Election 2008

Mike Hadley.

As a community pharmacist I became involved in local politics in the U.K. serving as a district councillor and Mayor. I founded a successful software company and have also owned an Interior décor shop, restaurant and hotel at various times. When a suitable job became available for my wife, a local doctor, we moved to the Island with our children.

I am a keen to see that we continue to invest adequately in health, education social services and the infrastructure of the Island.

As a self-employed businessman I am well aware that it is important not to have large increases in taxation on business or the individual taxpayer. It is especially important not to damage the finance industry, which accounts for much of the Island’s income. However both Jersey and the Isle of Man tax business to a much greater extent than Guernsey without any sign of them leaving. We have the balance wrong at the moment and we must look again at how much we raise in taxation and how we do it.

The Island is heavily reliant on the finance sector and every effort should be made to preserve this. However we can't put all our eggs in one financial basket. Decisions made in the U.K. and E.U. could affect the prosperity of our financial industry almost overnight. More effort should therefore be made to help other sectors of the economy.

We need a mixed economy not one that relies too much on the finance industry.

The new States needs Deputies that will make the right decisions promptly and not prevaricate for years.

If elected I will keep in touch with you by delivering quarterly newsletters.

I will try to empower the electorate in supporting a Freedom of Information Act and a right to call for a referendum.