Mike Collins
I am standing for election in St Peter Port North to represent the district where I now live and where I was in business for most of my 30 years in Guernsey. In supporting the new Strategic Business Plan I want to see States’ project teams managed in an open and transparent way. Performance must be reviewed quarterly to ensure we are obtaining Island services at affordable prices.
Spiralling costs, delays and poor prioritisation of capital projects have led to an airport terminal without an upgraded runway and a new school without a proper road infrastructure. Now the latest cost estimates for an incinerator have come back to bite us!
We need to manage our environment positively with proper recycling and waste treatment plants and preparation for future global warming events. Planning services must be greatly improved. Lack of parking is seriously affecting the future of business in town.
States departments must work closely with all business sectors to meet their requirements. Businesses in the service sector are faced with continual staff changes and licensing in this area should be reviewed. Recent decisions to limit population do little to help create a strong economy.
Poverty amongst low earners must be recognised but it is often a broader issue created by unaffordable mortgages. Childcare costs are critical with both parents working, so States support for nursery facilities should be high on the priority list.
Education is vital to the island’s long-term economy just as local schools such as St Andrew’s are vital to caring, local communities. We must ensure we get best value-for-money but not at the cost of closing well-supported local schools.
As an active retired person I intend, if elected, to become a full-time deputy and attend all States and associated meetings wherever possible.
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