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"I have lived in St John with my Jersey born wife, Kate, for 16 years. We have two sons, Harry who is 14 and 11 year old James, both of whom went to St John's primary school."
"I want to serve my home parish. I have been very active in parish matters for many years."
"If elected I will once again adopt an open house policy at my home in the heart of St John."

Proposers and Nomination Speech

Nomination Speech by Proposer Mrs Celia Jeune
Monsieur Chef De Police, Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my privilege to nominate Mr Andrew Lewis for the position of Deputy of St John.

Andrew offers the unique combination of absolute commitment to this parish with a successful business career a previous track record in the States that has given him valuable experience of how government operates which if elected, would enable him to have an immediate impact upon taking a seat in the States.

I have always been amazed by his energy and commitment when asked to take on a cause. We have recently worked together on the St John Youth & Community Trust and it was through Andrew's chairmanship that the dream of a Skateboard Park in the Parish was achieved. Andrew has given much time to charitable causes in the past, being a founder member of the Great Ormond Street Appeal in Jersey which raised £1million. He, together with other parish officials, was involved in the early stages of the development of the concept of additional life time homes in St John which are now under construction. He has also for many years helped run and administrate scout groups that serve the young people of St John. It was through Andrews endeavours' that St John became the first parish to have kerbside recycling collections which demonstrated his undoubted green credentials and is a lasting legacy to his last term of office as a St John Deputy. Andrews commitment to St John has been truly demonstrated over and over again

Being dedicated to the parish is not enough, our Deputy must have the ability to be an effective representative in an assembly where as many as 51 different views may be argued. It is in this regard that Andrew's business acumen and previous States experience will be so valuable. I'd like to say a word or two about each. He built from scratch one of the most successful marketing and design companies in the Channel Islands. As the youngest-ever chairman of the Institute of Directors, he got to know the political ropes quickly and has learned exactly what is required in dealing with our most senior political figures, although by no means always agreeing with them. He added immeasurably to that experience between 2005 and 2008 when he represented us with distinction as our Deputy. When he found himself at odds with proposals, whatever the source, he did not merely oppose them, he offered positive alternatives. Andrew stands up for what he believes with determination and a strong sense of what is fair.

I fully understood when Andrew, after much deliberation, chose not to offer himself for re-election in 2008. With global recession looming his attention at this difficult time needed to be focussed on ensuring the security of his family, his business and that of his staff. This together with the demands of a young family, meant that he could not give 100% to his States work and never wanting to do anything by halves, he reluctantly stepped down, but always with the intention of returning to politics when the time was right. I am glad to say that that time is very much now.

Towards the end of his tenure in the States, Andrew had to make some tough decisions, which he did with integrity, and much soul searching. To me, this proves that he is not frightened of taking on challenges and making difficult decisions always standing up for what he believes to be right based not on rumour or speculation but on hard facts and appropriate consultation.

Knowing Andrews family well through our association with St Johns Church, I can assure you that Andrew and Kate play an active part in the fabric of St John. Their sons both attended St Johns School, Kate co-ordinates the Sunday Club and together they can be seen walking the lanes whether it be collecting for the poppy appeal, Christian Aid the annual litter pick up or manning a stall at the Bonne Nuit Harbour Festival.

A great believer in the adage 'young people are our future' he has approached with vigour the idea of developing local talent ensuring that his company participated in the States Internship scheme since its inception, mentoring young undergraduates in business design and marketing. He has for several years chaired the judging panel for the Jersey Enterprise awards: Entrepreneur Of The Year Award and helped mentor young aspiring and talented individuals to achieve their potential. Andrew also participates in the selection and mentoring of young people who wish to participate in the IOD work shadow scheme.

I know it is Andrew's intention, and that of Kate, his wife, that their home in the heart of the parish will be open to all parishioners to voice their concerns or simply to share their ideas as they have in the past. Andrews ideas and creativity go right to the heart of our parish. There will be opportunities to discuss all these and more in the coming weeks. Please make yourself known to him, he has a ready listening ear.

For now though I'd like to sum up like this: Andrew Lewis has integrity, experience, energy, enthusiasm, good judgement and sound common sense; in short all the qualities one might look for in a Deputy, and I am confident we could not choose a better individual to represent us as a Deputy for St John.

Proposer:

Seconders: