29 August 2012

Electoral Reform - The Fairy Tale Solution


Tomorrow, the Electoral Commission will conduct its final Public Hearings. I will be in attendance tomorrow. I was quite pleased with my submission, even if I do say so myself (I will publish it here shortly) - that was until I heard Mr LaClaque's submission. 

Mr LaClaque may be 90 years old, but his years of knowledge have seemingly enabled him to find a way to keep happy both so-called 'traditionalists' and 'progressives' by implementing the essence of the Clothier Recommendations, whilst still maintaining the Constables in the States. - The man is a genius!

The submission has not yet been uploaded onto the Electoral Commission Website, but I have managed to obtain a copy which you can read below.



Submission No. 8, 623
Name:                 Alphonse LaClaque
Address:              La Petite Rue des Ruelles Ruez, St Ouen.
Born:                   1922


Dear Electoral Commission:

1. The Constables are an important link to the Parishes and MUST be maintained in the States.

2. The Constable is head of the Parish. He (or sometimes she, nowadays!) is elected by Parishioners democratically and is full of wisdom; they know what is best for Parishioners.

3. The Parish system is good and must be extended.

4. The number of Parishes should be increased to 44.

5. Parishes should be of equal size and must have a Constable.

6. The administration of each Parish should be delegated to the Parish Secretary under the supervision of a Procurer du Bien Public, elected by Parishioners. 

7. Deputies and their constituencies should be abolished.

8. Senators should be removed.

9. The title of Constables should be changed to Member of the States of Jersey (MSJ for short)

10. The title of Procurer du Bien Public should be changed to Constable.

Job Done.