I'd like to hear from you, Deputy tells Vale residents

How the BBC reported Deputy Van Katwyk's interest in Vale development

Lee Van Katwyk made a manifesto commitment in seeking election to be "a true People’s Deputy" and represent his constituents and is now looking to follow up on that pledge.

"I do not want to be your average politician," he said, and wants to spend at least 50% of his time on constituency matters and making sure that parishioners' views are heard and acted on.

His manifesto highlighted the need to improve the economy, build more homes for locals and improve education. His concerns also extended to pensioners and young people and he is opposed to GST and is pressing for changes in the way the States operates and spends taxpayers' money.

Helping
"These are all important matters," he told the Vale Parish website, "but I really want to hear from parishioners and what issues they are facing. I might be able to help them – from taking up their cases or helping them to steer a path through government bureaucracy."

His manifesto is in the downloads section below and Deputy Van Katwyk has recently spoken about development in the Vale and the potential impact of reclaiming an area of land at Black Rock for housing.

However, in speaking to Vale residents he said he had no agenda in mind other than the issues people might raise with him.

"All deputies speak about big picture topics," he said, "but very often it's much smaller but no less important matters that affect people's lives and I really want to hear from people if they think I might be able to assist them in some way, no matter how small."

Deputy Van Katwyk has also added he is happy to hear from and help all Guernsey residents.

Welcome
Vale Constable Richard Leale welcomed Deputy Van Katwyk's offer to concentrate on parish matters and said it was refreshing to see deputies taking a special interest in "their" parish despite the loss of local representation caused by island-wide voting.

"We've met some of the Vale resident deputies on other issues in recent weeks and I'm happy to say they want to build on the relationship they have with the Vale. Keeping grassroots, parochial matters on the States' agenda has never been more important in our view and this is a significant step along that path."

• Anyone who would like to contact Deputy Van Katwyk should email or call on:
  [email protected] or 07781 133515

Downloads

• Lee VK Manifesto