Candidate Profile

Steve Babb - Onchan

Full Name	Steve Babb
Age	34
Marital Status	Married
Children	1 so far
Place of Birth	Isle of Man
Occupation	Project Manager - IOM Water Authority

 

Political History & Views

What is your political history or relevant experience?

I have not previously taken up the opportunity to stand for election to the Keys and as I don't believe being a local commissioner adds much in terms of practical experience to the role, it could be argued that I have no local political experience.

However, if you agree that the role of an MHK is to represent the people who elects them, to participate in the running of an organisation with an annual turnover of several hundred million pounds and to have a real investment in the performance for that community then I do have considerable previous experience.

I am 34 years old, married to Louise with one daughter. I attended Onchan School, then High School in Douglas before heading to University in the UK to study business.

Louise and I met in Onchan, we married in Onchan and both have family still living in the village, close to our home in Lakeside Gardens.

My family ran a retail business in Douglas for over 100 years where I worked whilst growing up, giving me a clear understanding of the difficulties faced by many small businesses on the Island.

I have run my own consultancy firm, working with some of the largest corporations in the UK on projects worth over £300m, and also worked in the finance sector here on the Island. I'm currently employed as a Project Manager for the Water Authority, working on national infrastructure schemes with a value of over £25m.

My family is very important to me and like many parents, Louise and I want to be sure that when our children grow up, they will do so in a secure local economy that can provide opportunities and employment, enjoy a good quality of life and benefit from the wonderful and unique aspects of our Island's environment.

In short, we want out children to enjoy what we had as children.

As a community our future depends on making the right choices now, not just on the important local matters where it is essential National Government works closely with local commissioners, but also on the bigger issues which affect us all.

Are you a member of any organisation which guides or influences your political views or polices?

No. I do not believe party politics is the best way for the Manx people to be represented in Government. I would rather be represented by an individual whom I can hold accountable for their actions or inaction, than by an individual who may be forced to follow a "party line" devised by a consultant instead of an elected official.

What are your main national issues?

• Accountable Government
• Real affordable first time buyer housing
• Immigration controls
• Environmental change
• Local jobs for local graduates
• Securing our economy for the future
• Monopolies
• Health care

What are your main local issues?

• Greater communication between National and Local government
• Education requirement - do we need a new school in Onchan?
• Land rezoning
• Improved leisure facilities (including all weather pitches)
• Traffic strategy
• Promoting local business opportunities

What do you believe you would bring to government as an MHK?

• Energy, enthusiasm, honesty and knowing I will have a long time to live with he decisions the Government makes for the future.
• Experience of the issues such as housing, education, the environment and employment that currently affects people of my generation.
• Experience of working as a civil servant, knowing how the system works, and how to work to improve it.
• Business experience at a high level.

Other Documents & Information

2006 Manifestio