Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto.

I am Bernie Manning, born in St. Helier where I have lived for most of my life. Some of you may know me as the Chairman of the Millennium Town Park group or from the Honorary Police. I’m also an active member of the community who regularly attends most parish assemblies.

I stood for Deputy in 1999, 2011 and 2014. Looking back at my manifestos during those times, there are still many issues that need to be addressed, such as Sustainable Population, GST and Parking in St. Helier.

In 1997 I co-founded the Millennium Town Park Support Group of which I am Chairman, the group canvased for the Millennium Park which was eventually opened in 2011.

In 2014 I co-founded the North of St. Helier Association, of which I am Chairman. The group successfully canvased to stop the Gas Company from overdeveloping their site, which will now be used by Andium Homes for housing with underground parking and an extension to the Millennium Town Park.

I believe in an integrated island and was pleased to help manage the first Polish Festival in 2011 and the Polish Charity Weekend. I am vice chairman of the St. Helier & Funchal Geminacao committee who are responsible for the Portuguese Food Festival and other local events which are enjoyed by the Portuguse and local community.

Honorary Work in St Helier

  • St. Helier Roads Inspector (2008-2014)
  • St. Helier Accounts Committee (Member since 1997)
  • St. Helier & Funchal Geminacao (Vice Chairman)
  • St. Helier Youth and Community (Member since 2017)
  • St. Helier Roads Committee (Elected in 2014 & 2017 – 3 year terms)

Charity Work

  • Trustee and Chairman of the Variety Sailing Trust
  • Variety The Children’s Charity Committee Member

Previous Positions Held

  • Vice-President of the Jersey Federation of Small Businesses
  • Chairman of St. Helier Retail Group
  • Chairman of Retail Training Network

Sustainable Population

We need to introduce work permits to protect local employment opportunities and help maintain a sustainable population. Past and present failures to meet policy guidelines have led to insufficient controls and measures. However, population control should not be exercised in a way that jeopardises the health of our economy on which the island’s social policies depend.

Hopper Bus

Former Constable Bob Le Brocq Introduced a hopper which gave vital mobility to many St. Helier residents especially senior citizens. Some years on, the traffic situation in town is worsening, the air quality is bad, and pedestrians and cyclists are suffering because of the congestion.

I would like to reinstate a similar Hopper Bus service in the Parish. I have worked with 'Jersey in Transition' to create a proposal for St. Helier town hopper bus service.

Click here to read our hopper bus proposal.

G.S.T.

I am against the Goods and Services Tax but until we find alternative revenue, GST will probably need to stay. It was agreed when GST was voted in that the states would reassess GST on food which has not been done; I would seek to remove GST from food and other essential items as soon as possible.

Residents Parking

The lack of parking in St. Helier is causing parking difficulties for visitors and residents alike and needs urgent attention. The Gas Works site would be ideal for an underground car park and would include an extension of the Millennium Town Park to St. Saviours Road. I would also look into the possibility of creating a blue line running alongside yellow lines in some areas that would enable residents to park over night between certain times.

Regeneration

Jersey can be regenerated by creating new ways to market our existing products and services, developing new areas of expertise and entering new global markets. We need to reinstate the development fund, but keep tighter control of the funds.

Tax

There are a number of recent Tax schemes being considered by the States which all have a direct impact on Middle Jersey. The tax system is not perceived as fair and I would look forward to raising these issues.
I would also like to see tax incentives to encourage people to save for retirement.

Living Wage

I would like to see a living wage introduced, but believe it would have to be brought about over a period of time so as not to damage local business. The living wage for Jersey is £10.20, whilst the minimum wage is only £7.50 the UK minimum wage is £7.83

2020 Island Plan

Elected States members will have to bring forward proposals for the next island plan so it is imperative that your vote goes to someone with a track record of defending the needs of St. Helier.

Home Ownership

The states should help to make the dream of home ownership become a reality for as many as possible. We need greater access to affordable housing and this may involve developing further home ownership schemes to help get people onto the housing ladder.

Plastics

We need to look into the use, recycling and disposal of plastics on the island. Part of the problem is not the plastic itself, it’s the people who don’t recycle or dispose of plastic waste in a responsible way. This is why we need to address marine plastic pollution and specifically tackling society’s disposable, excessive or unnecessary plastic culture.

You can read more on my blog: Fighting Plastic Pollution in Jersey.

Tourism

We have to accept that we will never recapture the past glories of our tourism industry. With special interest holidays focused on our heritage, natural beauty of our island and sport, tourism can still flourish but requires more help from the States.

Education and Young People

We need to provide the best facilities, education and vocational opportunities for everyone within the island and also provide the best support for those wishing to seek a higher education.
This should sustain the island’s future growth and requirements.

Community

More could be done to assist those who need help the most. I would like to see home visits to the elderly and infirm by encouraging initiatives similar to the Jersey Post Call and Check Scheme.

Upkeep of States Property

The states need to keep all of its properties in good repair and not leave them to deteriorate.
Fort Regent, The Folie Inn and Le Seelleur Buildings are just a few that spring to mind.

There are no miracle cures or quick solutions to these problems, but with your vote I will fight your corner to ensure that your future and your children’s future are protected.

My politics are not about left v right; I believe effective politicians need to work together for the benefit of St. Helier and the Island no matter what their political persuasion.

If you elect me as Deputy in District Number 2, you will have someone with the experience and knowledge to take on the complex issues our States Members are expected to deal with.

I pledge;
• To serve to the best of my ability, and to make informed and considered decisions.
• To ask questions, but not just for the sake of being heard.
• To be an effective and caring personal representative.
• To strive for fair treatment for all.

I don’t offer a new or old style of representation, just to put people first. I will campaign for a fair, prosperous, caring & sustainable St. Helier and will be accountable to you, the electors of St. Helier District Number 2.

If you want a Deputy who has a track record of Listening and championing the wishes of the people of St Helier, please use one of your votes for Bernie Manning.

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