EXCLUSIVE
AN INTERNATIONAL consulting firm led by the American political strategist who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign has been advising a recently-formed “movement” in Jersey, the JEP can reveal.
Value Jersey said that The Messina Group had been “really helpful” and stressed that the use of advisors was “not new” to the Island.
TMG is led by Jim Messina, who served as White House deputy chief of staff for Barack Obama from 2009 to 2011 and played a central role in the former president’s re-election campaign in 2012.
Formed in 2013, TMG offers strategic advisory as well as political and corporate consulting, among other services.
Value Jersey is a self-described political “movement” launched in October with the aim of developing policies focused on tackling the cost of living, improving the economy and reducing government inefficiency.
It has stated that it is “not a party” and is “not endorsing candidates”, but has developed a roadmap “that any candidate can endorse” heading into the election in June.
Responding to questions from the JEP about its governance and funding, a Value Jersey spokesperson said: “We’re still in the process of formalising our structures, as the movement continues to grow.
“Currently there is a small group of volunteers who act as the senior leadership team with a much larger group of volunteers who are helping us sift through the policy suggestions we’ve received from Islanders, before we go back to the Island and consult with the community.”
They explained that Value Jersey has so far relied on donations “from loads of concerned Islanders”.
“And we need more to keep on coming in,” they added, noting that those hoping to donate could do so via the Value Jersey website.
Asked whether the movement had sought support from consultancy or external advisory firms – and whether this included TMG – the spokesperson said: “Yes. Of course we have asked for help as we take on this massive challenge of bringing the Island together and TMG have been really helpful.”
They continued: “This is not new to Jersey; plenty of people have used advisors (including our government!) and it’s no different from how Reform [Jersey] seeks professional advice from Unite.”
The spokesperson described Value Jersey as “a voluntary movement to inform the debate ahead of the election, and support the next assembly to work together towards one vision”.
“Jersey is facing serious economic challenges,” they said. “It is becoming too expensive, the economy is in decline, and government spending is spiralling out of control.
“The current system has proven itself incapable of working together to make things better. That’s why we are trying something different with Value Jersey.”
Last week, the States Assembly approved a proposition from Reform Jersey member Deputy Rob Ward which called for a voluntary code asking candidates in the Island’s forthcoming election to declare membership of any political group, movement, collaboration or campaign they are part of – as well as information about their policies, funding sources and decision-making structures.
But Value Jersey has said it is not affected by the change “as it only includes movements who are fielding candidates”.
“Reform’s recent proposition is a non-issue for us, but it is perhaps yet another example of the ‘members only’ mentality of the establishment,” the spokesperson added.
“We need to be encouraging more people to get involved in Jersey’s future, not putting unnecessary barriers in their way.”
