This Is Guernsey

Michael Hadley

As a community pharmacist I became involved in local politics, serving as a district councillor and Mayor. I served on a Health Authority and the West Midland Regional Advisory Committee for Health Promotion.

I founded a successful software company and have also owned an interior design shop, restaurant and hotel.

When a suitable job became available for my wife, a Guernsey girl and hospital doctor, we moved back to the Island with our children.

We need to continue to invest adequately in health, education, social services and the infrastructure, while protecting the environment locally and globally.

As a self-employed businessman, I know we must not have large increases in taxation on businesses or individuals. It is important not to damage the finance industry, but both Jersey and the Isle of Man tax businesses to a greater extent without any sign of them leaving. The balance is wrong at the moment and we must review the requirements for, and sources of, taxation.

We cannot put all our eggs in one financial basket. Decisions made in the UK and EU could affect the financial industry overnight. More efforts should be made to help other sectors of the economy e.g. local growers, which would improve self-sufficiency, benefit the environment and remove the eyesore of derelict glass-houses.

Recent storms may require us to spend millions of pounds, warning us of the damage that could be caused by rising sea levels. It is irresponsible to consider using the contingency fund, instead of raising money by taxation.

Guernsey is a unique and special place. The next four years will be crucial in deciding if it remains so. Decisions regarding the environment and development of the Island must concentrate not just on the future but also on preserving the very best of the past.