New deputy is baby of the House at age of 31

SAM MAINDONALD is the new St Sampson's deputy. The parish constable polled 432 votes - 59.3% of those cast - against the 288 of the other candidate, Keith Tostevin. Mrs Maindonald, whose term of office runs only to the general election next April, becomes the baby of the House at the age of 31. 'I did not know what to expect. For me it is just wonderful that all of these people have turned out to vote,' said the new deputy. Mr Tostevin was already thinking last night about whether to stand at the general election. 'I will now consider my position and think about next April, but I do still feel I have a contribution to make in the States,' he said. Mrs Maindonald had put traffic at the centre of her platform. In her manifesto, she said: 'I would wish to see an island debate as to whether we should implement laws to cap the number of vehicles on our roads. 'This might not be popular and, like many medicines, it might hurt a bit and taste sour, but should make us feel better in the long run.' Mr Tostevin campaigned on a commitment to try and force a rethink on the proposed road system for the new school at Les Nicolles. He pledged to continue his fight from outside the House, despite standing down from the St Sampson's douzaine at the end of the year. Mr Tostevin congratulated his successful opponent. 'I feel that Sam will make an excellent deputy. She had very strong points of view and the people obviously liked her thinking.' Mr Tostevin enjoyed polling day. 'The turnout was on the high side for a by-election because it was a nice day. And there was no unpleasantness in the campaign - just good rivalry.' Returning officer Allison Brouard declared the result at 8.48pm on the steps of the douzaine room at Le Murier. Mrs Brouard said the turnout of 19.13% was 'reasonably good'. She revealed that twice as many parishioners voted at the douzaine room polling station as at Potter's Corner. The by-election was not without technical hitches. Among other problems, Sir Charles Frossard House originally sent Mrs Brouard the electoral roll for St Martin's and she received other documentation relating to the Vale.