This Is Guernsey

Andrew Le Lievre

What I stand for:

* Openness and honesty in government;

* A States that has the resolve to deal with difficult issues;

* Education facilities and pupil/teacher ratios of similar quality and levels across the whole community;

* Increased expenditure on mental health care facilities (including capital expenditure);

* A complete and fundamental review of all aspects of social welfare in Guernsey with the focus on Islanders accepting responsibility for their own actions;

* A tough stance against crime;

* A commitment to stand by already approved policies.

Although most of us like to criticise local politicians, history shows that for the most part the States has got things right - sometimes more by luck than by judgment.

However, the days of ‘muddling through’ are over. The last States signed up to a new tax strategy and the Government Business Plan. The job of the next States will be to carry these policies forward, further refining them as experience dictates. The States will also have to tackle a whole host of problems that have been largely avoided in the past - waste management, beach defences and capital overspends being classic examples.

The next States must be caring but it must also adopt policies that place responsibility for a person’s welfare on the individual concerned - the days of giving social benefits to persons who act irresponsibly must be brought to an end - the burden to the taxpayer is simply too great.

I believe that I have many of the skills and qualities required to help carry some of these issues forward.

I would ask that when you vote on 23rd April you bear these matters in mind. If you agree with me please give me your vote.