Today we continue our series in which States Members reflect on the past year in their own words.
Here, the three St Saviour Deputies share their thoughts.
Deputy Jeremy Maçon, St Saviour No 1
‘On the Planning Applications Committee I am a member who has constantly stood up to protect land in the green zone.
‘I have also not wavered in demanding that proper amenity space, parking provision are delivered in new developments and rejecting substandard sized units.
‘I come from the political belief that many social problems come from poor quality housing and this has to be tackled at the planning stage.
‘On Education Scrutiny our panel has been busy producing amongst others a report on special educational needs provision.
‘The recommendations will be followed up this year and we hope to see improved communication and support to parents.
‘The panel also prevented cuts to the Education budget in the spending plan debate showing our commitment to our young Islanders.
‘Within the parish I am often seen at many community events and at the local schools helping with the citizenship programmes.
‘I recently had the pleasure of proposing two parishioners for the office of Constable’s Officer in the honorary police.
I often have many constituency cases to sort out which is an unseen workload and does not always grab the limelight, however it is very rewarding when I am able to help someone.’
Deputy Peter McLinton, St Saviour No 1
‘It’s been a hectic 12 months and it’s hard to believe a whole year has flown by already.
‘It seems no time ago that Andrew (Green) wandered over to me immediately after his election to the post of Health and Social Services Minister to ask me whether I would accept the post of his Assistant Minister with a remit for mental health.
‘I was surprised, delighted and honoured to accept.
‘It has been amazing to be involved with the process of bringing to fruition the new mental health law, capacity and self determination law and the new mental health strategy, which is the glue that will hold all the other parts together.
‘In the parish (St Saviour district 1) I am still trying (and mostly succeeding) to find the time to help constituents with their issues, which are many and personal and I can’t give you the background here as it would be inappropriate, suffice to say it has been a pleasure to help when I am able. Right now I am “cat man”, working to change the law to make it an offence to not report striking a cat with your vehicle. I think we are making real progress.’
Deputy Kevin Lewis, St Saviour No 2
‘Since being reelected in 2014 as Deputy for St Saviour No 2 I was hoping to continue with my position as Minister for Transport and Technical Services to see through the essential infrastructure projects that we started, but it was not to be.
‘Since December I have been a member of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, primarily examining the proposed Jersey Finance Centre which has been extremely challenging gaining access to the relevant information and concluding the report.
‘Also reviewing Council of Ministers’ propositions and of course taking care of the needs of numerous St Saviour parishioners and campaigning for safer roads to school and parish improvements.
‘I have been appointed associate member of the British/Irish Parliamentary Association, a group of politicians established to promote greater links and understanding between the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and Ireland.
‘On a personal note I was delighted to have been reelected to the management committee of Eye Can (Jersey Blind Society) and committee member of St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association also the parish magazine and I still maintain St Saviour’s parish church clock.’
Read more on a year in the life of the States here
Deputy Louise Doublet, St Saviour No 2
‘Since being elected one year ago I have endeavoured to work hard for the people of St Saviour and the Island – thank you once again to those who voted for me.’
Panels/ Committees
Vice-president of Chairmen’s Committee
Chair of Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel
- Completed: Special Educational Needs review
- Nearing completion: a report on Prison Board of Visitors
- Ongoing: a review of School Starting Age
- Successful amendment to the Financial Plan diverting £250,000 to Education
States Trustee for Jersey Community Relations Trust
- Reviewing the Cost of Childcare
- Exploring initiatives to encourage diversity on boards
Member of Legislation Advisory Panel
States backbencher work
- Regular questioning and contributing to debates
- Three successful amendments to the Strategic Plan (relating to Education/ children/ families)
- Another to the anti-discrimination law to provide protection to breastfeeding mothers
- A successful proposition to allow open-air marriage ceremonies in the Island
Parish
- A listening ear for issues with housing, social security, traffic/parking, education matters etc, taking action where necessary
- Writing for the parish magazine
- Supporting schools i.e. through citizenship lessons
- Rights Respecting Schools Steering Group – St Lukes School
- Organising a Christmas party for children – see www.parish.gov.je/StSaviour for details.
