Constables now refuse to stand down

[Jason the Maverick]

Plans for all of Jersey's constables to be elected in one go have been dashed because three are refusing to stand down.

Despite promises made earlier in the year, constables Simon Crowcroft, Dan Murphy and Graeme Butcher have now changed their minds.

All three claim their recent success, as justification for not putting themselves up for re-ellection.

They also say it costs a lot of money for a Parish to put on an election.

Some say the move that all Constables won't be elected on the same day is a set back for democracy.

So they lied to us.

[Eastern correspondent]

No surprise there then, is this not just typical of the style of government that we are presented with and yet another reason to question why bother to vote in this island!

The constables seem to conveniently forget  the spirit in which the debate took place was one of reform.

It is pitiful to blame elecioneering costs on their decision, had they not  factored that in when voting FOR an all island one day election for constables, so what between the debate and their announcement has changed.....nothing.

But as another blogger has stated the collective mentality of the states is paternalistic and these three constables probably think that they know best for the electorate and rate payers. Ha Ha!

[Jason the Maverick]

It is appalling.  "I want to keep my job for now so stuff the electorate"  I don't think this is the end of it.

[verystandrew]

Yet another perfect way to undermine any member of the public's resolve to vote.

And what exactly does this do for us?

http://www.vote.je/

Anybody would think "they" just want to be left alone to govern our Island free of damn inconvenient democracy...

VStA

[newmac]

Taking a different look at it, Why should the constables stand down when the senators won't.

All should be required to.

[Jason the Maverick]

I think it is simply because they are worried about losing power.  It is really that simple.

[Jack]

Yes, saw it on the news lunch-time today, very sad, blind stupidity from the individuals involved.

Nine for, three against; have any of the three made public their reasons for voting against it?

Or are they unaccountable to those who place their faith in them?

Again, we have division!

Perhaps admin., your readers should have a poll on this?

For or against election of all Constables in one go?

[Jason the Maverick]

I can add Polls and its done. 

[Chief Minister]

Crowcroft lied to get back in then.

[ageofaquarius]

they all bloody lie   

[Jason the Maverick]

http://www5.channelonline.tv/news/templates/jerseynews2.aspx?articleid=16129&zoneid=1

A former senator believes the actions of three of Jersey's constables has thwarted political reform in the island.

Advocate Chris Lakeman thinks all the constables should come up for election at the same time. Nine have agreed to stand down, but three, Constables Dan Murphy, Graeme Butcher and Simon Crowcroft are staying put.

Advocate Lakeman believes this has led to confusion and does nothing to encourage voters to get involved with politics.

Looks like this one might not go away for a bit.  Crowcroft did say at the Hustings for Constable that he would step down so what is he scared of?

[One Jersey 08]

There are 2 issues here.

1. What's caused the Constable of St Helier to U-turn?

Maybe he took soundings from politicians that are technically or likely to count in November 2008. i.e the current establishment.
And their decision....a resounding 'no'.
Can you see them favouring him over Le Sueur? I can't.
So where would this lead Crowcroft?
It would alienate him. His contest would make him unpopular with the establishment and he could find himself sitting on the senatorial bench without a position in the COM.

The sad thing about this is that like Syvret/ Walker in 2005, Crowcroft is likely to get far more votes than Le Sueur.  But as we already know, peoples preferences count for nothing in Jersey.

2. Whats caused three Constables to renege and decide not to stand for re-election after all? I would suggest its because they have the power to do  so and that they are taking their political lead from the establishment.

Yes, Advocate Lakeman is correct as this will add to the confusion over Jerseys 'semi-general election' and it is a setback for Jersey's 'democracy'.
but lets get real....Jersey's version of democracy is not arranged to suit the people, no matter how many times we're heard  'eminent' politicians on the radio claiming how proud they are that Jersey is democratic.
Are you proud of this system?

[Jack]

Or has Senator Philip Ozouf (of the Walker, Le Sueur, Ozouf "triumvirate"), already groomed some "fresh men" lined up, ready and waiting  in the parish wings eager to swipe the rug away from underneath the three on election day?

Who are the possible runners for these jobs in the three parishes which may prove to be a threat?

Obviously, fear has prevented these men from standing down!

So who will be the competing runners in these parishes on the "Donkey Derby" ridden by their Triumverate jockeys?   

[Chief Minister]

They are just bein selfish.

[Fritz]

"Shellfish", more like. Been affected by too much shit lately. LOL.