Economic Proposition
If elected I shall be seeking the position of Economic Development Minister, not least because I believe that we must now put economic prosperity firmly back on the agenda. From the rejuvenation of Fort Regent to Sports and Event led Tourism to FinTech and the digital economy to economic diversification and Small Business development. In real terms in 2012/13 Jersey’s economy was at the lowest recorded level since at least 1998 – it’s time to act.
Tourism – It’s time to LOVE Tourism again! We have so much to be proud of, we have so much to offer. Let’s put our island firmly back on the tourism map. I will ensure that the Visit Jersey board is fully established and properly resourced to ensure that this important pillar of our economy can once again prosper.
Sports and Event led Tourism – We can be in no doubt that, following the success and legacies of the London Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth Games, sport is a major contributor to a successful economy, as well as being essential to the health and wellbeing of our society. I will support the re-location of our Sport and Heritage portfolio from Education to Economic Development. I will establish a new sports, conference and events body to develop Jersey as a leading venue for sports and event led tourism. I will also support the establishment of an expert led film commission and film fund to realise some of the great opportunities that exist for Jersey in this field.
Economic Diversity – Helps to defeat economic decline and offer new opportunities in employment, skills and the availability of goods and services. I will ensure investment in emerging industries and small business start-ups by fully utilising innovation and development funding and support. I will also demand a complete RED TAPE REVIEW to lower the barriers and hurdles for businesses wishing to start up and grow.
Finance
In 2011 the Jersey Finance Industry celebrated its 50th anniversary year. This industry has contributed so much to our prosperity over and above its economic contribution that it is almost impossible to imagine Jersey without it. Whilst I will always enthusiastically promote a diverse economy and the benefits of tourism, agriculture and other new and emerging industries, I will also continue to fully support our finance industry.
Economic Success – Is largely dependent on the States Treasury’s fiscal policies, particularly in relation to budgeting and the setting of levels of taxation. I will seek to ensure that a new partnership is established between the Treasury and the Economic Development Department to ensure a vital and productive flow of ideas and that the appropriate level of influence exists between the two departments.
A growing economy delivers:
* GVA – Gross Value Added: GVA measures the overall economic activity taking place in Jersey.
Economic Growth, Population & Immigration
Economic Growth if properly managed does not lead to excessive population growth. We all know that the population will grow, it’s the way of the world – there are more births than deaths and we are all living longer. We therefore need to plan for sustainable population growth which if carefully and consistently managed, will assist us to develop as an economy and a community for the benefit of all. However, we must pay particular attention to immigration which must be tightly controlled.
Health & Social Care
Our health service must be innovative and forward thinking if we are to continue to improve upon the levels of healthcare we enjoy at present.
The proposal to build a new hospital must be delivered within the time scales and budgets currently being established. My preference is for a one site solution.
Our health staff must also be provided with the infrastructure, equipment and support worthy of their skill and dedication.
Education
Education is the process by which society retains, and transmits its accumulated and growing knowledge, skills and values from one generation to another. It is essential that our children leave school having achieved their maximum potential, academically and physically, to give them the best possible start in life. I am particularly keen to encourage schools to place more focus on character development, good citizenship, life skills, and the passing on of our own heritage and history.
The States must ensure that our education system remains sufficiently funded, and that our teachers are properly resourced and supported.
In order to focus on its important key objectives I will propose that Education becomes a standalone department and that responsibility for Sport and Culture are moved into the Economic Development Department.
The Environment
Whilst recognising the need for careful stewardship of our natural environment, we must also be pioneering in our approach to environmental initiatives. Serious consideration should now be given to ways to harness our natural resources – sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat – to deliver new sources of sustainable and renewable energy.
Law and Order
I am proud to have served as Assistant Home Affairs Minister from 2011 – 2014.
We are fortunate to be well served by all emergency services and by both a professional States Police force and an Honorary Police system. Our police deliver a comprehensive service from everyday routine responsibilities to a close working relationship with the community. Fortunately Jersey is a very safe place and crime rates continue to fall.
Our honorary system is both unique and valuable to Island life in many ways and must be retained.
Society operates best in an environment of good domestic order. Mutual respect for each other and responsibility for our own actions are essential to maintaining and protecting our peaceful and respectable way of life.
States Reform – Retaining the island wide mandate
The size of our States Assembly should be reduced. I also believe that of the three categories of States Member, Deputy, Constable and Senator, the office of Senator is, by virtue of its island wide mandate, the most representative, accountable and therefore the most democratic and should be retained.
I believe that Connétables should continue to sit in the States by virtue of their office. I also believe that the number of Deputies should be reduced and that Deputies should be elected in larger districts or super constituencies to prevent members entering the States with small numbers of votes.
Achievements
Since being elected as Senator in 2011 I have been busy. Although I have not been a member of the Council of Ministers I was appointed to the role of Assistant Minister at Home Affairs where I held responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service, the Prison Service and the Jersey Field Squadron. I also serve on the Justice Advisory panel and the Bailiff’s Consultative panel.
In addition:
Please choose your elected representatives carefully
There is still a widespread belief in the Island that the States are not performing effectively. The main concerns are that some politicians are motivated more by self-interest than the interests of the Island and that some do not have the knowledge, skills, expertise or experience to be able to do the job.
And finally …
My politics are about people. My politics are inclusive. My politics are not about left vs. right, my politics are about hope, health, vigour, vitality and opportunity for all.
I do not favour party politics, I favour TEAM politics. We can all have different political views and aspirations but I don’t see that as a barrier to working together for the benefit of our Island.
In offering myself for election as Senator I bring a clear line of thought and a determination to contribute to the creation of a more productive and credible States Assembly.
About me, a brief CV
Name; Lyndon John Farnham
Age; 50
Place of Birth; St Helier, Jersey
Family Status; Married to Anne-Marie, two children, Alex (24) and Philippa (22)
Education; St George’s Preparatory, Les Quennevais and Hautlieu schools. College for the Distributive Trades (London), Harrods – Retail Trainee (1982 – 1984).
Occupation; States Member and Company Director.
Current Political Office; Senator, States of Jersey – elected 19th October 2011, sworn to office 14th November 2011.
Current Ministerial Office; Assistant Minister, Home Affairs Department.
Previous Political Experience; Assistant Minister, Home Affairs Department (2011 – 2014). Deputy, States of Jersey (St Saviour number 2 district) 1999 – 2005. During this period I held the following positions; President – Gambling Control Committee. Vice President – Economic Development Committee, Vice President – Harbours & Airport Committee, Chairman – Jersey Tourism Board, Chairman – Tourism Development Fund, Chairman – Jersey Conference Bureau, Chairman – Emerging Industries Board. I also served on a number of other Committees, Boards and Trusts.
Other Positions Held; Member: President – Jersey Hospitality Association (2011 – 2014), Member – Bailiff’s Consultative Panel (current), Member – Justice Advisory Panel (current), Member – Tourism Marketing Panel (current), Honorary Life Member – Jersey Battle of Flowers Association (current), President – Jersey Battle of Flowers Association (2000-2002), Chairman – Jersey Battle of Flowers Association (1997 – 2000), Committee Member – Jersey Battle of Flowers Association (1988 – 1997)
Hobbies and Interests; Running, Cycling, Swimming, Triathlon, Reading, History, Music (percussion) and Politics
Clubs and Organisations; Jersey Heritage Trust, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey Spartan Athletic Club (JSAC), Caesarean Cycling Club (CCC), Jersey Triathlon Club (JTC) The Alliance Club, The United Club
Proposer and Seconders
lyndon.farnham@me.com
485107
lyndonfarnham.je
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