15th October - Senators & Constables Elections
26th November - Deputies Elections

Senators - Montfort Tadier

Montfort Tadier

Monfort Tadier is a member of the group Time4Change, he's campaigned against the introduction of GST and is concerned States spending is not controlled.

He opposes the new waste plant at La Collette and calls for more transparency in the government.

[ Source : BBC Jersey ]


Time4Change campaigner Montfort Tadier is to stand for Senator.

The 29-year-old, who runs a translation company, is standing on a platform of reform and rescinding decisions on GST and the proposed £100 million incinerator. He is one of two founding members of the Time4Change group to announce his candidacy today. Nick Le Cornu is also standing for a six-year term.

Mr Tadier said the States had to change the way it works to win back the confidence of voters. He said: "I believe that electoral and governmental reform are imperative if Jersey is to regain its respect-ability in the eyes of the world. We need a new type of politics that focuses on policies, not personalities. I also think that this would encourage more women into government, an issue at present."

He said that he supported a general election for all Members, and pledged to step down in three years to fight his seat again instead of serving the full six years. Mr Tadier, who lives in St Brelade, was educated at Les Quennevais and Hautlieu, and attended the Universities of Berlin and Sheffield.

He added that he would fight the Council of Ministers agenda of population growth — he says that this has affected planning decisions — and the decision to build a huge new incinerator. Mr Tadier said: "The government got it wrong about the incinerator. And the Island's infrastructure is struggling to house 90,000 people at the moment, let alone 120,000."

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


Proposers

  • Mike Sheldrake
  • Jason Cronin
  • Hazel Forrest
  • Lucille Monks
  • Robert Whitley
  • Marco da Silva
  • Katherine Duckworth
  • Anne Birbeck
  • Noella Gallichan
  • Carolyn May

[ Source : Channel Online ]



Senatorial Nomination

Proposer Mike Sheldrake said that Time4Change campaigner Montfort Tadier was the perfect candidate for difficult times. He said that the elections were the most significant for more than 50 years, in view of rising inflation topped by the 3% GST, an inefficient government and politicians who were out of touch with voters. Mr Tadier, he said, was a man of courage who was not afraid to ask difficult questions. He said that the 29-year-old had worked in a number of countries but had an abiding interest and love for his home Island of Jersey. Mr Sheldrake added that his candidate had proven business acumen and had established a successful translation business. He was also one of the organisers behind the recent anti-GST demonstrations and had raised funds to support the victims of the historical child abuse inquiry. Mr Sheldrake added that Mr Tadier stood for transparency, humanity and leadership.

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


A video of the nomination speech for Montfort Tadier is available on YouTube



Election Manifesto - 200 Word Version

I am fundamentally opposed to GST. It is an extra burden to all at this time of economic hardship. I am particularly concerned about its impact on young families and senior citizens. I believe taxing food and essential items is immoral and will lead moves have it abolished.

Electoral and governmental reforms are imperative, if Jersey is to regain its respectability in the eyes of the world. We should make key reforms before we are forced to do so from outside. Similarly, our judiciary should have the sensitivity and humility to request the presence of independent UK judges to oversee the current child abuse inquiry.

I support calls for a general election, with all politicians standing down together. I, pledge to stand down at the next election and I invite the other five Senators to do the same.

I am concerned at the type of 'playground' politics that currently dominates in Jersey. People are tired of it. We need to refocus on policies not personalities. I believe that if anything is to change, women must play a greater role in the make up of the States. We should also encourage greater political participation from young people and all Jersey residents.

[ Source : Vue Des Isles ]


A video of Montfort Tadier's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Election Manifesto - BBC Version

I want to start off with a little story.

I want you to imagine that there's this man and he's been going off to work for the last ten years, and his wife has been making him cheese sandwiches for the last ten years.

Now obviously at first he was quite happy with this, gradually he started getting fed up and he would complain to his friends at the pub and he'd complain to his workmates about these cheese sandwiches because he was fed up with them. And they came up with this bright idea; ‘Well why don't you just tell your wife?'.

And he did and things changed. Now he could have said, ‘Well there's no point in telling my wife because nothing's ever going to change' and that would have been a strange thing to do because of course it doesn't harm to ask.

Now this is often used as an excuse; I'm not voting because it doesn't change anything. Of course in Jersey this is almost true.

We have a system of government; the way in which you vote doesn't necessarily bear much relationship to what you get in the end. This is why I am very keen for electoral reform in Jersey.

I think the system we have is overly complicated and it needs to be changed and made easier so that people can vote.

Now at the moment I do believe that there's a great deal of discontent with our current government.

If I had a penny for every time someone said they didn't listen to us, I'd probably have about £6.50 now.

People are particularly concerned about GST; the fact that they signed a petition and we had 19,000+ people who bothered to sign this petition, we had 1,000 people turn up in the Royal Square only to have their voice ignored.

Now this has obviously caused a lot of resentment, because democracy is surely about the government listening and responding to the people. I don't believe that the current government and the current ministers we have are doing this.

There are of course other examples; we have Harcourt, a scandal effectively which was incompetence by the ministers. We knew that the information was in the public domain yet our ministers did not even know this. They are either incompetent or they were being dishonest – you chose.

Now what I suggest is that if you want change, you can vote for change. Here's what to do:

Obviously vote, get your friends to vote and vote tactically. I suggest you do not use all your six votes, perhaps use three or four for candidates you really want.

And if you're opposed to GST and things like the incinerator make sure you find out who voted for those things and do not vote for them to get back in.

Now what can I offer to the States?

I believe I am young, I'm dynamic, I'm not afraid to speak out on issues that I'm passionate about and I believe in, and I will do that to represent the ordinary people of Jersey.

So I would say to you; whoever you are and whatever your opinion make sure you use your vote, as it is the only voice you have against a detached and uncaring government.

It is time for change. My name's Monfort Tadier, please vote for me on 15 October.

An audio version of this election manifesto is available from BBC Jersey

[ Source : BBC Jersey ]


A video of Montfort Tadier's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Election Manifesto - Extended Version

1. GST (Goods and Services Tax)

I am fundamentally opposed to GST and have actively lobbied against the tax, supporting the Consumer Council Rally last September and organising a second demonstration on 6th May.

GST is an extra burden for all of us in what are becoming very difficult economic times. I am particularly concerned about the impact this new tax is having on young families, senior citizens and others on fixed incomes.

I believe that taxing food and essential items is ultimately immoral. I will support moves to have GST abolished completely, and if this is not possible, I will call for immediate exemptions on food, children's clothing, books and newspapers.

An Analysis of GST
Behind GST lies the proposed move to the zero-ten tax system, where local companies pay 10% tax (less than before) and foreign companies trading in the island pay zero. This was introduced on the advice of Civil Servants, as a way to comply with new EU guidelines on fair tax competition. I believe that this advice was flawed. We need not have gone down the zero-ten route. We could have opted for five-ten, for example. Either way, the result is that tax on corporate profit (big business) has been reduced and it is the ordinary resident who is left to pick up the bill.

The Alternatives
If our Government needed to fill a black hole (which they created), there are many better ways to have done it. In the first instance, I propose a cutback on unnecessary bureaucracy and a streamlining of the civil service, and if necessary, by a variety of other taxes or levies which target profit and capital, rather than consumption. One option would be the model put forward by Jurat Peter Blampied, to tax commercially owned property. This would target businesses owned outside the island, but with premises in Jersey and oblige them to make a contribution to local taxes, which they currently avoid.

2. Increasing Political Awareness

Jersey is increasingly suffering from voter apathy and low-election turnouts. Only 35% of registered voters turned out for the last elections.

The reasons for this low turnout are various, but partly due to the type of 'personality politics' that has become all too common in our island.

I also think that the government system itself is partly to blame (see below).

My solution
I propose a single central electoral officer for the whole island to actively encourage public participation at every level, and that an extended syllabus be put in place in schools to educate children about local political systems, institutions and procedures.

Active debate and participation from all quarters of Jersey society is the most certain way to have a more representative Government.

3. Electoral Reform, General Election & Lack of Women in the States

Our current system of Government is overly complicated with archaic institutions, some of which may well contravene human rights. Currently, the States consists of unelected members, three types of elected States Members with different lengths of office depending on their position. All this can be confusing for the public and certainly does not encourage people to engage in the political process.

My Solution
I propose a move to a single class of States member, all elected on the same day. Amongst other things, this would encourage more women to stand for election, which is a serious imbalance of the present system. Traditionally, the position of Deputy is more attractive to women than the position of Senator or Constable. Currently, 11 of the 29 deputies are female, but only 1 of the 12 Senators, and none of the Constables. This is obviously unfair and undemocratic.

I will promote a stronger Parish System, and I believe that the Constables must have a key role to play in this. They already do an excellent job looking after their parishes, but in order to devote more time to doing this, I believe that they should no longer be require to sit in the States Assembly. Instead they should apply all their considerable experience and knowledge to re-energizing their local communities and encouraging greater participation in parish politics.

If elected, I will make it my personal interest to make sure any reforms are put through quickly and efficiently.

As long as Senators do remain in the States, they should all stand down together to seek reelection.

If elected, I pledge to stand down at the next election and I will encourage the other 5 elected Senators to do the same.

4. The Environment

Jersey is an affluent society. Whilst this has obvious benefits, there is a real risk that if we are not careful we may turn into a throwaway society, uncommitted to the universally recognized strategy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

I believe that the recent adoption of a huge Energy-from-Waste Plant was wrong and actually goes against this strategy. I am also concerned by the recent scientific findings about the health implications of such an incinerator. I truly believe that in adopting this plant we are gambling with our and our children's health.

I welcome Constable Crowcroft's moves for a public inquiry on this issue, and I will support any moves to rescind this decision.

My Solution
I propose a move to an island-wide kerbside collection scheme for all easily recyclable goods. I also share Deputy Duhamel's vision for a smaller, cheaper and more eco-friendly plant to aid in the recycling process.

I want voluntary measures to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint by a variety of efforts including, car sharing, cycling and a more flexible, user-friendly public transport strategy. I believe that Jersey should lead the way with eco-friendly building designs, using solar panels and grey water recycling as standard.

I propose interest free loans to any homeowner prepared to make such improvements and I think that it is necessary that individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for reducing their own emissions. I am working on a website to help promote all things environmental – www.green.je. Please pay it a visit.

5. Economy and Immigration

We are often told that the economy is booming; that finance figures are up, yet we are also told we are short of money. I am somewhat concerned about our current Treasury Minister's basic ability to do maths, but primarily I am concerned about our government's pursuit of growth at all costs and the implicit population growth that goes with it. I believe for an island this size this is unsustainable.

Solutions:
I support real diversification of the economy, not merely limited to the development of the Finance sector. With my background in Tourism, I am committed to making sure that Jersey competes as effectively as it can for tourists: not merely getting them here, but making sure they come again. It is not simply a case of throwing money at it either. There are simple steps the island can take to better look after our tourists when they are here, simple things like a special airport bus that can actually hold luggage (not the case at present), and reintroducing the harbour shuttle bus, which was popular with locals and tourists alike. Such details make all the difference and ensure a happy experience for everybody.

6. Housing

As a young Jerseyman, I am very aware of the extreme difficulty that single people, couples, and young families have in obtaining affordable housing.

Rather than proposing schemes such as shared equity, (buzz word at the last elections) I think it is more important that we tackle the root causes of sky-high prices once and for all.

My solution
We must find out the real extent to which outside, buy-to-let speculators are pushing up house costs for local buyers. Only then can we can take the necessary step such as adding a property speculation tax (designed to target foreign buy-to-let investors) or even scrapping the share-transfer option altogether.

I believe our government needs to do more to ensure affordable rented accommodation for those who want it, whether in the private or public sector.

I will encourage the States of Jersey to build or buy social housing accommodation to achieve this, but without destroying our countryside heritage.

7. Education.

Jersey can be rightly proud of the academic achievements of our young people, and I believe this is due to a combination of hard work from parents, teachers and, of course, the students themselves. However, there is room for improvement.

We need to cater more for those students who are vocationally rather than academically oriented by providing for them wider access to on-island training, and I would particularly encourage the greater use of apprenticeships as a way to achieve this.

I believe that we must invest more in early years learning, and I am particularly keen to promote the early acquisition of foreign languages to put us on par with other European countries.

I welcome the recent approval for 20 hours of nursery care for all 3-and-4 year-olds and I hope that, in time, this can be made more flexible, with a suitable solution being found to cover the remaining hours for those parents who are both obliged to work fulltime.

8. Health and Social Services

I also welcome the recent overhaul of our social security system. It is a vast improvement on the old parish welfare scheme. However, anecdotal evidence is that there are major 'teething' problems. If elected, I will do my part to make sure these are resolved as quickly as possible so that those who are most desperate get the help that they need.

I am also concerned that in such a prosperous island, there are those who do not get the medical attention they need because of the high cost associated with visiting the doctor or dentist. Indeed, I even know of people who have contracted terminal illness simply because they did not visit the doctor early enough, because they could not afford it. I feel that this is completely unacceptable in Jersey in the 21st Century, and I would welcome a feasibility study into providing free doctors and dentist visits for all Jersey residents.

[ Source : Montfort Tadier ]


A video of Montfort Tadier's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Biography

Age: 29

Place of birth: Jersey

Family: Son of Janine and Louis Tadier, St Brelade

Education: Les Quennevais: Hautlieu: Humboldt University, Berlin: University of Sheffield, BA (Hons) modern languages

Occupation: Translator

Hobbies/interests: Music, sports, travel, politics

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


Montfort studied Modern Languages at Sheffield University, before spending a year in the French West Indies teaching English.

As well as being fluent in French and German, he is competent in Spanish and Dutch.

Besides his languages, Montfort has had a wealth of experience in various customer service positions and is currently working for a leading telecommunications company in the Channel Islands.

Montfort's interests include music, football and snowboarding.

[ Source : Transmediate ]


Personal History

Born: Jersey, 1979

Education: Les Quennevais, Hautlieu; University of Berlin, University of Sheffield, BA (Hons) Modern Languages

Work Experience: Jersey Tourism, Jersey Telecom, Overseas English Teacher

Current work: Director of Transmediate Ltd, Translation Company

Hobbies: Sport, Music, Politics

Political History: 10 years of grassroots politics, both as a student and in the UK. Coordinator of the 8th March Solidarity Rally, for Survivors of Abuse; Organiser of the 6th May GST demo; Spokesperson for Time4change; Campaigner against the La Collette Incinerator Plan.

[ Source : Montfort Tadier ]



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