Five years ago, you offered me the opportunity to represent your interests in our Parliament. I hope I have justified that confidence. I may have ‘trodden on a few toes’ of those in the establishment but I do not intend to change my approach. I will continue to speak out on matters of concern, probe government actions and to ask questions on your behalf

I hope that you will feel able to vote for me again so that I can continue my work and be the strong voice for the town.

I WILL CONTINUE TO PUT "RAMSEY FIRST"

I have been pleased to have made the following contributions to Ramsey and the Island.

• Installation of ‘cats eyes’ on the Mountain Road improving driver and passenger safety

• Private Members Bill to make it an offence for an adult to purchase alcohol on behalf of a young person.

• Private Members Bill to require parental consent before body piercing procedures permitted on a young person under 18

• Introduced random roadside testing of heavy and light goods vehicles, taxis and buses to assist road safety.

• Successfully campaigned for government incentives to encourage investment in Ramsey

• Obtained free chiropody treatment for private and DHSS ‘patients at risk’ in nursing homes.

• Introduction of government grants for families needing extra bedroom accommodation as their family grows

• Made it quite clear that I would oppose any attempt to remove the laws that currently prevent the promotion in schools that homosexual relationships are an alternative to family life.

• Initiated the protest at the unsuitability of the ‘Ben my Chree’ which resulted in considerable alterations to improve passengers facilities

• Introduced two new ‘Lollipop’ crossing patrols in Ramsey for the school children and two more zebra crossings.

• Publishing of a DHSS leaflet explaining the right of a person to obtain a second medical opinion

• Defended the long term future of the Accident and Emergency provision at Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

• Successfully’ led the campaign retaining the Lord Bishops vote in Tynwald

• Introduced safety kerbs at ‘Hairpin Bend’

WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
WORKING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Them is no doubt that many people cannot afford to purchase a house. Rental values have also increased to a point beyond many people’s reach. The Government has pledged to build 400 housing units per year including first time buyers housing, but at a cost of £85,000 each.

I support the proposal to introduce Housing Associations which will build dwellings in partnership with government. As well as building property to rent I would like to see an option by which the purchaser will buy into 50% of the house and pay rent. The tenant could purchase the property at a later date for an agreed sum which will take into account the rent already paid.

I supported this Bill as I believe there is no other option but to have the powers to limit population growth if necessary. In these times of success and almost no unemployment workers have to be brought from off island. With a net annual increase of 800+ residents, the infrastructure is beginning to creak to the detriment of those residents living here. The regulations being drafted will be sympathetic to ensure, for example, that families are kept together and people have the right of return. There must be a long term maximum population aim to allow proper infrastructure planning.

I cannot agree with those who advocate a blanket reduction in economic growth. Such action and a faltering world economy would see the return of unemployment made worse by an inevitable reduction in government spending and the less well off in our society would be the first to suffer.

Our economy should be allowed to expand in a controlled manner with the intention of encouraging industries that will reduce our reliance on the finance sector. We should encourage businesses to come to the Island which are engaged in the production of low volume, high value goods reducing the need to import staff

Perhaps my greatest disappointment was when the House of Keys rejected my amendment to the Highways Bill which would have made the Department of Transport liable if they were aware of dangerous pavements but did not repair them. At present, the DOT are only liable if an accident occurs at an area they have repaired badly. I received a lot support from people island wide who had suffered severe accidents and whose claims were rejected under the present law. My proposal was narrowly lost by 12 votes to 11 because the Council of Ministers voted en bloc against me.

The Department of Transport and Manx National Heritage presented their ‘Rolls Royce’ refurbishment scheme to Tynwald at a cost above £9 Million. They are aware that this outrageous figure could not be supported by either Tynwald members or the public. The Pier supporters do not want an historical monument, but a recreational facility which retains the unique view of Ramsey Bay.

The Chief Ministers 5 year strategy hopefully will work in time but there is no doubt in my mind that the illegal drug situation is getting worse. Regrettably, this strategy could have been introduced 10 years ago when it was first proposed. I welcome the measures being taken to help and support those addicted to drugs. The police have to clamp down on dealers and the courts must show them no mercy.

This is your first opportunity to vote at a general election I hope you will use your vote You can influence the outcome of an election and ensure that you elect a person who understands the needs of your age group and is working for you

I would welcome hearing from you, so please do not hesitate to contact me I live in Ramsey and have 3 children, two at the Grammar School and one in primary education and I know the pressures they will face, and you are facing We must ensure that our education system is the best, that we can ensure the success of our economy to guarantee jobs for young people and that housing is available for and your family We also have to vastly improve the provision of recreational facilities for our youth Working together in joint partnership is needed for all these matters I would be happy to hear from you and work with you

I protested to the Church Authorities at their proposal to demolish St. Mary’s, Ballure Church on financial grounds This is a listed building and cannot be demolished at will. I felt the proposal was premature as there is over a thousand years history of this site as a consecrated place. I hope the Church Authorities will seek support from Government departments including Manx National Heritage to refurbish the Church and find other uses for the community’s benefit as well as for worship. The comments I have received are all in favour of every effort being made to retain the church.

I have been assured by the Department of Education that when the new primary schools on the Auldyn school site and Clifton Drive have been completed, there will be no specific zoning and parents will have a choice of school for their children. I sincerely hope this works in practice.

There is a need for a multi-purpose Community Centre in Ramsey. An opportunity has arisen as a new swimming pool is needed. This, therefore, is the ideal time to plan the two together on one site. I will be delighted to help Government and the Commissioners bring forward such a project to provide a facility that can be used by all sections of the Ramsey Community.

This election could well be the most significant in the history of the Isle of Man. Tragic world events have ensured that our future peace and prosperity is interlinked with, and influenced by, external factors over which we have little control.

There is now little doubt that the world economy is in recession and this will have a direct impact on our future business viability. We have to work for self-sufficiency in our island based industries, particularly agriculture.

There will no longer be the luxury of almost unlimited spending. A clear national strategy for the long term future has to he speedily put in place by the next Government to minimise the impact of any economic turndown on Island residents.

The Isle of Man will need a determined, unified Government with a strong leader who will have the qualities to ensure that all the members of Tynwald are offered the chance to contribute.

THE ONLY WAY FORWARD IS AS A TYNWALD TEAM.

Published by L. Singer, Woodbrae, The Crescent Ramsey

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