Latest News Ð JEP Supplement 13th Oct

My full reply to the JEPÕs Chief Minister question read:

A member with the integrity and vision who leads by example to build mutual trust and respect and is able to win public confidence. The person who I believe best fits all these qualities is Philip Bailhache.Ó

Why I replied to the JEP questionnaire that the Chief Minister be elected by public vote?

Although this controversial, this suggestion should not be lightly dismissed. There is a case to be considered by the electoral commission to recommend or otherwise. The potential gain is to re-engage our community with government and restore public confidence in the States.

If the Commission recommended a popular vote for the Chief Minister, there would need to be pre-qualifying rules for candidates standing.

Why I replied to the JEP questionnaire that the income support system is too generous.

There is inconsistency between our income tax and social security systems.

The imposition of income tax at a marginal rate from modest earnings from employment is a big disincentive on those receiving income support benefit from entering employment.

Income tax is also imposed on very modest amounts of occupational pension income received by pensioners from a lifetime of work or savings. This is unfair, as pensioners do not have the opportunity to increase their income and face the rising costs of living over which they have no influence.

There has to be an incentive to employment and consistent treatment of income for Income tax from whatever source, including income support.