Anyone else get the feeling that the Esplanade Quarter Masterplan is being rushed through before a load of deputies lose their seats?
http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/documents/orders/22823-47630-16102008.htmL. PUBLIC BUSINESS
Esplanade Quarter Masterplan, St. Helier: development agreement – approval by the States.
Lodged: 3rd July 2008.
Senator J.L. Perchard.
Frankly, I find it obscene that the house continues to sit and take the most monumentous decisions, whilst the closest thing we have to a general election is still in progress.
Mike Vibert will be voting. His term of office officially expires when the new Senators are sworn in (early Dec isn't it, before they choose Chief Minister?)
Gerard Baudains will be voting. He's retiring as a deputy after losing the St Clement Constable election.
Frank Walker will be voting. He's retiring
Wendy Kinnard will be voting. She's retiring
Guy de Faye will be voting. It'll be a miracle if he keeps his seat.
Other deputies are sure to lose their seats.
Sean Power or Sarah Ferguson - if you are reading - is there any chance that you can bring a late amendment, in the interests of good government, to defer item P.111/2008 until December when a "new" (or mostly new) house will be sitting? Of course, you would have to get the Bailiff to agree the amendment...
If you could miraculously bring an amendment, all deputies would be closely watched as to their stance. If they support the amendment, they are seen to be on the side of good government, deferring such a momentous decision to a new house with a proper democratic mandate. If they oppose the amendment, they are seen to be "getting the job done" before a vital election, and they will be answerable at the ballot box a few weeks later.
It is obscene that those voting in favour of this proposition in October are highly likely - in some cases certain - not to be around to be held responsible.
I would not raise the issue if these people were debating something trivial like dog licences. It's the Esplanade Quarter though. £300million plus (of some bankers money, in the first instance), plus years of disruption. Surely, the credit crunch has changed the rules of the game with regard to this whole development?
