Inspired by @jessbisson (great idea Jess) this is my take on the top 10 I would vote for if we had IWV:-
1. Heidi Soulsby South East (@heidisoulsby, heidisoulsby.com
I have to declare an interest since I am married to this candidate and therefore prone to bias. This doesn’t automatically make me wrong when I say her combination of intelligence, business sense, compassion and diligence are a rare combination which I believe would make her an excellent deputy who would undoubtedly strengthen our states.
2. Gavin St Pier St Sampson (@gavinstpier, gavinstpier.gg)
Another new candidate but, like Heidi, has a deserved reputation for considerable intellectual ability together with analytical reasoning skills. I believe Gavin would be an asset to the states and will contribute to an improvement in the standard of debate.
3. Sean McManus Castel
An existing Deputy, Sean’s voting record is one that I would be happy to endorse on most issues and he seems to me to be one of the good guys. He sees the big picture and cares deeply about Guernsey and delivering a positive future for our island with commendable compassion.
4. Darren Duquemin Castel (@darrenduquemin, darrenduquemin.com)
Another new candidate – but one with lots of relevant skills, realistic enough not to make wild promises in his manifesto and has correctly identified the urgent issues facing the next states. I think it’s vital that there is a lot of new blood and new ideas after the election.
5. Scott Ogier St Sampson’s (@DeputyOgier, DeputyOgier.com)
A sitting deputy that has not done a bad job over the 4 years, and has useful experience. I might not agree with everything he does, but for the most part I think he does good work for Guernsey and I think the states would be poorer with out him.
6. Kevin Stewart St Sampson’s (@kevinstewartgsy, kevinstewart.gg)
New candidate – and probably a popular one. I include Kevin here because I believe he will have a real impact on the states if he can carry his no nonsense attitude into the chamber and retain his common sense (something not everyone appears able to do once they get elected!!)
7. John Gollop, St Peter Port North (@gollopguern)
The states just wouldn’t be the states without John, and he does talk an awful lot of sense. John is a lot cleverer than many people give him credit for, and he always gets down to the detail of the issues. His understanding of Guernsey politics is excellent and his heart is definitely in the right place.
8. Matt Fallaize Vale mattfallaize.com
I’d have Matt back on the strength of his voting record and as much for his part in stopping crazy decisions happening. Remember the incinerator anyone?
9. Mary Lowe Vale
Always talks sense! We also need to get more women of a high standard elected to balance the states and help reign in some of the testosterone fuelled debates. Why are so few women standing? What can be done to make the states more appealing/accessible to women.
10. Caroline Bowker St Sampson’s (@bowkercj)
I like Caroline’s background, experience and policies – some new ideas there which would bbe interesting if adopted. I think Caroline would probably vote as I would on the major issues.
Also worth a mention – I have limited myself to 10, like Jess did, but I would also think Robert Sillars, Paul Luxon, Barry Brehaut, Peter Harwood, Richard Lord and Jenny Tasker would make my shortlist.
This is very much my top 10, not that of Heidi and in no way is it intended to imply who her choices might be.