Voters in the United Kingdom have recently gone to the polls, as islanders in Alderney will do later this year.
The forthcoming States election promises to bring significant change. Policy and Finance Committee chairman Richard Willmott has already announced his intention to stand down, while Colin Williams, another prominent member, is also quitting.
Furthermore, Liz Bennett is leaving the island, while Ian Tugby appears undecided on whether to stand. This could mean only Tony Llewellyn, of the current members, contests his seat.
The States has come under fire in recent months from the public and press. Critics of the commercial quay and care home projects have persistently written to The Journal, while the public has reacted angrily to a Guernsey company gaining a significant capital project and the smoking ban in public places being approved.
Secrecy among States members is also a big issue. A promise to publish committee meeting minutes within a week has failed to materialise, while numerous items – too many according to some States members – are marked “confidential”.
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.