Mark Mauger: Five things I'd change about Guernsey

Friday 13 July 2018

With a surname like Mauger, Mark is definitely a local through and through, and he certainly considers himself a "true Guern" but he agrees there are some ways that Guernsey could be improved.

Having been brought up in St Martins, spending his summers on Cobo beach, you will still see him down the west coast now if the sun is out!

That is, when he is not working as a production manager at Offshore Electronics, or indulging his other passions of technology and fast cars as well as spending time with his family, including his daughter Izzy who turns three this month.

Pictured: Mark Mauger and daughter Izzy at Cobo

Mark is a family man with strong views about the island so we asked him; what five things would you change about Guernsey? 

1. Smoking

Smoking, but more specifically smoking in eating/drinking areas outside, should be banned totally.

There is nothing worse than relaxing outside in the sunshine, trying to have a drink, or a meal, playing with your children, chatting to friends - and then someone else's second hand smoke drifts your way.

There is no point in having smoking "areas" as the wind blows it to other areas too! 

2. Cycling on pavements should be allowed

I think cyclists should be allowed on all pavements across the island.

They've recently said cyclists can ride on the pavement going up Les Val de Terres and I think that's a great idea. Priority should still be given to pedestrians when they're walking on pavements, but allowing cyclists to use them as well would aid the flow of traffic on our busy roads.

While we're on roads, I also don't think horses should be on the roads so much. Yes, the horse was here before the car, but the field was here before the road so keep them in there! And, horse boxes? Are you taking your horse for a drive?!

3. Legal aid 

Yes, legal aid should be given when necessary to help people in court, but if the person is found guilty then I think that money should be refunded.

Why should we, the tax payer, fund the guilty? This would also discourage any one who is guilty from fighting their case when it is clearly a waste of time, which then just wastes police and court time too.

4. States subsidised services 

Why are the States subsidising services all the time? I mean things like Aurigny and the buses, not public services which we all need. I don't think we should have to pay for services we don't use. If people who use the bus service want a decent bus service then they should have to pay higher fares for it.

5. Stronger sentences

I think Guernsey's courts should be giving out stronger sentences for some crimes committed here. If you only get community service then that is not going to deter you from committing more crimes.

You need a proper punishment, which ensures people won't re offend.