Before I get to another very good question , a quick comment on a couple of the speeches. Sarah Ferguson majored on a very valid point about the shift of tax burden and particularly the way local trading companies can be used to avoid almost all tax as long as you don't distribute profits. Top marks for speeches from a green point of view however must go to Guy De Faye. He nailed the population growth problems and previous target busting, back to the days when 80,000 was the limit! Better yet he actually explicitly stated the economic growth model of the CoM is bust. The only one to do so to date that I am aware.
The question was put by friend Glyn Mitchell who asked if it wasn't time to put more emphasis on the environment,soil and ecology rather than on the economy. There was also a concurrent question about supporting the MTFP, so I have included that here.
MD charges are a hidden
tax. EU might change that as Brexit will cause examination. Might fail their tax considerations. He attended Dr Ingham talk. Some small scale work
locally. Doesn't know if Jersey soil and agriculture were ever environmentally
friendly. Should be an environmental candidate on the hustings
talking about this. Brexit will affect it.
CM Could not agree to
MTFP in its current form, especially health charge and commercial waste
charge. On environmental consequences we have to be aware of negative
effect of industry and not looking carefully at Jersey's environment.
Future Jersey plan needs to be put into action including climate change and global warming impacts for low coastal areas. We are not prepared.
See consequences at St Aubins bay. Have ideas from SOS – need to do
more.
JY. On the health tax he will
bring an amendment to put on hold until sorted out. Will vote against MTFP if that fails.
Last 20 years working on environmental matters. Proud of what has been
achieved. But environment is taken for granted in Jersey. Strange
as it attracts people and is put at risk all the time. In times of economic
stress environment goes even lower on priorities. Population & limiting
its growth is at heart. Need urban dev plan – too densely populated in
urban areas -traffic too.
SO Glanced over MTFP quickly. Need IQ over 200 to understand. Should be thrown out as
unworkable. Stealth taxes ridiculous. On environment St Aubin bay
-sea lettuce, Seymore Tower infestation of asian crabs, Dont know what
we can do but they are a problem. Should put sea lettuce on fields for
fertilizer. Big machine is a waste of time & money.
SF. Has record for
bringing propositions against budgets. Would bring amendment for charge
to be held back until promised review delivered. One of
few positive EU directives is requiring rotation of crops. Awaiting
SOS testing outfalls. Part of St Brelade dev group on landscape
building density & tourism facilities. Have to keep nice for
tourists. Identification of brown field sites for new houses.
NleC Right wing
candidates will be supporting MTFP. Don't be fooled by words saying
they wont do it., they will they are loyal to govt. CoM are
implementing austerity programmes -preserves income of the rich.
Would be great to see an environmental candidate here Greens should
get themselves together and get more candidates for the coming
general election. Put pressure on govt that is indifferent to such
issues.
GdeF MTFP latest
version has to be masterpiece of obfuscation. Need code breaker to
decipher it. Very unlikely to be able to turn around the collective
responsibility of CoM with their lickspittles and camp followers
seeking preferment who will vote for it en masse. Will try on key points.
Like accepting charges in principle without defining workings. Not
fair. Keen on environment was a member of Greenpeace at school. Also
need perspective. Sometime environmental things cost a lot of money. See Guernsey recycling debacle.
SM no force on heaven
and earth persuade him to vote for MTFP. Problem doesn't matter how
squalid some members will vote for it because the minister tells them
too. Amendments will only have 1 day to be laid after election. He will lay an
amendment as deputy anyway. On environment COM doesn't think environment
makes money so they ignore it. Should be self sufficient in energy.
Have local talent like SOS, Glyn to make changes, don't keep
bringing in UK consultants.
HR. Been involved with
MTPF. Biggest problem is get to end and its not clear if you can do it.
See comments of home affairs minister on impacts on fire, police etc. more work
goes to parish and Hon Police. There are areas you will have to
support. Sporting programme is losing people. Vice chair of
Racecourse, negotiation with environment Department on keeping character. 32,000- registered cars
-more than domestic houses? More sharing more public transport. Env
is important.
M OK B. Sam won't be
doing propositon. She had to stand down as Centenier to stand, Sam has let
down St Helier no 1 (MBF Not hes deputy for St Helier no 2district!) - should stand down too. Does not like new projects when
we are overspending. Main project like schools and sewage system
should go ahead. Not in favour of stealth taxes to cover infrastructure
spending. Environment is expensive, start with hearts and mind. Go
in schools.
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