The Journal's first States Survey

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.

This survey is unscientific and anonymous. It is open to anyone who takes an interest in the island. People will be able to fill in this survey only once. The results will be published in August, so everyone has plenty of time to complete the survey.

How old are you?
18-30  31-45  46-60  61-70  71+  

Are you on the electorial role?
Yes  No

Have you ever voted in a States election before?
Yes  No

Do you intend to vote in this year's election?
Yes  No

Are you locally born? (Alderney or Guernsey)
Yes  No

Have you lived on the island for five years or more?
Yes  No

What is your overall level of satisfaction with the States? (Please tick a number. In effect this is a mark out of ten)
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

How well do the current members represent your personal concerns and interests?
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

How important are the following areas? (The higher the mark, the higher you judge its importance. Subjects have been listed in alphabetical order)

Building rules
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Commercial quay development
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Community leisure centre
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Developing a marina
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Education
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Ferry service
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Finance industry
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Gambling Control Commission
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Green belt development
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Health services, including mental health nurse and counsellor
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Increasing the number of States members to 12
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Infrastructure, including roads
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

New Connaught Care Home
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Promoting the island as a destination for tourists
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Reducing travel costs to and from island, specifically air fares
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Repairing St Anne's Church
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Reversing the smoking ban
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Rising unemployment
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Shipping contract
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

States members receiving a salary
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

States secrecy/confidentiality
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Tidal power project
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

TRP
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Water project
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  

Of the areas mentioned above, which are the most important? (Pick a maximum of three)

Are there any other areas of importance which you feel need to be highlighted? If so, please detail them here

What should the priorities of the States be for the remainder of this year?

What should the priorities of the States be for the next five years?

What single action would you most like the States to do?

Half price back issues
Back issues up to and including
issue 930 of the Journal are now half price

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.

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