Alderney heads to the polls!

Friday 30 November 2018

Alderney heads to the polls tomorrow to elect five new members to its 10-seat States. The diversity of this year’s list of candidates is making this year’s elections the talk of the island and the question is, "who to vote for?"

Three women have put themselves forward which is more than in many previous years. There are also some younger nominees - with 30-year-old Christian Harris leading the charge.

Some familiar faces are seeking reinstatement - with serving States members Steve Roberts and Graham McKinley OBE, likely to be judged on their past performances.

Those who succeed will serve on the States for four years. During their term the new members can expect to grapple with some weighty issues. These include the profitable exploitation of tidal power, shoring up and improving transport links, how to attract new business and workers to the Island, and negotiating with the States of Guernsey over the continued provision and improvement of transferred services such as education and health.  

Pictured: Alderney will have five new members in the States by the end of the weekend. 

Here are the candidates: 

Chris Bennett moved to Alderney in 2001 after running three scientific instrument companies. “Having held great responsibility I am willing to do so again on behalf of the people of Alderney,” he says. Mr Bennett believes that strengthening links with Deputies and civil servants in Guernsey are key to improving transport links and the runway and the transferred services. “My intention is to ensure  ‘the quiet majority’ is heard in the States, above all the ‘mish mash’ of local politics and vested interests that we have now.” 

Hilary Bentley, who newsgathers for Quay FM, wants to do away with superfluous red tape that deters businesses from setting up in Alderney. “It should be easy and inexpensive to start up and run a business as we can make it. So do away with unnecessary regulation and perhaps think about incentives for start ups, particularly ones that create jobs.This is not just about reinvigorating the economy today, it’s about creating opportunities for future generations.”

Alderney Shipping worker Annie Burgess wants to tackle transport, island image and cost of living issues, and safeguard the environment if tidal energy is embraced. Her strategies include ‘keeping it real’ - focusing on developments that are appropriate to the island’s size and budget - and supporting the successful ventures that volunteers keep going. “Alderney is a beautiful place… and something we should be working our socks off to promote and get the message across to potential visitors and settlers alike.”

Entrepreneur Paul Clark, co-founder of Alderney Renewable Energy and a serving RNLI lifeboat man sees resolving the £6m deficit currently - reluctantly - met by Guernsey as the political priority. It meant Alderney was not sustainable. Options of redress include spending less and more wisely, and increasing revenue streams he said. Maintaining the Southampton air link, investment in digital connectivity and reducing the hurdles for new business relocation are issues he wants to focus on.

Former BBC local newsman David Earl has spent the last six months studying small island economies around the world, visiting them and networking with their key figures. “I have learned a great deal from these trips which, as far as I am aware, is the first time anyone from Alderney has undertaken research of this kind.”

Former submariner and Alderney Electricity engineer Kevin Gentle said he would not make false promises before the election. “I will work hard to deliver economically credible policies and not blindly follow the party line. Above all else I will give straight, honest answers without spin.”

Aurigny operations worker and Alderney Week team member Christian Harris has adopted the slogan ‘Our Island, Our Future’ for his campaign. Hailing from an old Island family, he said it was inevitable that one day he would stand for election. His 13 years with Aurigny would help the incoming States work more effectively with the airline to sustain air links, he said. “We need to think of alternative schemes for the prosperity of Alderney. A fresh States would have to think outside of the box… while protecting the beauty of our Island.”

Businessman Victor Levine believes properly exploiting tidal power would provide the funds to remedy many of the ills the Island faces. “We need to end 12 years of States incompetence,” he says. “Find a capable developer who will not disturb the environment, negotiate proper royalty, and protect this from both the States of Alderney and the States of Guernsey." He advocates giving 50 per cent of money earned from such a venture direct to island households. 

Current States Member and Alderney Rep Graham McKinley is a former British Army officer. He wants a better island plan with States Members responsible for the principle objectives, greater use of community skills, better communication between the States and the electorate and development of a marina.

Former French teacher Sally Pond is standing for election primarily on an environmental ticket. “The environment is suffocating in plastic. We have the potential to lead the world in recycling. I would like the SoA, in liaison with the farm, to acquire a glass bottling plant for milk to provide us with milk in bottles and have a closed loop system. It would also save money.”

Steve Roberts is seeking re-election after nearly six years on the States. The former Aurigny worker has campaigned vigorously for better transport links and brought two requetes to the States seeking a vote of no confidence in the airline’s management. He also sends a daily report on air service to each Guernsey States Member. “It is my unfinished business. I am obsessed with improving our air links. I have fought tooth and nail on this and will continue to do so if I get elected.”

Hotelier, carpenter and ambulance volunteer Bill Walden previously served on the States for more than 10 years, also serving as the Alderney Representative in Guernsey and as chairman of the General Services Committee. His experience is valuable, he says. “We need to strongly defend both our lifeline air routes and fight for the reinstatement of a 24 hour Medevac services. Economic prosperity and growth is near impossible without frequent, reliable and affordable air links. He also wants to expand last year’s trial ferry service and get the swimming pool completed. 

 Pictured: The official list of candidates in Alderney's election.  

Voting takes place between 09:30 and 18:30 at the Island Hall for tomorrow's Ordinary Election. 

Two further elections will take place on December 17 - a by-election for Tony Barnes’ vacated seat and the plebiscite. The plebiscite will determine which two elected States Members will become Alderney’s political representatives in Guernsey. The people’s choice will be ratified at the next States meeting.  

Pictured top: Alderney heads to the polls on Saturday 1 December.