Accountancy specialist Neil Kilbey, who says he has lived in Jersey for most of his life and developed several small businesses locally, said he was prompted to stand because he was concerned that the Government’s once “conservative” approach to spending has been eroded.
“We are now seeing large expenditure on projects that do not address the needs of the population,” he explained.
“A landmark hospital will not treat any more patients than the original plan. Cyril Le Marquand house has been sold, demolished so that a new building must be built. The JDC for Southwest St. Helier Waterfront, is essentially for investment purposes and does not address real housing needs in Jersey.
“These vanity projects will take available resources away from housing and private sector. They will also drive up costs for building for the projects themselves, housing projects and private developments, so the budgets claimed will not be kept.”
Mr Kilbey said he would instead prefer to see a smaller Government, an island where the taxpayer retains “as much of their income as possible for their choice”, and more innovation in dealing with the challenges facing Jersey.
As well as greater control on public spending, among his principles are the idea of the public having the final say on key capital projects like the hospital, and the Chief Minister being selected via an island-wide vote.
On population, Mr Kilbey says he would like to see permanent residency granted “based on merit and not willingness to live in substandard accommodation” and in the realm of housing, he wants greater use of brownfield sites and for the Government to accelerate the release of unused buildings in its own portfolio.
Mr Kilbey says he is a supporter of initiatives that reduce the need for personal cars, while in the realm of health he supports a “multi-site” approach and greater use of ‘telehealth’ options.
While he acknowledges that some of his ideas “may not work or not be approved”, the business professional says he believes in “innovative thinking to solve our problems”.
“We must understand all the issues, money and people so we can create effective solution,” he said. “Jersey is perfectly poised for the future, and provide a great environment for us all to prosper and live.”
Jersey’s election is taking place in June.
