Deputy Geoff Southern

[Jason the Maverick]

Well he only got in with around 400 votes didn't he.....

[Pomme de terre]

Yes, he did.

The main question is, do you live in St Helier No 2? Whilst not a pre-requisite for standing, St Helier voters famously don't like non-townies standing for deputy in their district. It's an immediate handicap.

[Jason the Maverick]

I am not sure as to how popular Geoff Southern is outside of the TGWU.

But really with only 400 votes, it is hardly 'voice of the people'....

[Jason the Maverick]

"Income support test case
 
A case which could have important bearings for people on income support in Jersey is being heard by a Social Security tribunal.

When the system was introduced earlier this year, the savings disregard was reduced from £50,000 to just over £7,000 for a single person.

A mum with four children who received £70,000 in a divorce settlement is challenging the new regulation. She says the lump sum - intended as financial protection for her children - will dwindle away within two years.

Deputy Geoff Southern says the rules creates a poverty trap and is in need of urgent review"

[cyrillem]

I hope Red Geoff quits sooner rather than later. He isn't contray to popular demand, the man of the people, He is the man who can't get employed anywhere else, and therefore has to stir as much trouble as he can in the public domain.

[Mod 4]

cyrillem


You have made a statement that a certain states member could not find employment anywhere else. Can you back this up with factual evidence, otherwise this is just hearsay?

Thank You

Mod 4

[Bentos]

I am just curious to know why he left teaching, is it not meant to be a vocation rather than a job?

[tonytheprof]

I was seething mad as the corrupt parish officials had managed to lose my name from the electoral records just for the year of the Senatorial elections. 

That's a very strong accusation. Have you any reason to believe it was deliberate rather than incompetence?

I was once left off, but I attribute that to poor record keeping at the Parish Hall at the time. Now I always ring up and make sure I'm on. They also verified me by email.

Personally, I think it should be like driving licences. You are "on" for a period of time unless you (a) die (b) move Parish (or district)

[cyrillem]

Well I wouldn't want to in any way be liable to be sued on accusations.. but let's just say that a certain states member may or may not have been told he or she was not allowed to teach again, EVER!

Who else would pay this certain states member who maybe in a political party, or not, 44K a year?

[tonytheprof]

There are quite a few ex-teachers in the States (or just coming out of it)

[shaun the sheep]

Well I wouldn't want to in any way be liable to be sued on accusations.. but let's just say that a certain states member may or may not have been told he or she was not allowed to teach again, EVER!

Who else would pay this certain states member who maybe in a political party, or not, 44K a year?

You Tart....

[boatyboy]

Deputy Geoff Southern and Shona Pitman pleaded guilty in court this morning to breaking the law.

The Magistrate, decided after thirty minutes not to hand down punishment, but to refer them to the Royal court.

Deputy Southern could be fined a maximum of £40,000 for an alleged 20 offences and Shona Pitman fined a maximum of £4000 for two offences.

The case is to be heard in April.

It will be interesting to see, whether high ranking Civil servants being investigated in Education, Health and the police If a problem exists, are allowed to retire on their pensions going quietly, or offered to the courts ?  The argument is used that it is not in the public interest. I would suggest if there is a case to answer, then the case may be expensive to bring, however at some stage accountability has to be put back to the top of the list in Jersey.

There has been to many, overspends, bad work and incompetence all going unchecked over the last few decades, it seems we are at a stage where some feel that they are untouchable.

My personal view is that " no person is above the law "

Boatyboy

[cyrillem]

In 1994 the Royal Court ordered John Le Sueur to step down from his position as Connetable of St John for drink driving, let's hope the same is done in this case.

[boatyboy]

In 1994 the Royal Court ordered John Le Sueur to step down from his position as Connetable of St John for drink driving, let's hope the same is done in this case.

You are absolutely right cyrillem, if my memory serves me correctly he refused to resign and then proceedings to have him removed followed.

However the Constable of a Parish is also head of the parish's honoury police even above the  " chief de police "  it is my understanding, that the Constable as head of the police cannot break the law, without giving up office. 

It could be argued that the States members are impowered to change any laws regarding any Government department even the police.They could also vote out the Bailiff if they were minded to, or change the structure of Government, as examples.

My personal view is that there are some pretty stupid unpoliceable laws which cannot be serviced properly,over a long period ( green lanes speed limit at 15 mph ) comes to mind.

If unahappy with an existing law, or wishing to bring in a new law, a politician is in the honourable position to cause a debate to bring about change. If the motion is lost, then, abide or work to have it recinded, break the law,  then just as you and I would be held to account so should the politician or in fact any person whatever profession or standing in society.

BB

[rico sorda]

Deputy Geoff Southern and Shona Pitman pleaded guilty in court this morning to breaking the law.

The Magistrate, decided after thirty minutes not to hand down punishment, but to refer them to the Royal court.

Deputy Southern could be fined a maximum of £40,000 for an alleged 20 offences and Shona Pitman fined a maximum of £4000 for two offences.

The case is to be heard in April.

It will be interesting to see, whether high ranking Civil servants being investigated in Education, Health and the police If a problem exists, are allowed to retire on their pensions going quietly, or offered to the courts ?  The argument is used that it is not in the public interest. I would suggest if there is a case to answer, then the case may be expensive to bring, however at some stage accountability has to be put back to the top of the list in Jersey.

There has been to many, overspends, bad work and incompetence all going unchecked over the last few decades, it seems we are at a stage where some feel that they are untouchable.

My personal view is that " no person is above the law "

Boatyboy


Boatboy

You have it bang on and i feel the same about GS & SP.. i understand where there coming from but it will backfire on them i would be pissed off if we lost GS because the guy does a lot of work and plus i like watching him in the states...

But as they head to the royal court lets us make sure our protected child abusers and in my opinion crap civil servants are not far behind

rs