians, 11 out of 12 of whom did not face a contested election last time (some have never faced one), actually went out of their way to reduce the number of people who could potentially be candidates for their office.<br />
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In 2014, just after the previous election, the Constables brought a proposition to increase the number of people that are required to sign a letter forcing a Parish Assembly on a proposition, from 4 to 10, despite there having not been a single example of Parish Assemblies being called vexatiously.<br />
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As well as these clear incidents of the Constables trying to roll back democracy in Jersey, I think it is worth passing comment on a few other areas that just show how dead the system is.<br />
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<b><u>Parish Assemblies</u></b><br />
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These are the regular meetings held in the Parish Halls for Parishioners to vote on matters which the Parish is responsible for. Anyone can turn up and speak, or even propose amendments or their own propositions.<br />
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In theory, it doesn't get more democratic than this. In practice, it is no such thing.<br />
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Turn out at Parish Assemblies is very low. At the St Helier Rates Assembly last year, aside from members of the municipality, there were 5 members of the public in attendance. I couldn't tell you how many were there this year, but I bet it was pretty poor too, seeing as the meeting was organised to be held at the same time England were playing in the World Cup Quarter Final (I was watching the match, not at the Town Hall). Would it have been too difficult to just have it on another night? There really is no excuse for this.<br />
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But, ironically, on an occasion where there is a big turnout for a Parish Assembly, they can't even get that right either.<br />
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For example, earlier this year there was a massive turnout for a Parish Assembly held in St Lawrence to decide whether the Parish Church would be extended provide toilet facilities. Initially, the Constable refused to hold the Parish Assembly at all, even though 10 Parishioners signed a letter demanding one (as they are entitled to under the law). Then eventually she had to cave in, and decided to ban the media from attending! You couldn't make it up.<br />
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In the end, 500 people turned up and could not be adequately accommodated in the Parish Hall, with people having to stand outside in the freezing cold for hours.<br />
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There is no reason whatsoever why that meeting had to be held in the Parish Hall itself. They could have convened in a bigger premises to accommodate everyone, but chose not too. This was unfair and inconsiderate for the attendees, and will no doubt have put people off taking part in this sort of thing in future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Roads Committees</u></b><br />
<br />
These committees are the closest things we have to local councils. Their members are elected at a Parish Assembly every 3 years.<br />
<br />
There is no information whatsoever online about when these elections will next take place. Some Parishes don't even have the names of the people who serve on them on the Parishes website.<br />
<br />
Apart from in St Helier, all of their meetings are closed to the public, so there is no accountability.<br />
<br />
The most recent election in St Helier took place on 20th December, a few days before Christmas, with an ad hoc hustings beforehand which the organisers made up as they went along.<br />
<br />
I met with the previous Comité to suggest to them that it would actually improve engagement if they synchronised these elections so they could publicise them together and create a real focus on Parish democracy. I left with no confidence that this simple idea would be adopted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Procureur elections</u></b><br />
<br />
On 12th September there are due to be elections for Procureurs de Bien Public in each Parish. The nominations are imminent and there is almost nothing at all on vote.je or the Parishes websites about this role and how to become a candidate. At the time of writing, only 5 Parishes have confirmed when the nomination meeting will take place (which they are doing with just a few days notice).<br />
<br />
Honestly, how difficult is it to sit down and consolidate this information and just stick out a press release so people are able to figure out what is going on?<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Honorary Police</u></b><br />
<br />
The Parishes have struggled to recruit to the honorary police for several years now. St Saviour was fined £5,000 in 2015 for not being able to meet their legal obligations in filling particular roles.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year two former Centeniers <a href="https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/06/20/honorary-system-may-collapse-soon-warns-ex-officer/">publicly stated</a> that they feared the honorary police system will die out unless work is done to reform and modernise it. They were instantly dismissed by the new chair of the Comité.<br />
<br />
So far the most innovative suggestion made by the Constables has been to raise the age at which you have to retire from the honorary police. I wonder if they realise that all that does is delay the problem reaching a head by a few years and doesn't actually solve the underlying recruitment problems.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have been concerned about all of this for some time, and now is my opportunity to do something about it.<br />
<br />
Since my appointment as Minister for Housing and, more recently, Minister for Children too, I've been getting to grips with being on the "other side" of politics, trying to make a difference in government rather than shout from the opposition benches. It's a very sobering experience and I'm finding it frustrating how slowly the wheels seem to turn to be able to impact change. But it is still early days and I'm rearing to go and looking forward to developing on some of the things we have begun behind the scenes (watch this space!).<br />
<br />
But one thing which is giving me withdrawal symptoms is that I am now not able to ask questions on the floor of the States Assembly of Ministers. In the last Assembly I was 2nd on the list of members who asked most questions (Geoff Southern was number 1, of course), and I believe that question time is a fundamentally important way of holding the government to account. But now with my new responsibility, I have to ask my questions round the ministerial table and make sure there is early feedback as policies are developed so we get things right.<br />
<br />
I am delighted that my new colleagues Deputy Alves and Deputy Ward are taking up the mantle and proving to be excellent contributors in the Assembly right away. But, as for me, since I can't ask my parliamentary questions of my ministerial colleagues, I can ask the Comité des Connétables questions and hold them to account on Parish matters in the Assembly.<br />
<br />
Now, most right thinking democrats know that the Constables shouldn’t be in the States anyway, but since they’re there, I am making it my intention to hold them to account for everything they do.<br />
<br />
They are not the beacons of democracy some think they are. In fact, they are showing themselves to be the opposite.<br />
<br />
It's sink or swim time. Modernise and get with the times, or become an irrelevancy.<br />
<br />
I happen to think it's important to have a healthy democratic municipal government system and I want to see it thrive in Jersey. This doesn't make me an enemy of the Parish system, although that is certainly how they will try to tar me for having the sheer nerve to hold them to account.<br />
<br />
If you are concerned by any Parish matters at all, please get in touch and I'll be happy to try to raise these issues in the Assembly.<br />
<br />
<br />Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-70037056382511671392018-06-04T22:41:00.002+01:002018-06-04T22:41:39.386+01:00Agreement between Senator John Le Fondré and Reform Jersey on the formation of a government<br />
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<u>AGREEMENT BETWEEN REFORM JERSEY AND SENATOR JOHN LE FONDRÉ ON SUPPORT FOR FORMING A GOVERNMENT </u></div>
<br /> <br /><br />Following constructive discussions and negotiations, Reform Jersey States Members are committed to supporting the candidacy of Senator John Le Fondré in the election for Chief Minister on 4th June 2018. <br /><br />This support is offered conditionally on the understanding that both parties agree to the following terms – <br /><br /><b><u>Shared objectives</u></b> <br /><br />Over the last 4 years, Reform Jersey and Senator Le Fondré have both voiced their concerns in the States Assembly over the direction Jersey was moving in under the incumbent Council of Ministers. Both recognised the disillusionment many members of the public feel about Jersey’s political system because of the dysfunctional way the States has often worked. <br /><br />In his candidate statement for Chief Minister, Senator Le Fondré explains his concerns over the way that the benefits of economic growth have not been felt by most Islanders, many of whom are now worse off today than they would have been five years ago. He says - “<i>We simply cannot allow this situation to continue and have to develop policies which address the complex socio-economic problems to provide real opportunities for all and not just a few</i>”. This is a sentiment shared by Reform Jersey in their manifesto ‘Working for a Fairer Island’. <br /><br />Whilst Senator Le Fondré and Reform Jersey have often taken different positions on States policies over the previous electoral term, both stated in the general election campaign that they wished to see a more inclusive government for this term and wanted to work constructively with others to see public services improve. Both parties believe that the election results demonstrate a mandate for change in line with this vision. <br /><br />Whilst Reform Jersey and Senator Le Fondré have previously differed in their policies on improving the standard of living for Islanders, it is now agreed that this should be a key priority in the next Strategic Plan, with a focus on reducing poverty. <br /><br />Both Reform Jersey and Senator Le Fondré placed significant emphasis in their election manifestos on the importance of ensuring Jersey is represented at the highest levels throughout the Brexit negotiations to ensure that Jersey’s place in the world is secured. <br /><br />It was a stated priority in Reform Jersey’s manifesto that the next government must implement the recommendations of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, which Senator Le Fondré has also included in his candidate statement for Chief Minister. <br /><br /><b><u>Forming a government </u></b><br /><br />If elected as Chief Minister, Senator Le Fondré will initially nominate Senator Sam Mézec for the position of Housing Minister, then, following the introduction of the upcoming changes to ministerial government, he will be nominated as Minister for Children. <br /><br />Other Reform Jersey States Members will contest further ministerial posts on 7th & 8th June. <br /><br />In the event of them not being voted into other ministerial roles, Assistant Minister positions will be offered to Deputies Montfort Tadier (in Culture) and Geoff Southern (in Social Security). <br /><br /><b><u>Working together in government </u></b><br /><br />It is agreed that no version of collective responsibility shall apply to Reform Jersey members in government which would require them to vote against what was committed to in their manifesto. Where their political positions are irreconcilable, they will agree to disagree. <br /><br />It is agreed that Reform Jersey members will have the absolute freedom to pursue their 10 key election pledges, both inside government and from the backbenches. <br /><br />Reform Jersey members will continue to robustly oppose any policy which they believe will exacerbate poverty on the Island. <br /><br />Reform Jersey members in government will abide by all parts of the Ministerial Code of Conduct and will not use information obtained in their government capacities for party purposes. <br /><br />Senator Le Fondré has committed to improving communication amongst Ministers and Assistant Ministers, including ensuring that all Assistant Ministers are able to access all the information provided to their Ministers. <br /><br /><b><u>Policy agreements </u></b><br /><br />It is agreed that Jersey’s Income Tax and Social Security Contributions systems will be examined to determine the appropriateness of potential reforms (including those specified in Reform Jersey’s manifesto). Further work will also be done to assess the relationship between taxation and Income Support (including the disregards) and work shall be done to review the supplementation system. <br /><br />It is agreed that the Minimum Wage shall be progressively increased towards £10ph, with consideration given to benefits in kind provided by employers in agriculture and hospitality. <br /><br />It is agreed that legislation will be introduced to define zero-hours contracts in law and regulate them to end their inappropriate use. <br /><br />It is agreed that improved parental leave provisions, access to dentists for children and cheaper access to GPs will be aspired to, subject to sustainable funding mechanisms being found from Social Security Contributions reform. <br /><br />It is agreed that a working party will be set up to consider how further responsibilities on local matters can be transferred to the Parish of St Helier, in line with commitments for urban regeneration. <br /><br />It is agreed that discussions will begin with the Jersey Electricity Company to explore options for increased use of renewable energy in Jersey. <br /><br />It is agreed that workforce modernisation negotiations will be re-opened, with the principle of collective bargaining restored. <br /><br />It is agreed that a Policy Development Board on Social and Affordable Housing will be established, which will work with the Housing Minister to research and develop a fair rent regulation system for social and private accommodation. Social housing (i.e. Andium) rents will be frozen whilst this work takes place. Further work will be done to agree measures to encourage unused properties to be available on the market, including an empty property tax. An investigation will take place on external purchasers of property to reduce that demand. <br /><br /><b><u>Duration of the agreement </u></b><br /><br />Both Reform Jersey and Senator Le Fondré sign up to this agreement in good faith, on the understanding that both parties wish to serve in Jersey’s best interests for the four-year term. If one party to this agreement does not uphold their obligations as stated, then the other can withdraw from the agreement if no reconciliation is possible.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-66452813671938874212018-03-05T12:30:00.005+00:002018-03-05T12:30:59.219+00:00General Election Statement - I'm running for Senator!<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 225.65pt right 451.3pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam Mézec to stand for Senator<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br /><br />Reform Jersey’s party chairman, Deputy Sam Mézec, has announced that he will seek election as a Senator in the forthcoming General Election. <br /><br />Deputy Sam Mézec said - “<i>With the backing of Reform Jersey members, I have chosen to stand for election as Senator in this election because I want to seek a mandate from across the whole Island for our manifesto. <br /><br />Over the last 10 years, the States has lost sight of what should be its number one aim – improving life for ordinary Islanders. I believe that we must spend the next few years deliberately reversing the trends which have seen a drastic increase in poverty and a frozen standard of living. This will be the main focus of my campaign. <br /><br />I am determined that the next government must be more politically inclusive and improve the way it deals with the issues facing Jersey, rather than replicate the unedifying debates we have seen on the new hospital and population control. <br /><br />During the last term, I believe I have provided a strong opposition voice and have robustly held the government to account over its mistakes. But in this next term, I want to be at the forefront of delivering positive change. <br /><br />I have spent my time as a Deputy fighting for increased wages for the low paid, for improved support for the vulnerable and against wasteful States spending. If elected as a Senator, I believe I will be better placed to take a proactive approach to improving the way the States works on behalf of Islanders. <br /><br />I will be standing alongside other Reform Jersey candidates, with a shared manifesto which has at its core our main ambition of pursuing policies which will raise the standard of living for all Islanders</i>.”<br />
<br />
<br /><b>Notes to the editor</b><br /><br />- Deputy Mézec is 27 years old and has been the youngest member of the States since March 2014.<br /><br />- He currently serves as:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
- Chairman of the Care of Children in Jersey Review Panel<br /> - Vice-chairman of the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel</blockquote>
- In his spare time, he plays electric guitar in the rock band FlashMob<br />Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-66916770401685802812017-10-13T00:22:00.001+01:002017-10-13T11:45:31.102+01:00"Honoured" to meet a random dictator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br>
Being a politician is a pretty surreal experience on the best of days. It's never dull and even in Jersey we often find ourselves lucky enough to enjoy a political theatre that matches up to the excitement of other jurisdictions (or at least it does if you're a geek like me).<br>
<br>
Today was strange.<br>
<br>
Once again, our Chief Minister has gone abroad to represent the Island and meet representatives of other governments to promote Jersey. I have no problem with that.<br>
<br>
Again, he has met with representatives of countries which have human rights records that are less than impressive. I also have no problem with that.<br>
<br>
But what I can't get my head around is Senator Gorst's choice of words.<br>
<br>
After meeting with Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa (the Finance Minister of Bahrain), he tweeted a picture of the two of them together with a caption saying he was "honoured" to meet him.<br>
<br>
Really?<br>
<br>
The Chief Minister has met some interesting people in his line of work. Whether they be Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, or even ordinary Jersey folk who have done extraordinary things. How does Sheikh Al-Khalifa match up to them?<br>
<br>
He is not a democratic politician. He is a member of the ruling family of Bahrain which has been in charge for hundreds of years, ruling with an iron fist and having zero-tolerance for opposition.<br>
<br>
Torture is widespread. Since the 2011 Arab Spring protests, a hundred dissidents have been murdered and thousands have been wounded. They even called in the Wahabist and ISIS-backing Saudi Arabian military to help them brutally put down these protests.<br>
<br>
Basically, these people are really nasty.<br>
<br>
Why is it an honour to meet someone like him? Why was this word necessary?<br>
<br>
I get that part of diplomacy and politics means that you have to meet with people you disagree with. Sometimes it means meeting with nasty people if it's for the greater good. But what is the benefit of cosying up to people and inflating their ego by acting as if there isn't something fundamentally wrong with their agenda?<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Sheikh Al-Khalifa and his tyrannical family have blood on their hands. It's not an honour to meet them. At best, it's just business.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
But things got even stranger when States Members received an advance copy of a press release on this subject.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Here is the relevant bit -</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Chief Minister has also met with His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, who has been Minister of Finance in the Kingdom of Bahrain since January 2005. Minister Al Khalifa is also a member of the Development Committee of the World Bank Group and IMF. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jersey and Bahrain have a long-standing relationship and the Chief Minister will be making an official visit to Bahrain later this year to enhance Jersey’s commercial and political links with the Kingdom. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Senator Gorst commented: “We place great importance on the Island’s positive relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I was pleased to be able to meet with His Excellency to discuss future opportunities for partnership between our jurisdictions.”</blockquote>
<br>
Apparently Jersey has a long-standing relationship with Bahrain.<br>
<br>
Did you know that? I didn't.<br>
<br>
Jersey does not have any people from Bahrain living in Jersey at all, according to the last census. I doubt many Jersey people live in Bahrain.<br>
<br>
We have a long-standing relationship with France. We don't have one with Bahrain. It's just silly to say we do.<br>
<br>
These comments just aren't serious.<br>
<br>
Is it too much to ask that our leaders speak plainly and cut this sort of unnecessary BS? It just looks a bit silly.<br>
<br>
<br></div>
Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com124tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-39611287664869504082017-08-22T00:02:00.000+01:002017-08-22T00:02:05.577+01:00An outrageous political intervention from William Bailhache<br />
<br />
In September, the States Assembly will have it's first opportunity to vote on one of the recommendations of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry when it debates <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2017/p.62-2017.pdf">P.62/2017</a> lodged by Deputy Tadier to split the dual role of the Bailiff and allow the States to elect it's own Speaker.<br />
<br />
In fact, not only will it be a chance to adopt a recommendation from the £23m ICJI, but also to adopt some of the recommendations of the Clothier Review and the Carswell Review, all of which have said that Jersey needs to introduce a Separation of Powers if it has any hope of meeting modern democratic standards.<br />
<br />
The IJCI said that this had to be considered as part of a deliberate drive to eradicate the perception of the "Jersey Way" which has been prevalent in our community for decades, where many people distrust the Island's "establishment" and believe it acts only to perpetuate their own self interest at the expense of the vulnerable.<br />
<br />
So, without a hint of irony, in the run up to this debate, the Bailiff William Bailhache, has written to the Chief Minister in an attempt to perpetuate his own self interest by trying to influence his conduct in this upcoming debate.<br />
<br />
The full letter can be read from page 6 here - <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2017/p.62-2017com.pdf">http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2017/p.62-2017com.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The key paragraph reads -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"However, in the forthcoming debate, I should be grateful for your assurance that you will not take the line that the Care Enquiry's Recommendation 7 is a reason for supporting the proposition of Deputy Tadier, or indeed for re-visiting the issue of the Bailiff's role generally."</i></blockquote>
<br />Let's put that in simple English - an unelected judge (and supposedly impartial Speaker) has written to an elected Chief Minister to instruct him to disregard the evidence and findings of a £23m Inquiry whilst pursuing his policies.<br />
<br />
This is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy.<br />
<br />
Of course William Bailhache is entitled to his opinion as an individual, but as our Speaker, he is not entitled to use his position to influence our elected politicians. In doing so, he has shown himself to be unfit to hold the office he does, and has shown how absolutely imperative it is that the States votes to relinquish him of these responsibilities.<br />
<br />
He has epitomised the Jersey Way that Francis Oldham QC had criticised in the ICJI report.<br />
<br />
If John Bercow (Speaker of the House of Commons) did something like this, he would be expelled by the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<br />
The full letter is an illuminating read.<br />
<br />
In the letter, Bailhache attempts to explain why there is no problem with the dual role of the Bailiff and makes an argument which is not only poor, but is just plain weird because of how illogical it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
He says -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The system which we have, for the record, does not come nearly as close to breaching the rules around the separation of powers as did that in the UK as recently as 2005. There, the Lord Chancellor was not only a member of the judiciary and the legislature, but also a member of the Cabinet with executive responsibilities</i>."</blockquote>
<br />
Spot the problem with this argument?<br />
<br />
He refers to a situation WHICH DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE.<br />
<br />
How on Earth does a Bailiff consider it a good argument to compare Jersey to a bad system which no longer exists and was deliberately changed by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, to split the multiple roles held by the Lord Chancellor?<br />
<br />
2017 Jersey may well be better than pre-2005 UK. But the UK accepted this was wrong and now 2017 UK has a better system than 2017 Jersey. That surely is a demonstration that we are too slow to reform ourselves and that there is a problem with the current system.<br />
<br />
He goes on with -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Dicey, that great English constitutional lawyer of the 19th century did not regard that position with disfavour.</i>"</blockquote>
<br />
Now, every person who has studied law has heard of Dicey. He was no Lord Denning (#legend), but someone we were all taught about. His main work 'Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution' was published in 1885.<br /><br />William Bailhache is arguing that the lack of separation of powers is okay because some bloke wrote 132 years ago that it wasn't a big deal.<br />
<br />
In fact, not just some bloke. Dicey was a staunch anti-democrat.<br />
<br />
He opposed every single proposal to offer Ireland more autonomy from the UK (and many have paid with their lives in the conflict which that attitude helped create) and he was a staunch opponent of women's suffrage.<br /><br />I really don't think that it's a wise argument to reference what an anti-democrat wrote 132 years ago to justify the dual role of the Bailiff in 2017.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"It is right also to add that my own experience is that there are a number of very senior thinkers in the United Kingdom, including senior judges, who do not regard the constitutional changes of 2005 with favour."</i></blockquote>
<br />
Because judges are of course well known for being beacons of progressivism!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"They have led to a hard edged angularity which is unhelpful, as was witnessed by the failure of senior politicians there adequately to defend the judiciary against the disgraceful attack by some part of the media (describing the judges as "Enemies of the people") following the decision in the administrative court on the lawfulness of the government's proposed Brexit strategy."</i></blockquote>
<br />
Now, when he says "senior politicians", what he should mean is the hard-right, Brexiteer Tory MPs who are so hell bent on leaving the EU that they don't care what it does to the British economy or what impact it has on British democracy. Labour politicians were at the vanguard of defending the independence of the judiciary throughout that process, and they cannot be lumped in together with right-wing politicians who were blinded by their extreme agenda.<br />
<br />
But the example of the Supreme Court ruling on the lawfulness of the government's Brexit strategy is actually a very helpful one for those who support the separation of powers.<br />
<br />
The government led by Theresa May and packed full of hard Brexiteers like David Davis and Boris Johnson believed that they had the right to unilaterally trigger Article 50 and begin the process of withdrawing the UK from the European Union. A member of the public disagreed and challenged this in court, arguing that as Britain's parliament is supreme, Article 50 could only be lawfully triggered after a vote in both Houses of Parliament. The government challenged this view at every step along the way (costing the taxpayer a pretty penny in the process).<br />
<br />
The British courts, including the most senior court of the land, ruled against the government and hugely embarrassed them by forcing the Prime Minister to tear up her plans and go down a different route instead.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom defended the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and upheld British constitutional law by stopping a government dead in their tracks and forcing them to change their illegal plans.<br />
<br />
That was a true example of what an independent judiciary can do to a government which is abusing its position and acting ultra vires.<br />
<br />
How does William Bailhache think that the pre-2005 courts could have possibly dealt with this situation any better, when they would have been headed up by a member of the government which was prepared to act illegally?<br />
<br />
It is an argument which is so illogical and unnecessary, that it only seeks to highlight the importance of Jersey reforming its constitution to ensure that the public can be truly secure knowing that their judiciary exists to defend their rights and uphold the rule of law, no matter what the whims of a here today gone tomorrow government may be, and which will not be subjected to undue political interference, or vice versa.<br />
<br />
I'm optimistic we will get there sooner rather than later and I am certain that the letter from William Bailhache will have the exact opposite effect he intended.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-28710524803593180962017-07-27T14:47:00.001+01:002017-07-27T14:50:57.313+01:00Why I can't take part in the Advisory Panel on implementing the IJCI recommendations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<br />
Following the publication of the report investigating child abuse in Jersey, the Chief Minister invited me to be a member of an advisory panel he has set up to advise him on implementing the recommendations of the report.<br />
<br />
I thought long and hard about whether I could make a positive difference if I took up this role, but sadly have come to the conclusion that the Chief Minister is handling the aftermath of the report poorly and I am better placed to argue for positive change whilst being independent from any advisory panel.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Dear Ian,<br />
<br />
I have considered your invitation for me to take part in an Advisory Panel to help you respond to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry's recommendations and have decided that I cannot take part.<br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly support the recommendations made by the Inquiry and I will vote for any proposition which I believe takes the Island forward in getting these recommendations implemented. However, I believe that I can make a more positive contribution by offering advice across the floor of the Chamber and by continuing to work in Scrutiny.<br />
<br />
The Inquiry's report emphasises the importance of independent scrutiny. You currently have plans to bring forward a proposal to take the independence away from the States Scrutiny Panels by allowing and encouraging Assistant Ministers to sit on Scrutiny. This is being opposed by Scrutiny and the Privileges and Procedures Committee, yet you have confirmed in States question time since the publication of the report that you have no intention to abandon these changes. I believe this is a huge error which will undermine our system of government and further embed the principles of the 'Jersey Way' where those in power have influence into many areas and will be able to stifle criticism, rather than allow those who have no obligation to support a here today, gone tomorrow government to take an objective approach as an independent and critical friend.<br />
<br />
Whatever noble intentions the government may have in its attempts to implement the recommendations, innocent mistakes may be made along the way which I would be complicit in if I take up a role in advising the government. It is vital that there remain members who are not compromised by this process, who are able to speak out and oppose potential mistakes when they arise.<br />
<br />
You have shown that you are not prepared to exercise your whip as leader of the government to make implementing the Inquiry's recommendations a red line in government policy. That is your choice. But it is wrong to then rely on Scrutiny and Opposition members to get the support you need. Just as I believe it is important for there to be a separation between the Judiciary and the Legislature, I also believe that the Executive must not be allowed to capture the Legislature. I believe that your approach so far is taking the Island in the wrong direction.<br />
<br />
Were I in your position, I would seek to get the support of the Council of Ministers and then allow Opposition and Scrutiny to act independently to hold us to account.<br />
<br />
As I do not have confidence in the process you have suggested, I cannot take part in it.<br />
<br />
Kind regards,<br />
SamSenator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-46458520185282380632017-03-30T21:06:00.002+01:002017-03-30T21:06:42.130+01:00Poverty in Jersey and the lies of the Council of Ministers<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iKcwDNgyyZU" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
<br />
In November 2015, the States of Jersey Statistics Unit published their <a href="https://www.google.je/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjayarx7P7SAhUpJsAKHWpHCPEQFggZMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.je%2FSiteCollectionDocuments%2FGovernment%2520and%2520administration%2FR%2520Income%2520Distribution%2520Survey%2520Report%25202014-15%252020151112%2520SU.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGLN1eLlMIpBNipaxUU6TeJNmFxnQ&bvm=bv.151325232,d.d24">Income Distribution Survey</a>, which shed some light on the shocking rates of relative poverty in Jersey.<br />
<br />
In the 5 years since the previous survey, income inequality in Jersey shot through the roof and we became a more unequal society than the UK. A third of pensioners, a third of children and over half of single parent families live in relative poverty. The spending power of the poorest 10th of Islanders went down by 36%<br />
<br />
These statistics are shameful for a rich Island and drastic action needs to be taken to make Jersey a fairer society where everyone is able to have a decent standard of living.<br />
<br />
In the States sitting on the 14th March, Deputy Mike Higgins asked the Chief Minister for an <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyQuestions/2017/(160)%20Dep%20Higgins%20to%20CM%20re%20state%20of%20inequality%20in%20the%20island.pdf">update on inequality since that survey came out</a>.<br />
<br />
The Chief Minister said "<i>relative low income is reducing</i>".<br />
<br />
In the States sitting on the 28th March, the Chief Minister and his assistant minister (Senator Paul Routier) were subjected to a barrage of questions on how they have reached this conclusion and what statistical evidence they have to back up such a claim.<br />
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The video above shows a politician who realises he has dug himself into a hole, and would prefer to keep digging rather than apologise for getting something wrong.<br />
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There is of course no tangible evidence whatsoever to back up the claim that relative low income is reducing in Jersey.<br />
<br />
No real evidence exists either way (until the next Income Distribution Survey is produced in 2020), however it is clear that many of the government cutbacks to support provided to pensioners, disabled people and single parent families is likely to have exacerbated the current statistics we already have.<br />
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Following the false statements made in the States Assembly, Reform Jersey's vice-chairman Deputy Geoff Southern wrote an open letter to the Chief Minister ask him to withdraw that statement and apologise for misleading the States/ public.<br />
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After a contribution to the same effect from Deputy Richard Renouf of St Ouen, the Chief Minister responded as follows -</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br />"Dear Geoff and Richard, </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Thank you for your emails. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Income inequality did reduce when our economy was performing well before the financial crisis, but deteriorated as incomes fell and as low interest rates cut mortgage costs for some but did not benefit everyone. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Now our economy is improving: average earnings have risen by more than inflation for the last four years; unemployment is at a six-year low and employment is at an all-time high. We saw economic growth of 5% in 2014 and a further 2.2% in 2015, more than double the forecast. The economy is clearly moving in the right direction, however I accept that until we have the next income distribution survey, we cannot be definitive about these complex interacting factors </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The next such survey is due in 2020 but I am working to bring it forward as it seems to me that this is an important piece of work. I hope this statement of intent is an indication of the importance I place on this issue </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Kind regards<br /><b>Senator Ian Gorst</b><br />Chief Minister of Jersey"</i></blockquote>
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<br />
You'll note that this response does not go quite as far as to overtly say that the statement "relative low income is reducing" is false, and it certainly isn't an apology for misleading the States/ public. I have responded to the Chief Minister asking for clarification on that specific point and we will see if he will apologise.<br />
<br />
But what I find disturbing in this response (and the other responses given in the States) is that he is determined to pursue a narrative on their performance in government which is so flawed that you have to either question their honesty or credibility (or both).<br />
<br />
They are attempting to make three claims -<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The economy is improving<br /></li>
<li>They have reduced the tax burden on low earners<br /></li>
<li>They are helping the poor by investing in health and education<br /></li>
</ol>
<div>
Each of these can be demonstrated to be fatuous. So let's go through them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. The economy is improving</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No it is not.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Council of Minister claim that 5% growth in 2014 and 2.2% growth in 2015 is a sign that the economy is improving.<br /><br />On the face of it, it appears to be good news, but only if you have no understand of economics and choose not to dig a little deeper into these stats.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2014, most of Jersey's industries did not grow, and the over all figure of 5% growth was driven by growth in the finance industry. The government's own Fiscal Policy Panel told them that this growth was not part of a trend of growth, but was due to several large firms in the Island undertaking one-off restructures which changed the numbers on paper and made the productivity figures for the sector look greater than it actually was.</div>
<div>
<br />In 2015, many of Jersey's industries did grow, but finance shrank! Basically the opposite of the year before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no positive trend to take out of this and there is no evidence that we are facing sustained periods of growth which can be relied upon to see Islander's standard of living going up.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The government also claim that employment is at a record high.</div>
<div>
<br />Well, yes, this is true. We do have a record number of people in work... because we have a record high population!<br /><br />In actual fact, the absolute number of unemployed in Jersey has only gone down by 140 in this term of office. The vast majority of new jobs have gone to people arriving into the Island. This is a ponzi scheme.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is also a fact that half of the new jobs created have been zero-hours contracts, which will do little to help those working in those jobs out of poverty.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. They have reduced the tax burden on low earners</b></div>
<br />
<br />
Again, false and here is the evidence -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeFvNsxm-igo0vtuQW_FEwAXho52Hdn9ziAGPM3FF2pEPZN0NuYt8935Tn_QNlnd6gmXPy7rtEYpLPFjlbYOikl59QyuDQFlADFrHLomlCI_tJa0njCKx_CZMKCpSlgmBbuB2P13XaQ7b/s1600/figure+6.10+tax.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeFvNsxm-igo0vtuQW_FEwAXho52Hdn9ziAGPM3FF2pEPZN0NuYt8935Tn_QNlnd6gmXPy7rtEYpLPFjlbYOikl59QyuDQFlADFrHLomlCI_tJa0njCKx_CZMKCpSlgmBbuB2P13XaQ7b/s640/figure+6.10+tax.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is taken from the <a href="https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Assessing%20the%20distributional%20impact%20of%20key%20changes%20in%20taxes%20and%20contributions%20between%202006%20and%202015%2020170317%20VP.pdf">Oxera report</a> on the changes to Jersey's tax system over the last decade.<br />
<br />
For the lowest earners in every household type examined, tax went up.<br />
<br />
The report even finally admits that GST is a regressive tax which disproportionately affects the poorest Islanders.<br /><br />The government also introduced the LTC charge, which is regressive also.<br />
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There isn't much more to be said on it. It is just a simple lie to say that low earners have been protected by the Council of Minister's tax policies. They just haven't and the independent report shows it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. They are helping the poor by investing in health and education</b><br />
<br />
This is a bit of a bizarre one.<br /><br />How does a healthy working age adult who lives in relative low income benefit from a better health and education service? They don't. They might if they get sick, but just because you are poor doesn't mean you aren't naturally healthy.<br />
<br />
But in any event, poverty is not measured by your access to public services. It is measured by the money you have to live off. A better funded education or health service does not put more money in your pocket.<br /><br />In fact, in Jersey's case the opposite is true. because of how the government has chosen to fund it's "investment" (in inverted commas because it doesn't really exist, but I'll let that one slide for this blog!).<br />
<br />
The government is funding extra spending in those areas by cutting the Social Security budget by £10m.<br /><br />They have chosen to cut the Income Support disregards for disability benefits and pension income, as well as abolishing the Single Parent component of Income Support.<br /><br />I have met people who already live in poverty who have seen their incomes drop by £600 per year as a result of these cuts.<br />
<br />
The Single Parent component was £40 a week, so that cut will see some families (56% of whom already live in relative low income) £2,080 a year worse off.<br />
<br />
The policies of the Council of Minister quite clearly are going to have the inevitable impact of pushing more people into poverty and making inequality in Jersey even worse.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Despite all their bluster and slogans, the fact is that the government has chosen this week to lie to the public to hide the disgraceful impact their policies are having on the poorest people in Jersey.<br /><br />The public deserve so much better than this.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-90666828706376930182017-03-13T19:53:00.001+00:002017-03-13T19:53:34.587+00:00The Jersey Aircraft Registry - a Soaring Success from the Jersey Government<br />
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<br />
I'm not going to lie, today was pretty irritating!<br />
<br />
Myself and someone I know had been doing a bit of digging lately, trying to uncover what we thought might be a political scandal. We were on the verge of being ready to go public and, lo and behold, the media somehow managed to beat us to it!<br />
<br />
I am of course talking about the story today that the States has spent £860k on setting up and running the Jersey Aircraft Registry, and only two aircraft have actually signed up to it.<br />
<br />
Just a few hours after this story hits the headlines, my written question for the States sitting tomorrow was published, so I've missed the chance to get involved. Oh well! - <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyQuestions/2017/(152)%20Dep%20Mezec%20to%20EDTSC%20re%20cost%20of%20jersey%20aircraft%20registry.pdf">http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyQuestions/2017/(152)%20Dep%20Mezec%20to%20EDTSC%20re%20cost%20of%20jersey%20aircraft%20registry.pdf</a><br />
<br />
There will be more documentation being published at our initiative soon to reveal a few more details.<br />
<br />
The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry has almost 1,000 aircraft registered to it, and Guernsey's paradoxically named "Channel Islands Aircraft Registry" has 160 registered. We have two. That's £430k per aircraft, with only £11k in registration fees made to offset that. Pretty embarrassing, by all accounts.<br />
<br />
I think that most Islanders will rightly feel aggrieved that, once again, a venture headed by the Economic Development Department has led to a huge amount of taxpayers money being squandered.<br />
<br />
Whether it is the business class golf jollies around the world, the failed Innovation Fund or now the failed Aircraft Registry, there is a legacy of embarrassment haunting this department.<br />
<br />
Whenever questions are raised about what the department are doing and the legitimacy of any of their activities, we get normally a rebuttal from the minister, Senator Farnham, which usually is missing any actual answer but instead contains a bit of hot air about how "this government is a success because the economy is growing and you lot just hate success".<br />
<br />
This is incredibly worrying that Farnham thinks this is acceptable answer and, in my view, shows that he either doesn't really understand how economics works, or that he does but is just awful at bluster to hide his failures.<br />
<br />
In a nutshell -<br />
<br />
Jersey has had some economic growth over the last two years, but it has been erratic and doesn't reflect a positive trend. In one year growth was driven by the finance industry where several large firms undertook one-off restructuring, but all other industries shrank. The next year, finance shrank and growth was driven by the other industries. Nobody can really take anything genuinely positive out of that, especially when a large proportion of that growth was driven by the fact our population is massively increasing every year (which is ultimately a Ponzi scheme).<br />
<br />
So, having noted some of this bluster and been unable to find any evidence that government policies were having any positive tangible effect on our economy, I thought I'd just ask a simple written question asking the minister to list everything he has done which he thinks has helped develop the economy.<br /><br />Here is his answer - <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyQuestions/2017/(15)%20%20Dep%20Mezec%20to%20EDTSC%20re%20promoting%20economic%20growth.pdf">http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyQuestions/2017/(15)%20%20Dep%20Mezec%20to%20EDTSC%20re%20promoting%20economic%20growth.pdf</a><br />
<br />
To sum it up in one word, this list is - pathetic.<br />
<br />
The first one on the list is the regulations to extend pub opening hours for the Queen's birthday (which by the way was actually my idea! But anyway...), as if this is a true success story for our economy. Unbelievable.<br />
<br />
Others include the raising of various fees charged by the States. As if increasing the cost of business helps grow the economy.<br />
<br />
But, most amusingly, a whole seven items on this list are to do with the Aircraft Registry!<br /><br />In a parliamentary question to a States Member about measures which have had a tangible effect on economic growth, Senator Farnham chose to boast about a scheme which has seen a deficit in States finances of £849k.<br />
<br />
You could not make this stuff up.<br /><br />
If his department had any proof that their actions had actually done anything to help businesses in the Island, cut unnecessary red tape or improve the regulatory framework for those busy employers in the Island, then I'm sure they would be shouting them from the rooftop. But instead we get pub opening hours on one weekend and the Aircraft Registry.<br />
<br />
When I stood for election last year, I was asked at one hustings what I would do to create jobs in the Island. I said a combination of three things -<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1) Cut Social Security Contributions for the self-employed (ironically the opposite of what the "pro-business" Tories in the UK are now doing), so they have more security in their lives, can afford to invest more and employ more people. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2) Form a joint review group of employers and trade unions to work together at finding the laws and regulations which no longer suit the needs of either workers or bosses and consolidate, update and simplify those laws. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
3) Push forward with the eGovernment programme to cut down on bureaucracy and red tape that businesses have to contend with when dealing government.</blockquote>
<br />I think these policies aren't too bad for a left-winger. Yet instead, the pinnacle of our government's creativity is the creation of an Aircraft Registry.<br /><br />Lord help us!<br />
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<br />
<br />
So, is Senator Farnham our most useless Minister? It's a tough one. Leave your thoughts in the comment box below!<br />Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-70293796374466889452017-02-28T21:21:00.002+00:002017-02-28T23:26:23.566+00:00Consultation, Consultation, Consultation.<br>
If there is one thing the States of Jersey loves, it's a good ol' consultation.<br>
<br>
Today States Members were sent an email to let us know that the Housing Minister is launching a consultation on the regulation of Jersey's letting market. They want to know what problems tenants, landlords and letting agents have with the current regulations and want to hear the public's views on how the market could be improved to provide fairness.<br>
<br>
This wasn't too much of a surprise as I have twice asked questions in the States Assembly about what measures the Housing Minister was going to take to protect tenants from many of the unfair fees that are being imposed on them for no good reason by letting agents, and twice the minister had said that something like this was on the cards.<br>
<br>
There is, I think, a widespread feeling amongst many members of the public that the States spends far too much time consulting and that ministers and senior civil servants use them as an exercise to absolve themselves of taking any responsibility on a particular issue.<br>
<br>
There is certainly truth in this, but I think there is something a bit deeper that should be examined too.<br>
<br>
Currently there are three main consultations going on -<br>
<br>
1. Letting market<br>
<br>
2. Family Friendly laws<br>
<br>3. Social Security contributions<br>
<br>
On every single one of these subjects, both government ministers and Reform Jersey have publicly committed to particular changes we both agree on.<br>
<br>
In the States Assembly I asked if the Housing Minister was prepared to follow the lead of the Tory government in the UK and abolish letting fees for tenants, instead making it a fee exclusively charged to landlords. She said "yes".<br>
<br>
On several occasions the Social Security Minister and the Home Affairs Minister (who, for some reason, is in charge of initiatives connected to the '1,001 Days Manifesto') have publicly said that they support increasing the statutory maternity leave provisions in Jersey.<br>
<br>
The Chief Minister said in his 500 word statement when he was proposed for a second term as Chief Minister that he supported introducing progressive rates of Social Security Contributions for the self-employed.<br>
<br>
On all of these issues, Reform Jersey wholeheartedly agrees with the words of the government.<br>
<br>
So why do we have to have these expensive consultations when the answers are staring us in the face?!<br>
<br>
If you agree that letting agent fees to tenants should be banned, then ban them.<br>
<br>
If you believe statutory maternity leave needs to be extended, then extend it.<br>
<br>
If you believe that self-employed Social Security Contribution rates should be cut, then cut them.<br>
<br>
Instead, we have policies which have been in the government's own programme since it's earliest days, that they have not delivered on after two and a half years in office, and are now putting those questions out to consultation rather than just getting on with them.<br>
<br>
Obviously there is a legitimate place for consultation and I'm not knocking them on every single occasion. The consultation on the new Les Quennevais School was clearly a useful exercise and helped produce a good proposal (although it's up in the air at the moment, so maybe not a great example).<br>
<br>
But when there are some relatively small measures that are clear on principle and which will clearly have a tangible benefit to people's lives, why not just get on with it? If there is a bigger picture, it can be dealt with separately, but the smaller measures can often be isolated.<br>
<br>
Here's my theory -<br>
<br>
It's all about re-election.<br>
<br>
What do all of these consultations have in common? The results are all going to be released in the run up to an election, without enough time to have them implemented beforehand.<br><br>This means the candidates for the effective Jersey Tory Party can stand for (re)election with their policies already constructed for them. They will stand with a commitment to deliver the recommendations of these reviews and consultations. These policies will be paid for by Jersey taxpayers, rather than made by the membership of a party through a democratic process.<br>
<br>
It is essentially establishment politicians feathering their own nests, with the connivance of senior civil servants who get to sit back whilst this happens, knowing that they won't be to blame for anything that could go wrong.<br>
<br>
This is, I believe, a symptom of a broken democratic system in Jersey that leads to us taking years and years to make decisions which could be made much quicker, we spend so much money arriving at those decisions and the ordinary people of this Island have to contend with poor regulations and public service provisions whilst those politicians enjoy the view from the top of Cyril Le Marquand House.<br>
<br>
So I say - cancel these consultations, stop hiring spin doctors and start hiring some law draftsmen to get these policies enacted as soon as possible, so you can then move on to the other important issues facing the Island.<br>
<br>
Reform Jersey intends to stand for election in 2018 with a series of tangible policies set out that could be implemented in relatively quick succession.<br><br>Whether we win or lose that election, I hope we can set a standard of what the public should expect from election candidates. Politicians in Jersey lack credibility, and this barrage of consultations offers nothing to the public to help them regain confidence in those who lead them.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-11687746343134256632017-01-19T10:48:00.002+00:002017-01-19T10:48:56.182+00:00'State of Democracy' tour of the Channel Islands<div class="s6" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="s5" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-decoration: underline;">Press Release - For immediate release</span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jersey political party leader to hold ‘democracy’ events across the Channel</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Islands</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Jersey’s Deputy Sam Mézec, leader of the Island’s only political party</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">,</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> Reform Jersey, is announcing that he is to hold public meetings in each of the Channel Islands to discuss the state of </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">local </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">democracy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">This follows a speech Deputy Mézec gave in the States of Jersey </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Assembly </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">at the end of last year in which he </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">made scathing </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">criticis</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ms of</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> the attitude and competence of the government of Jersey, which </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">quickly </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">went viral on social media, with over 100,000 views so far.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He said -</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">“After my speech went viral I was contacted by a lot of people in </span><span class="s9" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">the other Channel Islands</span><span class="s9" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">who said that they felt that the problems I had highlighted in Jersey were equall</span><span class="s9" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">y true in their Islands too.</span><span class="s9" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">“</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">In </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Jersey,</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> there is a widespread feeling that the government does not work for ordinary Islanders, is completely out of touch</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> with the public</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> and </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">too beholden to vested interests. I know that many people in Guernsey, Alderney and </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Sark</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> feel that their governments are the same and many Channel Islanders are crying out for change,</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> but it’</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s falling on deaf ears from our current political leaders.”</span></div>
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<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">“</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">I don’t believe that any of our Island</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">’</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">governments are demonstrating a proper commitment to true democracy and I want to encourage all Channel Islanders to get politically active and demand much better from our governments</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">”</span></div>
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<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">“</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">The people of Alderney showed at their last election that you can achieve change if you engage with the political process and are prepared to punish failing politicians at the ballot box.</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> I hope that these meetings will inspire more Islanders to get involved</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> in political campaigns, form political parties and start working towards the change our Islands </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">so </span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">desperately need.</span><span class="s9" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">”</span></div>
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<span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Each meeting will begin with a speech on the state of democracy in the Channel Islands by Deputy Mézec, followed by </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">the </span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">floor being ope</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ned to the public to</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> either contribute or</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> ask questions</span><span class="s8" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. Debate is encouraged!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s10" style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">- </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Guernsey’s event is being held from 7:30pm on Wednesday 25</span><span class="s11" style="line-height: 8.399999618530273px; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> January at </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">the Wicked Wolf (formerly the Carlton Hotel)</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> in</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> St Martin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s10" style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">- </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Alderney’s event is being held from 7:30pm on Thursday 26</span><span class="s11" style="line-height: 8.399999618530273px; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> January at the Island Hall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s10" style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">- </span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Sark’s</span><span class="s8" style="line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> event will take place at some point in February, with a date and venue to be confirmed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">All members of the public, media and politicians welcome.</span></div>
Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-17638142366676060632017-01-06T19:54:00.002+00:002017-01-07T16:50:23.834+00:00Our last hope for democratic change in 2018<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>P.133 - A small step forward for democracy in Jersey</u></span></b></div>
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<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT8rUHizudzdwV1PECmqEfBV_9wm5yfOlSdUy8paRFa4Xrws17F1tplaJzUiCwOTUXvnnKAa5a0bLsqGMW9my2Eg-95-XXd8EkhBoYo_FBbafpHn3piEh5y96dW2LFp3pHTa9VLIE7tQ1/s1600/Districts5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT8rUHizudzdwV1PECmqEfBV_9wm5yfOlSdUy8paRFa4Xrws17F1tplaJzUiCwOTUXvnnKAa5a0bLsqGMW9my2Eg-95-XXd8EkhBoYo_FBbafpHn3piEh5y96dW2LFp3pHTa9VLIE7tQ1/s640/Districts5.png" width="640"></a></div>
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Here are the facts:<br>
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- Jersey's electoral system is an undemocratic mess.<br>
- It needs to change.<br>
- So far every attempt to change it has been a disaster.<br>
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Following so far?<br><br>Our system is over-complicated, with three categories of elected MP, each elected in different constituency types but who do exactly the same job as MPs, with one doing an extra job of running a Parish. Our system is unfair in that different parts of the Island receive different levels of representation. Our system produces huge numbers of uncontested elections (17 out of 49 last time), many constituencies do not attract very high caliber candidates and election turnouts are some of the poorest in Europe.<br>
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Still following? I don't blame you if your eyes are glazing over already.<br><br>If you've been paying attention to Jersey politics for any reasonable length of time, you will be well familiar with all of this and probably be sick and tired of talking about it.<br>
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We are the victim of our circumstance. Our democratic system has evolved over hundreds of years without any real democratic revolution which has forced our constitution to be underpinned by clear principles of objective democracy, and it's proven so difficult to overhaul the system to one which actually works on behalf of the people of Jersey, rather than the people in government in Jersey.<br>
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It isn't rocket science to build a proper democratic system. You just need to make sure it complies with two basic principles -<br>
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1) The system must be simple and user-friendly so any citizen can easily engage with it if they choose to.<br>
2) The value of everyone's vote should be equal, so that the system is fair.<br>
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This isn't difficult. It isn't controversial. It certainly isn't radical. It's just basic democracy.<br>
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My policy is that Jersey should have one category of States Member, elected in equal sized constituencies where every voter has the same number of votes. Party politics would provide further accountability where people would see a direct connection between how they vote and what they get, plus it would provide a framework for ordinary Islanders to still be able to get involved in politics even if they don't aspire to stand for election.<br>
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That is what I believe in and what I will fight for.<br>
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But there is one thing getting in the way - <b>Reality</b>.<br>
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My preferred system just isn't going to happen any time soon. I wish it was imminent, but it's not and that is the sad fact of the matter. Anybody who does not start by accepting this clear fact is living in delusion.<br>
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For any proposal which changes how States Members are elected to be successfully implemented, it needs 25 States Members to vote for it in the Assembly. The number of us who will vote for equal votes and a simple system is probably in single digits.<br>
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The political reality is that my ideal system will not be implemented by this Assembly for the 2018 elections, and so if I want to see any improvements at all, I have to be prepared to support measures which, in my view, don't go far enough, but which represent at least a small bit of progress.<br>
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We have a choice. We can be pragmatic, accept the reality of the situation and work constructively to deliver improvements, or we can stay dogmatically tied to an idealistic ambition which stands no chance of being achieved. If you fall in the latter camp, you serve no positive purpose to politics and actually provide an unhelpful and counterproductive distraction.<br>
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Only one thing matters in Jersey politics - improving people's lives.<br>
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Politics isn't a game and it should not be a nice cosy club for those elected to stand on a soapbox and claim £800 a week for the privilege.<br>
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To waste time devoted to something which is not going to be achieved and which actually reduces the chances of more modest reforms being accepted, is a self-indulgence that I will not be involved in.<br>
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My last manifesto said - "We will
support any proposal which makes
our system fairer."<br>
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I have a duty to my electorate to obey that promise, and so I will vote for any proposal which makes our system fairer, even if it doesn't totally represent what I want in an ideal world.<br>
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<b>Why does our system need change?</b><br>
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<br>Nobody is satisfied with our system. When 70% of the public don’t vote, yet all polls show 70% of the public are dissatisfied and want change, it doesn’t take a genius to spot the correlation there.<br><br>With greater participation in our elections we would get better quality governments.<br><br>If elections are made tougher, only the highest calibre candidates will get elected and they will be forced to produce much more comprehensive manifestos with tangible objectives which they can be measured against at the next election.<br>
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To quote Spiderman's Uncle Ben - "<i>with great power comes great responsibility</i>". When the electorate begin to feel the direct consequences in society from how they voted at elections, they will treat their vote more carefully and be prepared to be far more pragmatic in their expectations and more willing to treat those in power with respect so long as they maintain their integrity, and that partnership between the people and the government will be far stronger and more constructive.</div>
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Basically, more democratic societies get better outcomes, especially in smaller jurisdictions where it's tougher to fund big projects.</div>
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<b>Why has it been so difficult to change is thus far?</b><br>
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Two words - <b>self interest.</b><br>
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Too many States Members over the past few decades have been prepared to implement a system that they can't be certain they'll still get elected in, or which could accidentally weaken the power of the right-wing establishment in Jersey.<br><br>Basically, they're scared that if we had a fairer voting system, they'd actually have to work harder to democratically defeat progressives at the ballot box, because when we stand on equal platforms, most Jersey people would actually find the progressives more convincing. Jersey is not as conservative a society as people often say it is. The establishment know this and know that unless they rig the system, there is a very real chance that they could lose power fairly quickly and then it will be down to the people of Jersey to determine who governs the Island.<br>
<br>We have a dodgy history of States Members spending days debating various hodgepodge propositions to alter the system, some representing small progress, some actually making things worse. Mainly just paying lipservice to the subject because they know they can't really keep a straight face and say "what are you talking about? The system we have works fine!"<br><br>In 2000 Sir Cecil Clothier headed a panel of locals and experts to make recommendations to reform the entire government system. The establishment of the day decided to implement all the recommendations which consolidated their power, but to ignore all of those that gave more power to the public.<br><br>In 2012 the States decided to set up an independent Electoral Commission to produce proposals for reform to be put to a referendum in 2013. At the last minute the States decided that the commission should not be independent and should actually be headed by States Members. It was hijacked by Senator Philip Bailhache who used it as a vehicle to propose the system he really wanted the whole time where more power would be concentrated in the areas the establishment do best and less in the urban and more progressive areas.<br><br>He proposed reducing the States to 42 members, with 30 Deputies elected in super-constituencies based on the Parishes, plus the 12 Parish Constables remaining as members. The effect of keeping the Constables meant that the conservative countryside remained hugely over-represented in the States. This system was non-compliant with the international guidelines on fair electoral systems (the Venice Commission).<br><br>A referendum was held and, by a very slim margin on a low turnout, what became known as “Option B” won, with that system being resoundly rejected in the parts of the Island which would suffer under that unfair system, but being outvoted by the countryside.<br><br>Then, amazingly, the States went on to reject the referendum result and refuse to implement it anyway! <br><br>
Proposals came forward to ask the public to vote in a referendum on election day in 2014 on proposals for one type of States Member distributed fairly across the Parishes. The proposal was wrecked by an amendment to turn it purely into a referendum on the Constables in the States.<br>
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Since that referendum I have worked on a sub-committee of the Privileges and Procedures Committee to see if there is a way forward for reform, to make positive changes, bearing in mind that referendum result and the desires of States Members.<br>
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There isn't.<br>
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Simple as that. Two years work and it has amounted to nothing because there just isn't a system that stands the faintest chance of being accepted by the States which could improve things.<br><br>There is no dishonour in admitting defeat when you've worked hard but circumstance is against you.<br>
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<b>What can we do now to achieve change?</b><br>
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There is one final chance. It's called <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyPropositions/2016/P.133-2016.pdf">P.133</a>.<br>
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Deputy Andrew Lewis has lodged a proposition to have the States redebate the winning "Option B" from the 2013 referendum, however with a small change to increase representation in St Helier to undo the unfairness which helped seal Option B's initial defeat.<br>
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The States would be made up of 44 members, including the 12 Parish Constables and 32 Senators elected in large districts with 5 members each, except the St Helier districts which would have 6 members.<br><br>Here is the breakdown -<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW6fshhwtIbbZxvZj2at5IMB8Uy7fHydWeAY67NamSukZ9vzTX-hyO9cn-oiLnqz4rif_I1NGB40i9hL8Pb0bLFMDeg2flbIdyK7ok4exKPWMkbIqpN6w0nq27ECgcn_USPtt_U-qAlWp/s1600/B%252B+districts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW6fshhwtIbbZxvZj2at5IMB8Uy7fHydWeAY67NamSukZ9vzTX-hyO9cn-oiLnqz4rif_I1NGB40i9hL8Pb0bLFMDeg2flbIdyK7ok4exKPWMkbIqpN6w0nq27ECgcn_USPtt_U-qAlWp/s640/B%252B+districts.png" width="506"></a></div>
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The map at the top of this blog post shows what the Island will look like.<br>
<br>
The addition of two extra members for St Helier is a significant improvement for voter equity in contrast to the original Option B which left St Helier underrepresented -<br><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQpyhkhzAPgWrZZUxUdNegWULRp5eLxscm66AorPJS-TsjQdQcLm-NPutRXVbwp5SPZSdZDqC2umpaxbOS0vUI40rI0yqCok3b5tDyCsAXipfAnWL8KJ2UGRscoU5vuVO8g40p2jgO_UX/s1600/chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQpyhkhzAPgWrZZUxUdNegWULRp5eLxscm66AorPJS-TsjQdQcLm-NPutRXVbwp5SPZSdZDqC2umpaxbOS0vUI40rI0yqCok3b5tDyCsAXipfAnWL8KJ2UGRscoU5vuVO8g40p2jgO_UX/s640/chart.png" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
Under the current electoral system, St Helier represents just 22% of the Assembly despite making up 34% of the population. Under this Option B+ system, St Helier will make up 30% of the Assembly. That is significant progress.<br>
<br>
The proposal is still not compliant with the Venice Commission, but it is more proportionate than the current system.<br>
<br>
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<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td nowrap="" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>District<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Population<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Senators<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Constables<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Residents per S + C<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Deviation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Brelade + St Peter<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
16,035<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2290.714286<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
-2%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Ouen + St Mary + St John + St
Lawrence<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
14,610<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1623.333333<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
-30%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Helier North<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
18,070<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
0.523904787<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2769.813569<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
19%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Helier South<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
16,421<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
0.476095213<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2535.632887<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
9%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Saviour + Trinity<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
17,223<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2460.428571<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.95pt;" valign="bottom" width="73">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.85pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="bottom" width="141">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Clement + Grouville + St Martin<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 60.85pt;" valign="bottom" width="81">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
18,439<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 54.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="72">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 69.35pt;" valign="bottom" width="92">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.85pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 102.65pt;" valign="bottom" width="137">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2304.875<o:p></o:p></div>
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-1%<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Total<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>32<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>12<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>2330.799608<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Total members<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>44<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Let me be clear - this proposition does not represent what I want in an ideal world.<br><br>If I wanted this proposition to be perfect, I would remove the 12 Constables and have every district elect 7 Senators. That would provide complete equality.<br>
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But here are it's virtues -<br>
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- It provides more proportionate representation than the current system<br><br>- It is far simpler than the current system, with 32 members elected equally and 12 in Parishes, rather than 3 types of member, only 8 elected equally.<br>
<br>- It reduces the number of States Members, with the countryside taking most of this burden.<br>
<br>- It gives voters a much more equal number of votes, either 6 or 7, rather than the current system where some have one vote for Deputy, some with 4.<br>
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- It will require all candidates to knock on doors if they want to get elected and reduce their reliance on the mainstream media.<br>
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- The 32 active members will be elected in tough elections on an equal basis, so will each have a mandate for their policies.<br>
<br>- It broadly reflects the result of the 2013 referendum, with a nice concession to those who voted against it, and might restore a bit of faith in politicians for listening second time round.<br>
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But most importantly - it actually stands a chance of winning in the States.<br>
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Many sitting States Members campaigned and voted for Option B in 2013 and voted for it when it came to the States. Many Option A campaigners were against it then, but are now of the view that this slight alteration does represent progress and could be tolerated. If any proposition stands a chance of succeeding, it is <b>only</b> this one. No other one will and successful amendments will weaken it's viability.<br>
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I also believe that the exercise of overhauling the electoral system once will show the public that there is nothing to be feared from change and will make us all more tolerant to the idea of the electoral system not being set in stone and subject to regular review. I believe that soon enough there would be a successful proposal to move to one type of member in equal constituencies, with a majority of States Members prepared to accept it.<br>
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I promised I would vote for progress. This is progress. I have to vote for it.<br>
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I want much more and will not settle for this as a final solution. But if it's a choice of no progress, or this small step in the right direction, the answer is obvious. Progress must prevail.<br>
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This is exciting and we should be prepared to grasp the opportunity with both hands. If we don't, we face going into the 2018 election with the same system and the same inevitable outcome. That is not acceptable.<br>
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Please lobby your States Members to vote for progress and support P.133.</div>
Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-58451021580741185122016-11-23T20:38:00.002+00:002016-11-23T20:38:41.096+00:00Kit Ashton on Climate change, Trump and bigotry - a guest post<br />I'm delighted to publish for the record the recent letter to the paper written by local democracy and Jèrriais campaigner Kit Ashton.<br /><br />He tackles climate change, Donald Trump and Jersey-based racism, and what progressives need to do to respond.<div>
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We'll be discussing some of these subjects at our next 'Pint and Politics' event upstairs at the Green Rooster at 8pm on 9th December. Come join us for a discussion on the "Trump Effect" and how progressives should respond. We'll have guest speakers and live music. The last event was really good fun so hopefully this one will be even better!<br /><div>
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<br />____________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><br />Dear Editor<br /><br />I write regarding Bram Wanrooij’s perceptive column on the election of Donald Trump and the rise of the populist far right.<br /><br />Mr. Wanrooij makes some excellent points, and the questions he raises are now paramount not just for abstract debate – but – and I mean this with no intention of alarmism – for the continuing existence of humanity as we know it.<br /><br />Beyond Trump’s arrogant, bullying manner; beyond his ignorant, fascist, nepotistic, and (partly) anti-Semitic cabinet; beyond his disgusting approval of racism, misogyny, torture, murdering the families of whoever he decides is a terrorist, pre-emptive nuclear strikes, and authoritarian autocracy; there is one policy position that should strike dread in every citizen of Earth: his stance on climate change.<br /><br />On the same day Trump was elected, the World Meteorological Organization delivered its latest report, which reconfirmed the urgency for action: climate change is happening, it’s devastating, and humans are responsible. The evidence (if you’re a person who will actually weigh up evidence) is compelling.<br /><br />Yet Trump is planning to defy 97% of peer-reviewed climate scientists, billions of global citizens, and the painstaking agreement of nearly 200 nation states, by tearing up the Paris Agreement, which may have mitigated the worst effects of environmental chaos. This is very bad news indeed.<br /><br />So what can we do in little old Jersey?<br /><br />First, I believe we should get our own house in order – Jersey’s slow progress on our carbon footprint, our dependence on petrol cars, indulgent lifestyles, over-population, and our woeful food security must be addressed. This mean us all mucking in.<br /><br />Second, we can pressure our politicians to act - and to influence Trump’s position where possible.<br /><br />Third, we need a cohesive community response, public debate, and a positive alternative to the politics of hate, division, and of course climate denial. This has already begun - with Jersey in Transition, Reform Jersey, and other helpful groups.<br /><br />Finally, the good people of Jersey must remember our history and not shrink back from confronting and calling out the far-right for what it is. Trump’s bigoted allies and supporters are amongst us, though they mostly hide in euphemistic language.<br /><br />Indeed, judging by his consistent, cringeworthy endorsement of all things Trump on social media, one such person even writes a column for the JEP… I’ll give readers a clue: he’s not from Jersey, he’s got a few quid, and his name is not Bram Wanrooij.</div>
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Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-68015308168462265682016-11-01T17:52:00.002+00:002016-11-01T17:52:38.032+00:00A Day in the Life of Deputy Sam Mézec - Town Crier<div>
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This month's edition of the St Helier Parish magazine, the Town Crier, features an article about what I get up to on the job!<br /><br />It's available in outlets across town, but here's a copy for those who miss it.</div>
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<br /><br />So what is a typical day in the life of a States Member actually like? Well, the short answer is that there is no such thing!<br /><br />I guess that is partly why I enjoy being a Deputy, because there is always a new challenge on the horizon or a new controversy brewing which must be dealt with, which keeps the job exciting and keeps me motivated.<br /><br />But the one thing which is the same for me every day is that I get to start the morning by walking through the heart of St Helier No. 2 where I live, through the Millennium Park and get to stop and chat to constituents, often friendly words of support but also keeping me up to date on the local issues in the area.<br /><br />The park is always packed with people enjoying the open space, playing football or taking their kids to the playground. I will continue to put pressure on the Council of Ministers to keep their promise to improve life in St Helier by purchasing the Gas Works site so we can extend the park and provide more open space in the most densely populated part of town.<br /><br />The most important duty of a States Member is to attend debates in the States Assembly and represent our constituents. I think I’m a very active States Member in the chamber. I regularly bring propositions to try to achieve my manifesto pledges and ask more questions than most other States Members put together to hold the government to account. I think the majority of people in St Helier are dissatisfied with how the Council of Ministers is letting our Island down, so I try to give a voice to those people who want to see the government of Jersey deliver something much better than we are currently getting.<br /><br />Sometimes it can feel like banging your head against a brick wall, but I feel optimistic that one day in the future we will have a proper States Assembly which will genuinely work in the interests of ordinary Islanders!<br /><br />On a day when the States is not sitting, I’ll probably be out and about in town scurrying between different States departments trying to help people who are having difficulties, or working with the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel of which I’m a member.<br /><br />I meet several times a week with my colleagues in Reform Jersey, Deputies Geoff Southern and Montfort Tadier. We work very closely together and I think we’re a great team and are much more effective than we would otherwise be if we were independent members.<br /><br />Politics is serious business and it can easily grind you down if you don’t make sure you keep enough time free to enjoy yourself. So even though this job dominates my life (and I’m not complaining!) I keep sane by playing guitar in a band and spending time with my friends and family.Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-54092141407171340162016-10-17T19:26:00.001+01:002016-10-17T19:26:12.239+01:00My submission to the States Members Remuneration Beyond 2018 review<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>DEPUTY SAM MÉZEC – CHAIRMAN OF REFORM JERSEY</b></div>
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<b>SUBMISSION TO THE ‘STATES MEMBERS REMUNERATION BEYOND 2018’ REVIEW</b></div>
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<b>17TH OCTOBER 2016</b></div>
</b><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Dear Mr. J. Mills CBE and SMRRB Members,<br /><br /> <br /><br />The topic of the level of remuneration which Jersey’s elected politicians receive is one which usually provokes emotive and strongly held views on all sides of the debate. As a sitting States Member (and one who hopes to continue beyond 2018) I have a direct financial interest in what the basic rate of pay is. I have been careful at election hustings and in media interviews to steer clear of that particular element of the remuneration debate which I have stated should not be a matter for politicians, and so in this submission I wish to make no recommendations on that particular element of this consultation.<br /><br />However, I will say that I believe the decision taken by the SMRRB in recent years to avoid recommending pay increases during an electoral term has been an eminently sensible decision which I hope over time will be appreciated by the public, as many people I speak to appear to be unaware of this decision and believe that the previous arrangement of pay rises every year is still in place.<br /><br />Instead I wish to focus on the arguments surrounding the pay structure and, specifically, differential pay.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Starting principles</b><br /><br />The SMRRB has in its terms of reference the inclusion of two points of principle which I wholeheartedly agree with. Namely that the rate of pay should be at a level which allows the broadest possible spectrum of persons to be able to serve as States Members and sustain a decent standard of living, along with the important consideration of the current fiscal climate and public finances.<br /><br />However, I am strongly of the view that a fundamental consideration in determining the pay structure for members of Jersey’s parliament should be that the structure should complement a system designed to uphold basic principles of democracy.<br /><br />That may sound a bit vacuous or clichéd, but I will try to find a coherent way to explain what I mean.<br /><br />Serving as a member of a parliament is a privilege and a huge responsibility, and it is one which is only temporary so long as our constituents continue to have faith in us to represent them. It is essential that those in that position be people who are held to an incredibly high standard with regards to their behaviour and performance in that role.<br /><br />The States Members’ Code of Conduct states that members must observe the following principles of conduct whilst in office – Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. (Otherwise known as the ‘Nolan Principles of Public Life’)<br /><br />Whatever our pay structure may be, it must not be one which could inadvertently lead to situations where there is a financial incentive to disobey these principles.<br /><br />Members must always be able to act according to those principles without any consideration of what that could mean for their personal finances.<br /><br />Whilst it is true to say that most people involved in politics in Jersey are in it for the right reasons and act with integrity throughout their political careers, it is a fact that corruption exists in political systems around the world and we must be vigilant to ensure that it is not allowed to creep into our own system by taking a complacent approach to these issues.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Non-remuneration related factors to consider</b><br /><br />It must be said that there are a whole host of factors which affect people’s decision on whether to stand for election or not, or whether or not to seek ministerial office, which have nothing to do with how they will be remunerated for it. In fact, in many cases the remuneration is actually a very unimportant consideration to them.<br /><br />The most significant of these factors is that Jersey lacks a proper party political system which would otherwise offer support and training for prospective candidates, as well as a selection process which aims to target every constituency for a contested election.<br /><br />In other jurisdictions, established political parties contest power through elections and this gives their entire process a completely different dynamic to what we have in Jersey.<br /><br />Here, somebody who wants to serve their community but who has no idea how the practical side of elections work has a mountain to climb before they can be considered a viable candidate. This can be daunting and I am certain will put off a lot of people from putting their name forward for election. A party system would provide the infrastructure to enable more people to get into electoral politics and stand for election.<br /><br />Another factor is that we have a broken electoral system.<br /><br />The mechanism by which our States Members are elected is overcomplicated, gerrymandered and has a propensity to lead to uncontested elections. People are less likely to challenge a sitting States Member if they are perceived to have a ‘safe seat’. It also leads to ‘carpet bagging’ i.e. candidates chasing the seats they are mostly likely to get elected in so they can pursue their political agenda, rather than stand in a place they know well and have a connection to.<br /><br />The final factor is that the level of support provided for States Members varies on what category of member you are or what office you hold.<br /><br />An ordinary backbencher has no dedicated office facilities, no support staff and no researchers. They have to do it all themselves. Ministers have personal assistants and Chief Executives for their departments and the Constables have their office and staff at their Parish Halls.<br /><br />These are three serious factors which have a huge impact on who ends up standing for election and how Ministerial roles end up filled. The salary structure can never rectify the problems caused by these deficiencies and so the SMRRB should not attempt to mitigate those failings by just proposing pay increases as a solution.<br /><br />Of course these factors do not fall within your terms of reference to make recommendations on, but I do not think it would be wrong to at least make a passing comment on the effect these issues have on our political process and how it makes your job more difficult.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Differential Pay</b><br /><br />It is certainly true to say that our States Assembly is unusual in contrast to most parliaments around the world in that all elected members receive exactly the same remuneration, irrespective of what other offices they hold. But then we are an unusual Island!<br /><br />There is a logical argument that says that salary rates should reflect the level of responsibility somebody has, as is common in many other professions. However, the peculiarities of our democratic system must be taken into account and the other factors which will affect how those in positions of responsibility act should be considered.<br /><br />A rate of pay which reflects the level of responsibility a member has will not necessarily reflect how hard that member actually works.<br /><br />As I said previously, backbenchers do not have any administrative support whereas Ministers do, which can make their job less onerous. It is also the case that some departments do not involve as much work as others. The clear example here is the Housing Minister who no longer actually has a department to run as it has been incorporated into Andium Homes Ltd. Is it fair to pay the Housing Minister more than a hardworking backbencher and the same as, for example, the Health Minister?<br /><br />The point must also be made that if this were implemented in the current Assembly, the people who would see the biggest increases in pay are those members who are actually already the wealthiest, whereas those who would see the biggest drop are those who are of the most modest means.<br /><br />Another argument that is often made is that differential pay rates (i.e. a higher pay rate for Ministers) would encourage more high calibre candidates to come forward for those positions.<br /><br />I believe this is a flawed argument because it does not take into account that a person standing for election as an independent candidate has no way of being sure that they will end up becoming a Minister once elected.<br /><br />The only way that a candidate could know that if they were elected they would be appointed as a Minister (and get the pay rise that comes with it) is if they forged a deal behind the scenes before an election with the person most likely to become Chief Minister in return for mutual support. Otherwise they would run the risk of standing for election, being isolated from the Council of Ministers for not sharing their plans for government (despite their personal credentials) and then have to spend 4 years in office on a lower rate of pay than they anticipated, or resign and cause a by-election.<br /><br />This would encourage a quasi-party system to exist only behind the scenes and not included on the ballot paper for voters to judge. This cannot be conducive to having an open and honest political system where political alliances are open and known by voters.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>“Legalised Bribery”</b><br /><br />I think that the strongest argument against differential pay has come about since October 2014 when changes to the States of Jersey Law 2005 came into force which introduced the doctrine of ‘collective responsibility’ to our system and gave the Chief Minister the power to fire Ministers.<br /><br />If Ministers were entitled to a higher rate of pay, the Chief Minister would not only have the power to dismiss someone from Ministerial office, but would also therefore have the power to cut their pay.<br /><br />This could very easily be used as a political tool to discourage Ministers from speaking their minds when they believe other Ministers are making mistakes. <br /><br />If members are elected as ‘independent’ candidates, then it is wrong to provide a framework to allow the Chief Minister to essentially be able to bribe them into doing what he wants.<br /><br />Many States Members are not independently wealthy and rely solely on their States Members salary to provide for their families. If one of these members were a Minister who received a higher rate of pay and had a difficult family circumstance where they might have to spend a lot of their income on professional care for a relative, or perhaps they had multiple children who were struggling with the cost of higher education, that extra supplementation to their salary would be an incredibly difficult thing to lose over a point of political principle and they would have a clear financial incentive to put their integrity aside so they could continue in office and receive the extra income.<br /><br />In previous States debates and media interviews I have described this concept as “legalised bribery”. <br /><br />I accept this could be seen as an extreme way to describe this situation, but I consider it to be so incredibly dangerous for our democracy that it must be treated very seriously.<br /><br />Having served as a States Member for two and a half years, both before and after collective responsibility was introduced, I have seen first-hand how the Council of Ministers works and know that it is not a slick operation and that there are Ministers who are incredibly calculating and would know full well that this could be a tool that could be abused to serve the political agendas of the most senior Ministers.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Fiscal climate and public finances</b><br /><br />Lastly, and briefly, it must be said that it is insensitive to propose pay rises for Ministers who have spent the best part of two years cutting public services and support for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society.<br /><br />To make the case that a Minister (like the Social Security Minister), who has just cut £600 a year in support for disabled Islanders, should get a pay rise because the job entails a lot of responsibility will not be an argument that will go down well with the public.<br /><br />Most Islanders are finding it increasingly hard to get by. The bottom quintile of earners in the Island have seen the value of their incomes reduced by 17% over the past five years.<br /><br />This is quite possibly the worst time in the history of the SMRRB to contemplate a pay rise for those Ministers.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Q1: Do you agree that the Chief Minister should receive a supplement above the salary for a States member?</b><br /><br />For the reasons I have stated, I do not believe that this should actively be pursued now.<br /><br />I will however concede that the arguments that apply for how the supplements could be used as a form of bribery for Ministers do not apply for the Chief Minister.<br /><br />As this is a role which is only accountable to the entire States Assembly and cannot be summarily dismissed by one member, it is clear that a pay increase will not have a potential impact on that individual’s attitude towards the job.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Q2: Do you agree with our proposal that the supplement for the role of Chief Minister should initially be set at 15% of States members’ salary (which at the current salary level would be £7,000)?</b><br /><br />I see no logic why that particular figure should be used instead of any other.<br /><br />I am also concerned by the use of the word “initially”. How long would it remain at that rate and would this be a slippery slope?<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Q3: Do you agree with our proposal that in principle differentiation should apply to ministers and chairmen of scrutiny panels once the economic climate has improved?</b><br /><br />No and I believe that this would be incredibly damaging for our democracy, for the reasons I have stated.<br /><br />The economic climate has little to do with it. There may well be a case for differential pay when Jersey has a reformed electoral system and party politics, but whilst we retain so many deficiencies in our democratic system, this can only serve to make things worse.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Q4: Should States members’ salary (£46,600) be held level during the 2018-22 period?</b><br /><br />I make no comments on this question, for the reasons stated at the beginning of my submission.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read my submission. I would be happy to make myself available to discuss any subsequent issues you may wish to explore in person.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Kind regards,<br /><b> Sam Mézec</b><br /> Deputy for St Helier No. 2<br /> Chairman of Reform JerseySenator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-12780943156476150262016-09-12T19:58:00.005+01:002016-09-12T19:58:47.248+01:00My Election Reflection<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, what an interesting month that was.<br />
<br />
<br />
Firstly, let me thank the 3,518 people who came out to vote for me last Wednesday.<br />
<br />
To have received such a huge amount of support from people of all walks of life across the whole Island and to have come so close to winning is a huge honour and I think is a demonstration of how badly the Council of Ministers has lost the public's support and how many people across the Island are now treating Reform Jersey as a legitimate player in Jersey politics who they trust more and more as time goes by.<br />
<br />
I congratulate Sarah Ferguson on her victory and look forward to working with her on the policy areas which we share, including stopping the introduction of stealth taxes. Reform Jersey has propositions down to both stop the stealth taxes and, if those are unsuccessful, to ensure the rates are progressive and the burden is spread fairly to high earners, rather than purely squeezing Middle Jersey.<br />
<br />
The bookies initially had me down to come 4th or 5th. They also had me down to lose in St Helier. I wish I'd stuck my life savings down on that bet...<br />
<br />
We defied the odds in this election, have proven that Reform Jersey is here to stay and have laid excellent foundations down for the election in 2018.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some important stats to note:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I almost doubled Reform Jersey's share of the vote since the last election (if we obtained the same share of the vote in a general election we would win 14 seats).<br /></li>
<li>I increased our share of the vote in every Parish, up by 14% in St Helier, St Saviour, St Clement and St Peter.<br /></li>
<li>I won a landslide in St Helier and also won St Saviour, the two biggest Parishes with a combined population of almost half of the Island.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
But some anecdotal evidence is more important to bear in mind too.<br />
<br />
From my experience, I spoke to hundreds of people who were voting for the first time ever because they were inspired by our campaign. This was not just young people, but many people who had lived here for decades and just never bothered before, despite being very aware of the big issues of the day and disliking how the government was handling things.<br />
<br />
What caught them was that we made the effort to reach out to them, particularly on social media, and had a message that struck a chord. That message was simple - the States of Jersey doesn't work for you, but we think it should and we'll do our best to see that things get fairer.<br />
<br />
People believe in that message. The old tricks that used to be thrown at us ("they're far-left, anti-finance, dangerous and evil" nonsense) don't wash any more because those hurling those stones thankfully live in glass houses.<br />
<br />
Believing that the tax burden should be spread fairly, believing that government should get good value for money and believing in a population policy that works for people who are already in Jersey is not far-left, it's mainstream.<br />
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We also produced a leaflet in Portuguese which we went into their cafes, food festival and Church to hand out.<br />
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The reason that progressives have historically not done as well in elections as they should have done is because the people who would benefit most from their policies tend not to vote. But in this election we managed to get many of them out. That will be the key to our success in future is to keep these people inspired and mobilise them to become regular voters.<br />
<br />
But the second part of that is to convert people who always vote, but would not usually vote for people like us.<br />
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In this election I had the opportunity to go round to the country Parishes and meet and speak to people who have only ever heard of us through unsympathetic forums like the JEP or word of mouth from Council of Ministers acolytes.<br />
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When they heard the word from the horses mouth instead, they realised that we are not the extremists some have tried to portray us as, and that we actually have a lot of positive things to contribute. The hustings were a useful platform to get this message across and I spoke to swathes of people who left impressed by our message. I came second in Grouville and St Ouen, two historically very conservative Parishes, which shocked many people.<br />
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<b>Practical Recommendations for the Future</b><br />
<br />
There are however some very important lessons to learn from this election based on some of the negative experiences.<br />
<br />
The first and most pressing is how bloody awkward voting can be.<br />
<br />
It is absolutely absurd in the 21st Century that you can't register to vote online. The amount of people I encountered who wanted to vote for us but couldn't because they weren't registered and had missed the deadline made this very frustrating.<br /><br />Guernsey has online registration. It's not difficult. Just get on with it. Bureaucracy should not get in the way of people taking part in democracy.<br />
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There is also no reason why the current arrangement with polling stations continues to exist.<br />
<br />
The technology exists and we have more than enough skilled computer software programmers resident in the Island who could write the software in a matter of weeks to create a system where electoral roll information is shared in real-time with all polling stations so that voters could vote at any station which is most convenient for them, without the capacity to then walk to another station and attempt to vote again. Again, just get on with it.<br />
<br />
Also, many polling stations are not in convenient locations. Having one polling station per constituency in an arbitrary location is nonsensical.<br />
<br />
Take St Clement as an example. Their polling station is at the Parish Hall which is at the wrong end of the Parish. Most people won't pass it on their way to and from work or dropping the kids off at school. If it were at Samarez School or the Good Companion's Club, you'd get hundreds more people there voting.<br />
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Another example, voters in Hue Court live closer to the Town Hall than almost everybody who lives in St Helier No. 1 district, yet they are technically in St Helier No. 2 district, so have to go to vote at Springfield Stadium instead.<br />
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I suggest we open more polling stations in more convenient locations where voters can vote, regardless of where they live.<br />
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Schools are perfect because many people are going to them anyway.<br />
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Finally, I fully support online voting being introduced. I am assured by those in the know that it is not as simple as the other recommendations I have made and will take more time to implement and (crucially) test so will not be implemented for the next election.<br />
<br />
That is a shame, but I'll do what I can to keep up the pressure so it is in place as soon as possible.<br />
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<b>Where now for Jersey democracy?</b><br />
<br />
There has been much talk of the way that "no-hopers" detracted from the process and left the public unable to delve further into the politics of the candidates who actually stood a chance of winning.<br />
<br />
I agree with this to some extent.<br />
<br />
I stood in this election because I believed I stood a chance of winning. Some candidates stood despite knowing they stood no chance of winning at all, but they just like the sound of their own voices. One candidate even included the fact he was going to lose the election in his press release announcing he was standing as a candidate (I'm not making that up).<br />
<br />
If you are standing for any reason other than to win and try to make Jersey a better place for it's people, then you're not standing for the right reasons and should not be there.<br />
<br />
Some have proposed election deposits as a way of fixing this.<br />
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It may well help for some elections, but for others it will make things much worse.<br />
<br />
We have Senatorial elections which are over-contested and Constables and sometimes Deputies elections which are often uncontested or at least under-contested.<br />
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As it stands, election deposits would simply discourage poorer, but just as credible, candidates from standing and potentially increase our already unacceptable levels of uncontested elections.<br />
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There are two better ways to resolve this -<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Party politics.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Party candidates make the best candidates.<br />
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It is no coincidence that the three candidates who did best in this election were the ones who had the best organised teams behind them. Those who did the worst were the ones who tried to do it all themselves with little funding and barely any volunteers.<br />
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We already have covert party politics. Once it is officially out in the open it will be clear what candidates stand for, whose club they are in and where they'll sit on the big issues if elected.<br /><br />This will naturally put off no-hopers, or they'll instead join parties which will give them training and experience which will one day help make them a credible candidate.<br />
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2. A fair electoral system.<br />
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Our electoral system is too complicated and it puts people off voting. But it also forces candidates to think more about where they stand and stops them challenging what they perceive as "safe seats" and instead go for other seats which end up over-contested.<br />
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Guernsey has one type of elected member in equal sized multi-member constituencies. They had no uncontested elections last time and all voters had a healthy, yet not overbearing, choice of candidates.<br />
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But unlike Guernsey, the reform of our electoral system should include moving to the Alternative Vote and Single Transferable Vote systems, where voters rank their candidates in order of preference to ensure that the most popular candidate gets elected.<br />
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It is wrong that Sarah Ferguson could get elected with 70% of voters having chosen someone else (and I'd still say that if it was me who had won).<br />
<br />
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We need to professionalise our democratic system if we want to see higher standards in it.<br />
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All other suggestions either hark back to some nostalgic past which never really existed, or seek to push a square peg through a round hole. It's not rocket science. A fair electoral system and party politics will improve our elections.<br />
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<b>A call to all progressives</b><br />
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If there is one thing that comes out of this election, I hope it is a recognition that Reform Jersey is the best vehicle by which progressives can play a positive role in Jersey politics.<br />
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Others who stood on an independent progressive platform did appallingly and only helped to contribute to somebody who holds some very regressive views being elected.<br />
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In future they are far better off working with Reform Jersey rather than attempting to be a lone voice. The people of Jersey do not benefit from politics being led by egos. Teamwork is the only thing which will see the changes made to improve their lives. Those on the progressive wing of the political spectrum should recognise this and come on-board with us so that we can work together to deliver this change.<br />
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Since the by-election our membership has shot up. We will have candidates in more constituencies next time round and will certainly make gains. We are an open club and people are allowed to join it if they share our values. We aren't a sect and we certainly aren't tribal.<br />
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The public don't need here-today gone-tomorrow politicians. They need a movement with the strength to persevere for years to make their lives better. If you claim to be a progressive but won't work with that movement, then you're part of the problem.<br />
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For me, of course I will be a candidate in the next election. For what office is now up for discussion. I'd appreciate any comments my supporters may have on that question!<br />
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<br />
Thank you to:<br />
<br />
- My dad for all the hard work he put in with posters, leafleting and chauffeuring.<br />
- My mum, sisters, grandad, and all other relatives for all their support.<br />
- Deputies Montfort Tadier and Geoff Southern for working their backsides off to help run my campaign and giving up a huge amount of their time.<br />
- All of my volunteers, friends and supporters who helped prepare and put up posters, leafleted, canvassed on the doorstep etc.<br />
- My designer for producing my posters and leaflets (I've always thought he does a smashing job).<br />
- Unite the Union and the Communication Workers Union for their endorsements and support.<br />
- Kit Ashton for his fantastic election videos he produced. Mèrcie bein des fais!<br />
- All of those who volunteered on election day to make the process run smoothly.<br />
- The staff at the States Greffe who did a brilliant job with vote.je<br />
- The other candidates for what was generally a very clean campaign.<br />
- Everyone who voted for me!Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-13829680245714381272016-08-10T13:26:00.001+01:002016-08-10T13:30:52.132+01:00John McNichol - Proposing me for Senator<br />
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I'm here to nominate Sam Mézec of Reform Jersey for the candidacy of Senator.<br />
<br />
Well here we are. A mid term by- election has been thrust upon us, and now gives us a golden opportunity to deliver a verdict on the government of our island.<br />
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And what a damning verdict we can now deliver. <br />
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Let's make no bones about it ladies and gentlemen. The public of this Island have been taken for a ride.<br />
<br />
Ministers stood at the last election, in the full knowledge of the impending fiscal deficit that was looming over us, a deficit of their own making. <br />
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Did anyone of them have the honesty or integrity to stand up at the time and warn us? <br />
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No. <br />
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Not one of them.<br />
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We were duped. <br />
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Duped into believing everything was fine, our finances were the envy of the world. <br />
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Turns out the truth is a whole other ball game. <br />
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<br />
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We are now facing tax rises, health charges, swingeing cuts to our public services, vicious cuts in support for the sick and vulnerable, and wholesale job losses and privatisations.<br />
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The medium term financial plan is a veritable smorgasbord of pain for the average Islander, while the wealthy are once again given preferential dispensation and exemption.<br />
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Its time for a change.<br />
<br />
A real transformative change.<br />
<br />
And there is literally only one choice that can deliver that transformation. <br />
<br />
Sam Mézec and Reform Jersey. <br />
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Anything else will send a clear message that its business as usual, and the last thing this Island needs now is business as usual.<br />
<br />
Sam Mézec represents the future, his track record speaks for itself.<br />
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He has consistently opposed the regressive policies of this Council of Ministers, taking them on and calling them out at every opportunity.<br />
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His live debates with ministers have been brilliant examples of how to deconstruct official narratives and expose them for what they really are. <br />
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We need Sam Mézec and Reform more than ever. <br />
<br />
We need somebody to win who is clearly standing on a platform of opposing the regressive policies of this Council of Ministers, who has a proven track record of standing up to them and who also has a proven ability to work with others to achieve positive changes.<br />
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Sam and his Reform colleagues have been tireless campaigners for the voiceless and the vulnerable.<br />
<br />
They have brought proposition after proposition to the assembly to attempt to hold ministers in check. <br />
<br />
For example:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Equal marriage</li>
<li>Nursery funding</li>
<li>Free bus passes for the disabled</li>
<li>Minimum housing standards</li>
<li>Stopping lower minimum wage for the under 25s</li>
<li>Online voting.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
We need to send a clear, unequivocal message to the government - they must change direction.<br />
<br />
Sam Mezec will deliver that message.<br />
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We reject the Medium Term Financial Plan<br />
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Reform will lodge amendments and a vote for Sam is a vote to endorse those amendments. <br />
<br />
Sam Mézec will stand in the assembly and say the public have given him a mandate to reject their plan.<br />
<br />
He will pledge to <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Stop the stealth taxes</li>
<li>End the civil service gravy train and golf jollies</li>
<li>Protect vital front-line public services that so many rely on</li>
<li>Reconfigure our tax model into a more progressive one that actually delivers for all Islanders and not just those at the top.</li>
<li>And to deliver meaningful electoral reform that produces real democracy.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the most out of touch and unaccountable government Jersey has had in decades.<br />
<br />
We need a government that works in the interests of our whole community, not just those at the top. <br />
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Electing Sam Mézec as a Senator would be just the political earthquake this Island needs and would force the States of Jersey to change the way they do politics.<br />
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<br />Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-63192241041995869292016-07-30T10:48:00.001+01:002016-07-30T10:48:47.064+01:00Please vote Sam Mézec for Senator - 7th September<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NLkIZR3lNLjVYp5czGrLCo0I5hyphenhyphencI59-7xB4tWbYGdN92GUMJl4GOnN8lKtiaa5PqUMYnago3mpLP2fxk8x3f68xKBlJ4mp-8Idm8WJxtru0lVRWZzWATj_H2rEEnJwj00htx2Fi22Mr/s640/blogger-image--1537605142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NLkIZR3lNLjVYp5czGrLCo0I5hyphenhyphencI59-7xB4tWbYGdN92GUMJl4GOnN8lKtiaa5PqUMYnago3mpLP2fxk8x3f68xKBlJ4mp-8Idm8WJxtru0lVRWZzWATj_H2rEEnJwj00htx2Fi22Mr/s640/blogger-image--1537605142.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm running for election as Senator in the by-election on the 7th September!</span></div><div><br></div><div>I have proudly represented the people of St Helier No. 2 as their Deputy for two and a half years. In that time I've worked hard to put their interests at the forefront of everything I do in politics and I have kept to every single one of my manifesto pledges.</div><div><br></div><div>But now I want to stand before the electorate of the whole Island to get a mandate for an alternative vision to the one being pursued by the Ian Gorst-led government.</div><div><br></div><div>The Council of Ministers has cut support for the poorest and most vulnerable Islanders, seen poverty drastically increase and is now proposing introducing stealth taxes which nobody voted for.</div><div><br></div><div>I want to make this election a chance for voters to cast a verdict on the Council of Ministers.</div><div><br></div><div>Only a vote for me is a vote for change which will send a strong message to the government that they must change direction.</div><div><br></div><div>No matter where you live in the Island, you will be able to vote on 7th September. I hope you'll consider voting for me as your Reform Jersey candidate!</div>Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111456314243683939.post-55359898942168329452016-07-04T22:33:00.004+01:002016-07-04T22:33:53.610+01:00Public meeting against the cuts - 06/07/2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/">Voice for Children</a> for filming this interview.</div>
Senator Sam Mézechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04072393815446147249noreply@blogger.com26