Each parish has different positions opening up for election, and both current and past douzeniers and constables are encouraging people to get involved.
‘Our douzaine comprises a diverse group of people each with their own skillsets and talents,’ said St Peter Port douzenier Mary McDermott. ‘We’re keen to talk with people who feel they have something to offer and give them a little insight into what is required.’
The drop-in session will offer the opportunity to ask questions about the election process and meet some candidates.
‘There are a few misconceptions about being a douzenier. You don’t have to be locally-born, you don’t have to follow a certain faith, you don’t have to work in finance, and you don’t have to have English as a first language,’ she said.
‘The key criteria required are that you live in the parish, are on the electoral roll and want to have a voice. After that what you bring to the table is down to you. I really would encourage people to find out what it’s all about.
‘I think people quite often just think it’s hedges and whatever – it’s far more than that.’
Douzeniers are elected council members who set their parish’s vision and direction, while constables are the executive officers who handle the day-to-day administration to carry out the douzaine’s decisions.
They are all voluntary positions and run for terms of up to four years for douzeniers and three for constables.
‘For me, it’s about public service,' said St Peter Port constable Diane Mitchell.
‘I was very lucky in life inasmuch as we had free education, grants to go to university. We benefitted a lot from what the island had to offer, and I was not from a wealthy family.
‘It’s about making life better for your fellow parishioners.
‘We’re active in terms of the heritage of the town and making sure that St Peter Port is a good place for locals and for visitors. All the flowers that you saw this summer were paid for by parishioners in St Peter Port, which is managed through our offices. So we manage and organise everything that’s going on in the parish, really.’
Candidates for douzenier or constable must be proposed by two people who live in the parish and are on the electoral roll.
St Peter Port and Castel parishes are confirmed to be present tomorrow with three more parishes also expected.
The drop-in session runs from 10am to noon in the Beau Sejour foyer.
Most parish meetings are taking place on 4 November, with nominations needing to be in by 24 October.
The St Peter’s meeting is being held Wednesday 12 November, with nominations due by Friday 31 October.
The date has been moved to avoid clashing with bonfire night, which might affect the turnout.
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