CONCERN over the island’s future finances was the underlying theme at the first of two hustings meetings for the West District.
Candidates were asked whether they thought a goods and services tax was inevitable and how the cost of overspends on capital building projects would be met.
All 200 seats at La Houguette Primary School were taken for last evening’s meeting, which was chaired by former States member Advocate Roger Perrot. Nara Le Noury was the only absentee among the 12 candidates.
Richard Heaume’s question on whether candidates were in favour of paid parking drew predictable responses, with those who said they were against it being applauded.
Henry McKane asked candidates to disclose whether or not they were Freemasons. Advocate Perrot said he was one and proud of it.
He saw it as no different from belonging to Rotary, the 41 Club or a church society.
He had said the question was a personal one which he would not allow.
When his decision was challenged from the floor, he allowed it to be answered but said further personal questions would not be permitted.
When a woman asked if the candidates were in favour of moving to Central European Time, Advocate Perrot said he would ask for a show of hands from the floor just for fun. It showed that a large majority were opposed.
Candidates were also asked if they would support a mass-burn incinerator to deal with the island’s waste and whether they thought the population would need to be increased to meet the new tax strategy’s economic growth targets. Both met with varied responses.
The meeting lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours.
Article posted on 3rd April, 2008 - 2.29pm
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