A Plan for Guernsey

Trying to do too many things all at once, has, invariably, resulted in a lack of focus and losing sight of what success means. 

Guernsey needs politicians who can:-

1. prioritise the big things; those things that will make the most meaningful and long-lasting impacts over the next four years; and
2. kick the "nice to haves" down the road; those things that can wait another four years, should wait.  

KICK THE CAN – AND PROUD OF IT 

In Guernsey politics, “kicking the can down the road” is usually considered an insult. But maybe it’s time we reframe it. 

• Our economy is stalled. 
• Government’s growth (and cost) is out of control.
• Education is failing our children. 
• And the housing crisis is pushing islanders off the rock. 

These are the big issues — and they must come first. 

That’s why I’m proud to say: I will kick the can on every non-essential issue that distracts from fixing these fundamentals. Yes, there will be pressure — to push through rights legislation, chase Net Zero targets, even launch a dog DNA database to solve the great dog poo problem. Many of these are worthy causes. But not now. 

My policy is simple: For the next 4 years, time and money should go into what matters most — fixing the economy, cutting government waste, sorting out education and tackling housing. 

Kicking the can means delaying distractions — unless: outside forces require action, and it benefits Guernsey financially or protects our access to markets. If those tests are met, then of course, we must act. 

And if any of these “nice to have” items do slip through into policy? I won’t abstain or shirk my duty. I’ll vote on each with a clear conscience and sound judgment. 

Let’s fix what’s broken — before chasing what’s nice. 

KICK THE CAN - AND BE PROUD OF IT.

Candidates will promise much in terms of policy and make associated promises around cost. For most, this will best resemble a magic money tree but, as we all know, money doesn't grow on trees. 

My cost pledges:-

1. I will press for spending reviews around major projects to ensure efficiencies are hard-wired alongside budget KPIs. 
2. I will press for the island to "live within its means" and "kick the can" on non-priority items to prevent unnecessary or frivolous commitments to spend. 
3. I will press to meet strategic aims without upping existing budgets and spend for a smarter, more focussed use of funding.

I will not support additional cost without a clear answer as to how it will be funded AND a compelling case as to why the spend is advantageous to Guernsey's overall future. 

How might this be achieved? 

Whilst I know I can't predict all asks that will be made of the States in this next term, some examples might be:

1. healthcare - whilst there are important decisions to be made, we must put our focus into growing the economy first in order to generate new funds for our ambitions. The more we grow the pot, the more we can put into preserving and enhancing our services for all. Until the money is there, we have to consider changes that can be made by getting creative with and targeting existing budgets.
2. incremental legislation changes (e.g. discrimination law, corporate laws) - put the onus on groups calling for legislative overhaul to provide the drafts. By treating them as the experts, we can free-up valuable resources to focus on those big policy changes our island needs. 

Everybody should be free to live their best lives with the same freedoms and respect as anyone else. 

In seeking to prioritise core aims, I will not close my eyes to other issues that may arise. 

I am committed to:

• being an ally to under-represented voices in our community
• voting with dignity and inclusivity in mind
• listening and learning to understand perspectives beyond my own