Candidates ready to serve St Peter Port
CANDIDATES eager to make a difference in St Peter Port met the electorate on Saturday in an attempt to sway the voters.
In the only remaining contested parish elections in the island, there are two candidates battling over one vacant constable role, and eight islanders after seven douzenier positions.
The two-hour ‘Meet the Candidates’ event at St Peter Port Constables’ Office saw a steady influx of parishioners, interested to learn more about their potential new parish representatives.
Jenny Tasker is currently in the race for the constable position.
‘Many people have been interested in learning the role of the constables, and it’s surprising how many people aren’t aware of the importance of the constables,’ she said.
‘We’ve had questions about the influence the douzaine has on planning applications, but, unusually, no comments about waste.’
Philip Smith is a new candidate to the douzaine, and is hoping for a douzenier position.
‘I’m now 76 and recently retired from the hospital as an engineer. I wanted to do something else and this is something I know I can do,’ he said.
Candidates finishing in the top five places will fulfil their role for four years, sixth place can serve for two years, and the candidate finishing seventh will have a year-long term on the douzaine.
Current constable Ben Nicholls, who is stepping down from his position, was overseeing the event.
‘It’s great to have the candidates here to meet parishioners, and this is the busiest drop-in we’ve had in a while,’ he said.
Manifestos for each candidate can be found at www.womeninpubliclife.gg.
Eligible voters can cast their vote on Wednesday 16 November between 10am and 8pm at either Beau Sejour or the Constables’ Office in Lefebvre Street.
