Alderney's by-election candidates are split over whether a marina should be built in the island.
Lois FitzGerald, Martin Hunt, Tony Llewellyn and Geoffrey Sargent all took part in hustings ahead of the 11 October poll on Wednesday night at the Island Hall.
Each of them answered questions on the cost of living, the smoking ban and proposed leisure centre but it was the marina which caused most debate at the gathering, which was attended by about 75 members of the public.
Retired chartered engineer Tony Llewellyn, 75, spoke first on the subject.
He said: 'I do not see great value in a marina. I have been told it will bring income and employment but I can't see it happening.
'I don't believe it can be built for £5m. and I also fail to see why a private developer has not come to the island and said they want to build a marina here and make a fortune from it.'
Mr Sargent, 70, a semi-retired chartered accountant, said: 'I do think a marina will bring income to the island. A lot of people don't like coming here and tying their boat to a swinging mooring. Residents would also like to moor their boats.
'This is a long-term project and we cannot say it will be financed by the States. It won't make a fortune but there aren't fortunes to be made here.'
Mr Hunt, 66, a retired principal officer for a dog rescue society, said: 'I think talk of a marina is sheer optimism. It would be a nice facility but who is going to pay for it?
'I don't think it is an option at the moment and I don't think there is the money to build it. I also think there are other things that are much more important on the island at the moment.'
Ms FitzGerald, a 63-year-old businesswoman, said: 'There needs to be a lot more discussion but we should find a way to build a marina. This is exactly the time when we should be looking for a way of building a marina.
'If we keep Alderney the way it is our income is going to keep going down and down.
Where is your energy, gentlemen? I don't see it.'
The by-election is being held to find a replacement for Richard Cox, who resigned from the States in May. Whoever wins the poll will hold office until the remainder of Mr Cox's term, which ends on 31 December 2010.
This is the second by-election to be organised since Mr Cox's resignation after the first one, scheduled for June, failed to attract any candidates.
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Gaudion93 | Mon 16th March 2009 I do think that a marina would bring more income and employment oppurtunities to the work seeking people of the island. For the matter of funding it if someone can prove that it can be built for £5million then I can't see why the states wouldn't seriously start to think about it. It is all about feasibility.
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PC | Thu 2nd October 2008 l am absolutely staggered as to why a marina was not been built years ago and l feel that if one was, the lsland tourism economy would be in a far better position to weather the impending recessional storm that is coming and coming it is.The renovation of the commercial quay was the perfect opportunity for a combined development.What about the cost l hear you all cry? Well that won`t be decided upon in this email, but given the enormous wealth and relatively inexpensive finance available in the "islands", l would have thought a combination of long term commercial mortgage, sponsorship,public financing/share inititives coupled with central government financing this whole project would be financed quite easily. The income raised from mooring fees and rentals would more than cover the overal cost. Would the lsland benefit?.....YOU BET. Remember people with leisure boats are wealthy and generally of the calibre that Alderney as a whole could benefit greatly from.
The Journal believes this is an opportune moment to conduct a survey of the States. The aim is to help the States, its members and those who are considering standing for election. Click here to vote!
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
Sat 11th September 2010 Methodist Church Restoration Fund Jumble Sale, Island Hall, 14:00
Sat 11th September 2010 Myths and Stories from Ancient Egypt
An evening of fascinating stories told by international master performance storyteller Dr. Samira Kirollos, brought to you by the Alderney Theatre Group.
Sit back, watch, listen and be spellbound.
tickets £10 on sale at Shirley's Boutique and on the night at the door, Island Hall, 19:30 to 23:00
The Journal's first States Survey
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 