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Andrea Dudley-Owen
www.dudleyowen.gg
Experience Current Deputy
Current Vice President of Economic Development Committee. Previous Forest Douzenier. Finance professional, created local charity and 2 successful businesses. My husband and I have 3 children and a large local family. We are an active, outdoor family. Love cooking, reading and learning about global events. Brought up in Guernsey and Asia. Educated: Blanchelande; Howell's Denbigh; King Alfred's Winchester; Sugiyama, Japan. Degree in Japanese Language/Culture.
Successful Requete: "Pause & Review" on 1 school 2 sites.
Successful Amendment: Cautious approach to borrowing £500m.
Amendment: Reduction of proposed 6 month Abortion period to 4 months.
Successful Amendment: Tree & Woodland Strategy.
Successful Amendment (2nd): Climate Action Plan 2019. Approved 2020.
Long term goals:
Excellent education, giving children highest necessary skills.
Resilient, diverse, stable economy, delivering full local employment.
Affordable housing, accessible to local families and first time buyers.
Tax system fair to lower and medium income earners.
Government expenditure tightly controlled, placing emphasis on community responsibility with accessible health facilities.
Responsible approach to reducing pollutants, plastics, moving to clean energy to lower carbon footprint.
Please give me your Vote. I have shown myself as a competent, capable representative for Guernsey. I listen and lead on important community issues. My thanks to Connie Helyar-Wilkinson, Proposer and Peter Gillson, Seconder.
Chair of Digital Guernsey: Digital Strategy progressing skills, career pathways for our youngsters.
Chair of Skills: Skills Strategy, progressing 10 skills and training actions.
Retail Policy: supporting retailers with newly formed Guernsey Retail Group.
Co-Chair Finance Sector Forum.
Former: Blanchelande Governor, GTA Director, Start-Up Director.
Active, effective contributor in government, preparing well for all debates, Committee Meetings and electorate work.
Committed, confident, balanced, collaborative approach working with others.
Enquiring mind, seeking full understanding of different opinions to inform my views.
Accountability, openness, truthfulness are important values to me.
Pragmatism, foresight, my experience in Government are relevant and needed.
My views: Our future success depends on getting our Education and our Economy right. Decisions made will determine how well we navigate a rapidly changing work environment and uncertain global economy.
Education: "Pause & Review" report estimated completion in 2021. Our decisions will lay the foundations for our economic recovery and prosperity. Our community clearly favours a 3 school model with separate 6th form. I firmly believe the optimum outcome is a Guernsey-centred model, supported by teachers and community. We must make best use of our existing education estate.
Education plays a significant role in the health of our economy. Success is delivered by the community; parents, teachers, business and the States. I believe in:
supporting parents in crisis, by States working closer with family-centred charities, gives their children the best chance to succeed;
spending on continuous professional development, including for Special Education Needs, must increase for teaching and support staff to enable continued delivery of high quality education;
strengthened relationships with businesses for workplace development, helping young people become valuable contributors;
digital skills, diverse vocational training, academic study, contribute to a successful workforce and healthier, satisfied community.
Economy: Our economy is based on diverse businesses. Resilience and stability are achieved by creating a good trading environment for business growth and job creation. I believe in:
supporting business, encouraging digitisation and providing our own skilled workers;
removing unnecessary bureaucracy, eg Medicinal Cannabis licence process;
a flexible approach to transport, securing Heathrow airlink, strengthening French sealinks.
supporting Green Finance sector growth;
embracing opportunities from Tourism and Marine environment;
encouraging sustainable and environmental business practice;
fibre connections for superfast digital connectivity.
making retail/hospitality accessible to all islanders, after all #WeAllMatterEh!
Fiscal & Tax: Balancing a competitive tax regime for business, fair for all islanders, providing enough revenue to fund public services is challenging. I favour:
reducing Government size, over introduction of GST;
cautious approach to debt, with payback/spend plans for public scrutiny prior to further borrowing approval;
small increase in tax cap for higher earners, over increase in taxes for lower/medium income earners.
Environment: It is essential that States' decisions align with a healthier, better protected natural environment. I support:
bold, innovative plans to move towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources;
actively reducing plastics and pollutants;
reviewing the overall traffic impact of new housing developments in the north.
Health: Healthcare is also about mental and social well-being as well as treating disease or physical illness. I support:
public health education in nutrition, physical activity and mental health care;
better access to help and care for sufferers of addiction;
health care workers and provision of a balanced health care system: prevention and cure with individual responsibility.
Social Security & Housing: The well-being of islanders is affected by affordability of life in Guernsey. I support:
the self-employed, contributions must be fair;
GHA shared ownership/rental scheme, releasing appropriate States land for housing;
reviewing TRP to reduce costs for elderly, low/middle income earners.
Summary of my CV: 2016 - 2020 People's Deputy for the West, 2012 - 2018 Forest Parish Douzenier, 2008 - 2019 founder & co-owner FWS Ltd, 2009 - 2014 co-founder IslandMums Ltd, 2005 - 2007 Investec Trust Guernsey, 2002 - 2004 Mercator Trust Company, 2000 - 2002 Breams Trustees Ltd, 1998 - 2000 Guernsey Training Agency, 1995 - 1997 Berlitz, Tokyo, 1994 - 1995 Richard Lewis, Winchester.
Qualifications/CPD: 2020 Institute of Directors Certificate in Company Direction, 2019 Institute of Directors Board Readiness Certificate, 2019 Digital Leadership, 2002 - 2004 STEP Diploma, 2000 - 2002 HNC Business Administration, 1995 TEFLA, 1995 BA Hons Japanese Language & Studies, 1994 Intermediate Japanese, 1990 - 1994 A & AS Levels.
Answers to questions proposed by the public:
Most of the detailed work of the States is done in committees, like the Committee for Environment and Infrastructure. What experience do you have of being on a committee and how did you contribute?
I have sat on 2 main Committees during the term both as a Vice President: Economic Development & Education Sport & Culture. I have also Chaired and been a member/Director of a number of sub-Committees and Boards. I understand my role to support and stand in for the President, to chair meetings working through the agenda and ensuring that the meetings are properly convened, that members contribute effectively and that decisions are made properly, in addition that action is noted and status of such is reported upon in a timely manner. The work of the Committees is to progress mandated responsibilities and also to devise policy and carry it out.
With unemployment currently running at an all time high, what measures would you like in place to ensure local people are offered jobs before license holders ?
I support the re-introduction of the need to provide succession training in-house. The current Population Management law provides for the current permit system introduced 3 years ago and run by an independent Panel called the Population Employment Advisory Panel. Job roles which are difficult to fill locally are fed by business to the industry representatives and added to a list, which then identifies what skills we need to import into the island. Making sure we have sufficiently skilled people on island in the future will be very important as our economy, which is likely to shrink as a result of a global recession caused by the pandemic, as well as how we move to a changing job environment, where inevitably traditional job roles will be changing and some disappearing and replaced by new ones.
What concrete measures would you like to see implemented in Guernsey during the next term to achieve net zero carbon by 2050?
A reduction in car usage starting at source through such means as encouraging flexible working and remote working, enabling retail units to set up out of town. Practical measures which allow people to make easy transport choices which fit in with their lives. To move swiftly to more cleaner energy sources and autonomy. Our reliance on the power station as our backup is relying on dirty technology. We need to be more open-minded about enabling householders and organisations to generate their own power and structure our regulation and energy tariffs accordingly to make this fair for all consumers.
I live in St Peter Port but have interests in the Vale, St Peters and Castel. Will you be looking at Island Wide issues or more so in your Parish of residence?
I am currently a Western Parish Deputy and my ethos this term has been that as well as the interests of my own districts, I have sought to look after the interests of the whole community no matter which Parish they live in. I will continue with this, if I am re-elected.
Are you concerned about the large amount of agricultural land that is being lost for private gardens?
Yes, too many domestic curtilage applications have been approved this term and we are losing valuable land and natural habit to manicured gardening.
You will make many commitments as a politician, but how will you actually ensure these are achieved? If you have been a deputy before, what will you do differently this term to improve achievements?
I have achieved much this term, delivering the Digital Strategy, the Skills Action plan, supporting the set up of the Retail Group. I led on the Pause & Review Requete which had the backing of thousands of islands: teachers, community members and students alike. I also led an Amendment which slowed the recent borrowing ambitions of P & R in the sum of £500m and achieved a phased approach and a return to the States for approval with spend and pay back plans which will take the form of the Revive & Thrive action plans. I commit to continue scrutinising and constructively challenging our use of taxpayers money and to ensure that my decisions made are fully informed in the next term.
What are your opinions on climate change and Guernsey's role in tackling it?
Guernsey has a substantial role to play in global climate change via our Green Finance ambitions. We are able to make a positive impact on projects which seek to mitigate climate change and reverse environmental degradation. I am fully supportive of this and on-island I want to see far bolder initiatives and closer working together with local charities and specialists to ensure that our natural environment is protected and safeguarded now and in the future.
What are the attributes and skills you will be looking for in the next President of the Policy & Resources Committee?
I will be supporting an individual who is capable of bringing the States of Deliberation together. They must be focused on Guernsey-centered policies and work openly to support all Committees of the States without favour. Person-management skills are essential and the ability to listen meaningfully and take action where necessary - we require a servant leader in this next States who has empathy and integrity. Command and control politics are divisive.
If the independent Cost Benefit Analysis supports lengthening the airport runway, would you vote in favour of investing in this key element of island infrastructure?
The Cost Benefit analysis must include the environmental impact as one of it's baseline assessments. The future of the airline industry and our accommodation sector due to the pandemic is uncertain. I would not vote in favour of this investment due to the lack of certainty and baseline appraisal.
Do you believe that diversification of the island's tax base is an important consideration for Guernsey in today's volatile and fast-moving global economy? If so, how can this specifically be achieved for Guernsey?
Yes it is. A Fiscal Review is currently being undertaken and is due to report by June 2021. It is important that this review looks creatively at tax options which will have to achieve a fine balance of being progressive and fair, as well as enabling us to retain our competitive edge in business and generates sufficient revenues to provide public services.
What are the candidates' views on maternity pay and leave and how would they improve the current arrangements, if at all?
There is currently no statutory requirement for business to pay Maternity Leave. There is a Maternity Grant payable by the States to pregnant women resident in Guernsey and registered with Social Security. Employers are legally obliged to state terms on Maternity Leave and pay so that the employee is fully aware before beginning employment what to expect if they fall pregnant and continue employment. Small companies can find employment costs difficult to afford including the cost of Maternity Leave.
I believe Guernsey needs a vision; a forward-thinking concept for the future of the island's infrastructure, community wellbeing and economy. What's yours?
I want to make Guernsey a place which attracts and retains its young people, rated amongst the mostly high skilled of workforces globally, an exemplar in environmental responsibility and to retain and enhance our strong community and cultural values.
Do you agree that people should be encouraged to use cars less and if so what measures would you like to see introduced to achieve this?
Yes, I do. Cars are expensive to run and maintain. People's enjoyment of active travel has increased and their desire to use their cars has lessened. Pragmatic policies must continue to be implemented which take into account the multiple reasons for car usage, such as flexible and remote working to ensure that workers are not all using the roads to reduce peak times and enable choice of transport, reserved dedicated small bus service for commuting and making better use of the taxi licensing system.
Do you support outsourcing of States services?
Yes, though not all services. We need to make better use of the Charities sector.
What will you do to educate the islanders about the reality of the climate crisis which is the biggest threat currently facing the world?
This needs to be built into our education of young people and into business practice. There needs to be a greater emphasis and understanding of the impact that we are having with our consumer choices in other areas of the world. Transparency in supply chain and awareness of this is essential.
Most environmental problems are caused by the love of growth. Would you consider de-growth?
De-growth is an interesting term: I think that population growth and expanding economy has in the post War years has had a profound and negative effect on world consumption.
What intra island transport strategy would you support to ensure safe and 'clean' travel on island for all road users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists? And how do you plan to deliver that plan financially?
This question requires a much fuller answer than I can deliver here. I support the use of clean technology and mass transit where possible and appropriate. Continued encouragement of cycling and walking as options are essential. Funding needs to be from the budget available and working with relevant 3rd sector organisations.
What environmental policies would you support to reduce Guernsey's reliance on the internal combustion engine, in support of International global warming initiatives?
Cars are expensive to run and maintain. People's enjoyment of active travel has increased and their desire to use their cars has lessened. Pragmatic policies must continue to be implemented which take into account the multiple reasons for car usage, such as flexible and remote working to ensure that workers are not all using the roads to reduce peak times and enable choice of transport, reserved dedicated small bus service for commuting and making better use of the taxi licensing system.
What measures will you put in place during the next term to ensure that environmental biodiversity will be protected and enhanced?
Supporting the Strategy for Nature and data collection, seeking to ensure that we are working well with local nature focussed Charities and making the best use of off-island contacts in the field of research.
The Guernsey Press had an article and a picture of a proposed East Coast development called HYDROPORT. It seemed to me to be a brilliant plan and included a new deep water harbour, a hydro electric supply by enclosing Belgrave bay and changes to St Peter port harbour to accommodate cruise liners and super yachts. It would provide jobs, produce an ongoing and substantial revenue stream and make us to some extent self-reliant on electricity, why has there been no update on this project?
I am sorry I cannot provide any comment on that as I have not been party to any discussions on the matter.
Do you agree that there is a climate crisis caused predominantly by the actions of humans?
Longue Hougue has been proposed as a site for inert waste disposal despite it being a site of international importance in terms of wildlife. La Societe Guernesiase and other scientists have advised against this. What will you do to ensure that this valuable habitat is protected?
I have supported the protection of this site and will continue to do so.
Most scientists and experts agree that a target of 2050 to achieve 'net zero' carbon emissions is nowhere near ambitious enough and will have catastrophic consequences around the world. What will you do to ensure that Guernsey takes action to significantly reduce carbon emissions during the next term?
This is a similar question to another I have answered so have copied that here: A reduction in car usage starting at source through such means as encouraging flexible working and remote working, enabling retail units to set up out of town. Practical measures which allow people to make easy transport choices which fit in with their lives. To move swiftly to more clean energy sources and autonomy. Our reliance on the power station as our backup is relying on dirty technology. We need to be more open-minded about enabling householders and organisations to generate their own power and structure our regulation and energy tariffs accordingly to make this fair for all consumers.
What is your view on current spending on Aurigny, is it worth how much we are paying? Is it run efficiently? Did we need new aircraft?
Aurigny provides an essential service to our island. I voted against the new aircraft because I think that the airline is operating beyond its capacity. There needs to be greater transparency of the management accounts for the States to understand better how the Airline is run, where efficiencies can be made and more appropriate shareholder operating requirements in line with our transport needs.
If elected, would you fully support the retention, repair and ongoing maintenance of the Sea Defences provided by the anti-tank wall at L'Ancresse Bay?
I supported the original Inder Requete which sought to retain the wall and was a signatory to the Brouard Requete which was brought when the works initially agreed by a majority did not materialise.
A significant proportion of the concerns about the two college model of secondary education related to the capital costs and space standards: they could have been addressed with higher spending. Would you be prepared to spend more money on the future model of secondary education than previously agreed by the States in September 2019? If so, how much more?
This is not accurate. The primary concerns were around educational outcomes, overcrowding and impact on surrounding infrastructure. Yes we always need to prove value for money, but Education is not an area to scrimp and save money, we have to invest in training and CPD to support our education staff to provide additional pastoral and SEN support if we are to secure the educational outcomes we aspire to.
With the general increase in costs of running the island and with various capital projects requiring funding; and with limitations on the amount that islanders can be taxed; do you think that it may be time to revisit the 0-10 tax scheme that created a big black hole in the island's finances?
Yes I do. The success of the Zero-10 regime was predicated on economic growth which did not materialise.
If elected, what priority will you give to the introduction of the already-drafted consumer protection legislation?
This is an important piece of legislation and during this term has I understand been subject to competing priorities.
Did you know that same-sex families aren't treated equally when it comes to registering the birth of a child? What will you do to change that?
Yes and this was a matter raised in recent Discrimination debate. It has been addressed by Amendment.
Would you support a programme of privatisation of island utilities and other facilities such as Beau Sejour to help reduce record levels of borrowing resulting from the cost of Covid defences?
I think that we have to be very careful on a small island regarding the privatisation of any of our utilities. We can be held to ransom and I would highlight recent difficulties experienced in our sister island of Sark as an example. The lottery funding was intended to assist with the support of Beau Sejour and this is an essential social and health centred community facility.
Increasing home working will likely result in surplus office space. Will you encourage an urgent revision of Planning Policies to facilitate conversion of retail and office space to residential & curb green-field development?
I agree and yes I would.
What is your attitude towards enhanced and mandatory registration, chipping and DNA recording of dogs and control of their fouling, island-wide?
A large amount of dogs have entered the island in the last decade. I don't think that this is a priority but would support a reduction of importation.
I have one question for sitting Deputies and one for new candidates. Deputies:- what, in your mind, was your greatest political achievement in the last four years? New candidates:- What is your biggest political goal in the next four years?
As a sitting Deputy I think that my greatest achievement was ensure that teacher and community concerns were heard and acted upon by the States in relation to the 1s2s model. In addition to ensure that we have sufficient controls and oversight regarding the long term borrowing proposals so that future generations were not left indebted for insubstantial reasons.
How good are your mediation and conciliation skills? The key to the islands well-being and progress is in working together to achieve the projects approved - to see sustainable, innovative solutions. Leadership in pulling the team together to move forward, rather than in circles.
If being a mediator and conciliator means being unbiased and objective with an ability to stay calm and balanced under pressure then I meet the criteria.
Would you support not giving Local Market licenses to those earning above a set level to support both LM and OM?
The Population Management Law removed local market licences. We now operate a Work Permit System.
First time buyers are encouraged to buy new build developments taking up green space, while there are vast amounts of listed properties facing dereliction on the island - buildings ripe for restoration, renovation and to be lived in. Currently, people are put off as they are greeted with stringent and outdated views by The Planning and Heritage Department - it takes too much time and money so are immediately put off. What will you do to change the process for the better?
New build developments should include low-rise apartments making better use of limited space and which are considerate of their aesthetic and environmental surroundings. Incentives could be put in place to encourage restoration of listed buildings the greatest of which would be a more pragmatic approach to the modernisation of heritage buildings.
Would you support changes in the law to make cannabis for personal use legal?
I cannot at this stage state any support or otherwise until I have seen a report about how this will work in practice.
In 1945, the generosity of people outside Guernsey enabled the delivery of Red Cross parcels to the island on the SS Vega. What is your view on the statement that 'charity begins at home but should not end there'? How can we best show our care for people in need in other parts of the world?
Impact investing in overseas projects which enable those in developing countries to thrive and make a good living.
Considering the mounting public pressure against the way our current justice system deals with cannabis offences, what is your stance on the legalisation and regulation of cannabis in Guernsey?
Medicinal cannabis is already legalised and regulated for growth and I support this. I cannot at this stage state any support or otherwise until I have seen a report about how it would work in practice.
In a review last year into drugs and treatments and States debate in January, HSC acknowledged that the disparity between life changing NICE TA drugs available in Guernsey compared to the NHS had become too great to be justified, with nearly 4000 patients now on sub-optimal treatments. The Guernsey Health Reserve was identified as the funding source. HSC announced last week a delay of at least a year to the implementation of this policy. How do you propose to tackle the pace at which change takes place within the States? Should you be held accountable for delivering on commitments you make individually, as a committee or collectively as the States?
This is a complex question to answer. I am disappointed at the delay and it is clear that there are far too many competing priorities this term. Next term there needs to be less and whilst the whole States needs to be accountable for decisions it makes, it is also essential that individuals and committees declare and acknowledge their ownership and accountability for ideas and policies where they have clearly been the architects.
What ideas do you have to ensure there is affordable housing including support for first time buyers and ensure affordable rental property is available for locals so they can continue to live here? What is your stance on mortgage tax relief and shared ownership initiatives?
Together with outgoing Deputy Le Clerc I have investigated the idea of a Guernsey ISA for the purpose of property purchase. Interest earned would be tax free and other incentives offered to make it attractive to house buyers.
Earlier this year, the States passed the introduction of life-saving and life-changing NICE-Approved drugs & medicines by a massive 32-1 vote; these drugs are readily available under the NHS and SHS in the UK. HSC have now announced that the implementation of this is now to be delayed by a year or so. Out of all projects the States have on their list - this has to be THE single most important one because it will affect up to 4,000+ residents of our island. How do you intend to bring forward the delay of this incredibly important topic to a much quicker implementation date?
I am disappointed at the delay and it is clear that there are far too many competing priorities this term. Next term there needs to be less and whilst the whole States needs to be accountable for decisions it makes, it is also essential that individuals and committees declare and acknowledge their ownership and accountability for ideas and policies where they have clearly been the architects.
What would you do to address traffic noise pollution from vehicles speeding and backfiring along St Georges Esplanade/Les Banques and towards town?
The removal of baffles from small engined motorbikes is a source of much complaint. Community visits by the police to schools would help so that they can speak directly to the children to raise awareness and check exhausts.
In January 2020 the States passed a policy to make all NICE TA drugs and treatments available to Islanders. Do you see this as a priority and if so how would you expedite implementation?
The recent Frontier report on the runway extension summed up that "the economic benefits of extending the runway are likely to outweigh the costs" with net benefits over 40 years of up to £687m (over £20k per household). Post COVID, do you support continued investigation into the potential for a runway extension to improve Guernsey's infrastructure, air links, and sustain the visitor economy?
Have you been made aware that every report that the SOG has commissioned for 20 years has flagged the need to extend the runway to circa 1700m+ and the commercial benefits it will bring for the island as a whole?
This is inaccurate, neither review has flagged a need to extend the runway. The latest review has assumed commercial benefits but has not detailed the potential disadvantages.
Brexit presents a unique opportunity for Guernsey to strengthen its ties with other Commonwealth countries and stand on its own two feet on an international scale. Would you be willing to make an effort to strengthen our diplomatic ties to countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada?
Ties with Commonwealth countries exist, strengthened with engagement via the forum provided by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Guernsey is an active participant and I would support efforts to strengthen ties with all members countries, including those listed.
The current states assembly has approved proposals for a Discrimination Ordinance, but much work needs to be done. How committed are you to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, people with disabilities and people of faith are protected on this island?
I voted in favour of the Discrimination legislation proposals. There is no place for intolerance in our sophisticated and compassionate community.
What criteria do you use for decision making?
Evidence, facts and figures, stakeholder opinion and consultation, together with personal values and experience.
In the last two years two pieces of legislation have come to the States which specifically target the most vulnerable members of our society - euthanasia and abortion - where a person's fundamental and basic right to life is overridden in the name of lesser rights. Do you believe that disposing of a person's life is a sign of progress? Do you believe that failing to protect human life at any age or stage of development is the mark of a civilised and enlightened and caring society?
I voted against the Assisted Dying proposals and the 2 propositions in the Modernisation of the Abortion Law which changed/removed gestational limits for abortion. I believe that these are hugely complex ethical areas and need thorough exploration and community engagement before we consider any debates to change the legal status of each.
It is beyond time to invest in our people, infrastructure and public services. Do you plan to make the island's tax system more fair and progressive, so that more businesses and the wealthy pay a fairer share?
In light of covid-19 and the hit that the tourist industry has taken what plans (if any) would you try to put in place to make Guernsey more attractive to tourists after travel bans are lifted? And do you feel tourism should play a more crucial role in Guernsey? If not, why?
Yes I feel that Tourism should play a greater role in the economy. We have unique opportunities here related to our history: Victor Hugo and the Occupation as well as an amazing marine environment for eco tourism. We offer a safe haven and should be seeking to attract high visitors.
Please list in order of importance: - driving Guernsey's economy - addressing social needs - protecting the environment - invest in Guernsey's infrastructure and improve - sort out the schools - focus on air and sea links - extend the runway - implement revive and thrive as a priority - open our closed borders as a priority - reduce states expenditure
Education, Economy, Environment are my priorities in the next term.
List your achievements to date which have been a benefit to Guernsey.
Pause & Review of the 1s2s model has been beneficial because it was clear the project was unfeasible and would negatively affect education in Guernsey. I have slowed the proposed long term borrowing of £250m so that we know what we want to spend the money on and how we will pay it back if approved in the future. I have delivered a Digital Strategy and plan the aims of which are success for young people and businesses.
Do you support a reduction in the cost of running the civil service? If so, how would you do that and over what timescale?
I support a reduction in the cost of States administration generally. We have some brilliant individuals who contribute a great deal to the civil service. Every organisation has personnel who are not as effective. I brought an Amendment to ensure that we are effectively managing Performance of staff. Digitisation of certain roles will inevitably reduce head count, but we must be careful not to shed valuable staff.
As we subsidise the airline, should Aurigny have a monopoly over all air routes to and from the Bailiwick, with a regulator to ensure fair pricing and a policy of not for profit?
I support the current quasi-open skies policy that we are operating.
What is your view regarding commercialisation with respect to States owned entities?
States trading entities are not true commercial organisations because their assets have been "gifted" rather than purchased. This creates an unequal playing field. Customers are in the main tax payers and it can be viewed that the profit making element of particularly GE can be deemed as an extra tax.
Should the island be spending tax payers money on maintaining air and sea links?
Our Air and Sea links are vital. I agree that targeted financial support is required to maintain these, though it MUST provide value for money and prove it's worth.
What is your view on future funding for long term care as current funding will be insufficient by 2040?
We should be starting from the basis of care in the family and community based responsibility with nursing care assistance in the home. The current system is unsustainable and requires a new way of doing things.
What is your opinion of introducing a goods and sales tax?
I do not support a GST.
Would you support the 'listing' of all remaining historic military structures, as Jersey has done, to ensure their ongoing protection, repair and maintenance?
Yes I would and I supported the application for listing on the L'Ancress Anti-Tank Wall.
What initiatives would you put in place to grow our economy?
Investment in Green Finance. support for entrepreneurial endeavours for small and scale up businesses, continued investment in Digital Guernsey and appropriate skills to support adaptation for business, investment in our nurses and teachers and providing stronger on-island training, contribution rates for the self employed need to be reviewed and greater promotion of Guernsey as a destination for younger, budding innovators, especially in new tech disciplines such as renewables, medical or finance.
Do you believe that the rates of income support are a) too low b) about right or c) too high? Explain your answer in some detail.
This is very complex question and I would not attempt answer this because it is not an area that I have sufficient technical information about. Income support is determined by need and the complexities of need are not easily resolved.
How will you support and encourage young people coming to the island with regards to housing and licencing to ensure the island has more stable tax base as the population ages?
We now operate a Work Permit scheme and this identifies the skills need on island. I support greater efforts being applied to highlighting careers opportunities on island. I support a review of the current TRP regime to enable lower income earners to enter the housing market.
How will your religious faith influence your voting decisions?
My decisions are made based on evidence, feasibility, need and in the case of ethical matters my values. I have respect for faith and a strong knowledge of different faiths worldwide.
Have you read the recommendations contained in the Frontier Economics Report in which they state that the long term benefits of extending the runway far outweigh the environmental and capital costs? If so, are you in favour of extending the runway?
I have read the Frontier Report and been privileged to receive a presentation from the authors of the same. I have responded to a similar question and copy the response here: The Cost Benefit analysis must include the environmental impact as one of it's baseline assessments. The future of the airline industry and our accommodation sector due to the pandemic is uncertain. I would not vote in favour of this investment due to the lack of certainty and baseline appraisal.
What are your views on the cost of Primary Healthcare locally and what innovative ideas do you have that don't simply involve 'redirecting funding from a different states pot' to create fair, equitable and affordable access to Primary Care for all islanders?
I think that costs of Primary Health Care are unaffordable for many. I would like to see closer working and an expansion of the Chest & Heart Clinic which could be funded not only by islanders generosity, but also from a CSR/ESG contribution from GP surgeries and a grant from the States. The benefit of an increase in the islanders use of such a facility is as a free health check, anonymised data for policy development and a sign post for GPs for more serious conditions.
Do you support developing end of life care (including palliative care) or would you look to introduce a form of euthanasia as in assisted dying (assisted suicide)?
Yes, I voted to enhance the palliative care in Guernsey. We must work closer with Les Bourgs Hospice and provide them with support.
Education - Do you know what T levels are and if you do, would you be enthusiastically demanding that they are available here in Guernsey?
T Levels are a new qualification pathway designed in the UK offering vocational training in higher education. It has been reported that T Levels will be problematic to deliver as envisaged due to the commitment that business has to make to providing 3 months work experience for students. Only a limited number of pathways have been finalised and it remains to be seen how successful the T'Levels will be in practice. I think that we can make a difference in Guernsey and a similar offering with an enhanced Apprenticeship, building on what we do and making that available across more sectors.
What will you do to help Guernsey businesses revive and thrive and make Guernsey a 'smarter' and technologically advanced place to do business, and to encourage new start up businesses?
First thing is ensuring that we offer ubiquitous cover of superfast broadband so that we can innovate amongst peers. We need to continue to support in partnership with industry, entrepreneurial endeavours for small and scale up businesses, continued investment in Digital Guernsey and digital skills to support adaptation for business digitisation, providing stronger on-island training, contribution rates for the self employed need to be reviewed and greater promotion of Guernsey as a destination for younger, budding innovators, especially in new tech disciplines such as renewables, medical or finance.
There is a lack of mental health support available - particularly to those who seem to fall into the apparent gap between the secondary and primary mental health services. What will you do to address this?
I am aware that there are gaps in provision and this technical question is outside of my scope of knowledge. It is clear though that more needs to be done, but probably away from the medicalised care and with more with emphasis on dealing with the triggers mental health issues.
How would you as a deputy ensure emotive proposals such as, change to abortion law or assisted dying law would be publicly debated? And allow Islanders to have more of a say in these emotive issues.
The States has a poor history of consulting with the public. I want to ensure we improve our communication, by holding more public meetings and proper workshops where people are empowered to have their say to shape policy. The Douzaines, the Church and community groups can play a vital role here in facilitating engagement and communicating with different parts of the community.
What is your position on the opportunity to debate the abortion issue more openly and fairly with more balanced representations to the Deputies?
I challenged the Health Committee that they had not carried out sufficient consultation to hear islanders views on this subject. There was no public meeting, the policy letter was released during a time when people were distracted by the emergency of the pandemic and lockdown and the Committee allowed a mere 2 weeks at the end of the lock down period to hear islanders views. It was too little too late. I supported the Stephens Sursis Motive.
How do you see the way forward for secondary education in the island? Do you favour a particular model and if so which one?
The review will possibly prove to be too narrow in scope due to the actions of the current Committee after the Pause & Review Requete. It is imperative that the review is conducted in an open minded, collaborative and inclusive way. If not it risks challenge. I favour a model which the teachers have helped to shape, which delivers the best educational outcomes and provides a Guernsey centred solution and makes the best use of the existing educational estate and carries wide public support.
Recognising the importance of our natural environment and our hospitality industry how would you propose to move forward essential repairs and any development at St Peter Port harbour, securing access to our beaches (e.g. Petit Port, Divette, Soldiers bay), the maintenance of our cliff paths and the important access from the bathing places to the Clarence battery? Does this essential maintenance take priority over the development of the East Coast/Town seafront?
The Environment & Infrastructure Committee would need to prioritise the work and apply for relevant funding. Yes I think that this should take priority over unclear visions about the development of the East Coast/ Town seafront.
What are your views about the proposed way forward with regard to Probate, recognising that the age-old system has been efficient, pastoral, and inexpensive? Are you of the view "if it ain't broke don't fix it"?
I am of the view that the current system is the best way to manage Probate and that there are changes that can be made to the system to ensure that funds are used to directly benefit islanders.


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SEO: 4 Signs Your 'Optimized' Content Could Be Spam
May 19, 2019 • Jill Kocher Brown
The polite term is "over-optimization." But depending on the intention and extent, the blunt term is "spam." Either way, it's a slippery slope to getting into the search engines' bad graces.
How do you know if your content is over-optimized? When your site is flagged for a manual penalty. Google tells you via a message in Search Console. That's the best-case scenario, as you know there's a problem to fix.
The worst-case scenario is an algorithm penalty. You won't get a notification. You'll see traffic to the impacted pages drain away for no obvious reason. If there's an algorithm update, you'll at least have a date in your analytics to start determining the underlying cause. Otherwise, you'll wonder if the tactics you've employed are out of favor, or if there's some other cause that you're missing.
In this post, I'll address four signs that your content could be over-optimized, risking a penalty or a rankings hit. Examine your content skeptically. Think about how it appears to humans, not search engines.
Showing content to search engines that visitors aren't meant to see is a violation of Google's guidelines as well as most other search engines.
Here's an example. This page looks fine until you click on the "More Info" link in the footer. Then the main portion of the page is replaced with content that serves little purpose other than to target "car rental" keywords.
This page contains content for search engine bots but not humans. Click image to enlarge.
Clicking the "Next" button scrolls you through a total of five such screens, each targeting a popular keyword phrase.
Technically, a visitor could see this content because it's triggered by a clickable link in the footer. However, no one would reasonably click that link, given its location, size, and label. It's a clear case of hidden content.
In fact, the developers advertised their intent in the code, calling it "SEOPanel1" and declaring it as "PanelHidden." It's easy for a search engine consultant to find, and it would be easy for a search engine to detect either algorithmically or by a human, manual review.
But it's not always this cut and dry.
Using "hidden" in the source code doesn't necessarily denote over-optimization. "Hidden" is frequently used in CSS as a legitimate way to regulate when menus, tabs, and accordion content will and won't show. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the word "hidden" does not indicate deceptive SEO tactics.
Likewise, inserting "SEO" in the code can be innocent. It's often a convenient label for content that was requested by the SEO team. For example, the page below contains decent descriptive and relevant content, even though the code around it screams that it's for SEO purposes.
The word "SEO" used as a label in the code may not reveal over-optimization. Click image to enlarge.
This page does not appear to be over-optimized. It goes on to list camping products (perhaps too aggressively) but ends with inspirational content around the joys of camping. If anything, the company should label it differently, perhaps as "copy" or "content" — not "SEO" — but it is a low priority.
Keyword Stuffing
Using words and phrases merely for search engines and not for humans is called "keyword stuffing."
Stuffing can happen in a single sentence, a longer piece of text, a heading, navigation, within image alt attributes — anywhere there is text. It makes for awkward and unnatural reading.
For example, the block of text below is at the bottom of an apparel category page contains the word "women" 25 times. It's paired with other words to make phrases — such as "women's shoes" and "women's jackets." It's painful to read.
This text contains the word "women" 25 times. It's painful to read. Click image to enlarge.
Repetitive Pages
Done well, content hubs can organize info to help consumers. Done deceptively, content hubs exist only for SEO, using specific and overlapping keywords.
The key, again, is putting yourself in visitors' shoes. Is the content useful? Would a human read it? Is it different from other pages on the site? If the answer is no, it's likely over-optimized.
Here's an example from a payday loans site. The page presents three categories — "Online Products," "Fees & Requirements," and "Online Services." Each category contains repetitive, redundant articles around the same words and phrases. The tactic includes internal linking that is separate from the site's primary navigation, which uses natural words and navigation.
These payday loans article titles all closely relate to a specific keyword phrase: "payday." Click image to enlarge.
Below-the-footer Text
Anything placed outside the boundaries of the site's design, such as below the footer, is suspicious — especially if it contains competitive keywords. If it's content you want visitors to read, include it within the design of the page. If not, it shouldn't be on your site.
Text below the footer is typically a sign that a page is over-optimized. Click image to enlarge.
The example above is the home page of a popular site. The text below the footer is the only content other than category images and links. It comprises 622 words and 18 links with optimized anchor text. That's enough content for most articles and three-to-four times more links than a post of that length should contain.
Companies that use this tactic often argue that it's working. In this case, the rankings indicate that something is working, if not the over-optimized text. However, Gary Illyes, a webmaster trends analyst with Google, had this to say about below-the-footer text: "Interestingly, most loud, self-proclaimed 'best SEOs' implement that and then they complain about being hit by some update."
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La Porte (French for "The Door") is a city in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States, of which it is the county seat. Its population was estimated to be 21,341 in 2022. It is one of the two principal cities of the Michigan City-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Chicago–Naperville–Michigan City, Illinois–Indiana–Wisconsin Combined Statistical Area.

La Porte is located in northwest Indiana, east of Gary, and west of South Bend. It was first settled by European Americans in 1832.
The city is twinned with Grangemouth in Scotland.

History
The settlement of La Porte was established in July 1832. Abraham P. Andrew, one of the purchasers of the site, constructed the first sawmill in that year.  The first settler arrived in October, building a permanent cabin just north of what would become the courthouse square.

After the US extinguished land claims by the Potowatomi and other historic tribes of the area by treaty and removal to Indian Territory, in 1833 a Federal Land Office was established in La Porte.  People would come to this office from newly established surrounding counties to buy land from the government, including Solon Robinson, founder of Crown Point.  The office was moved to Winamac in 1839.

By 1835 the settlement had grown to the extent that La Porte was incorporated as a town.  A newspaper was established in 1836. La Porte Medical School, the first of its kind in the Midwest, was founded in 1842.  An alumnus of school, William Worrall Mayo, established what became the famed Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in 1889.

By 1852 La Porte had become a well-established settlement of considerable size for its time and vicinity, with 5,000 residents.  In that same year it was granted a city charter by the Indiana General Assembly, and the first mayor was elected.  La Porte continued to grow, attracting numerous diverse industries, the largest of which became the Advance-Rumely company.  Advance-Rumely developed and manufactured the Oil-Pull tractor engine, considered to have played a pivotal role in the agricultural development of the Great Plains.  By 1869, Advance-Rumely was the largest employer in La Porte.

During the 1850s numerous maple trees were planted along Indiana and Michigan avenues in the city by local resident Sebastian Lay.  Subsequently, La Porte became known as the "Maple City".  Today, Indiana and Michigan Avenues comprise a historic district in the city, containing many homes and other structures of architectural and historical interest.  Between 1892 and 1894, the third and current LaPorte county courthouse was erected at a cost of $300,000.  The structure is built of red sandstone from Lake Superior, shipped via boat to Michigan City and then by rail to La Porte.  The courthouse is considered to be one of La Porte's best known structures.  In 2007 the exterior of the building was extensively restored at a cost of $2.9 million.

Historic sites districts
Downtown LaPorte Historic District
Francis H. Morrison House
Indiana and Michigan Avenues Historic District
Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn

Geography
La Porte is located at  (41.609057, −86.717567).

According to the 2010 census, La Porte has a total area of , of which  (or 94.26%) is land and  (or 5.74%) is water. U.S. 35 passes through La Porte.

La Porte is accessible from Chicago by the South Shore train line which begins at Millennium Station and ends in Michigan City, Indiana. With multiple stops in between including Chesterton and Hudson Lake, Indiana. Which are both only a short drive from La Porte.

La Porte is also accessible by Automobile.

Demographics

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 22,053 people, 8,962 households, and 5,362 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 9,992 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 28.6% White, 13.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 4.9% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 61.2% of the population.

There were 8,962 households, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the city was 36.2 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,621 people, 8,916 households, and 5,545 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 9,667 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 92.60% White, 1.92% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 3.39% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.52% of the population.

There were 8,916 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,376, and the median income for a family was $45,784. Males had a median income of $32,319 versus $22,756 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,900. About 7.7% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The government consists of a mayor and a city council. The mayor is elected in citywide vote. The city council consists of seven members. Five are elected from individual districts. Two are elected at-large.

Education
The La Porte Community School Corporation serves approximately 6,500 students.

Primary and secondary education
Public schools
La Porte Community Schools'La Porte High School
La Porte Middle School
La Porte Intermediate School
Crichfield Elementary
Hailmann Elementary
Handley Elementary
Indian Trail Elementary
Kingsbury Elementary
Kingsford Heights Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Riley Elementary
South LaPorte County Special Education Cooperative
Private schools
La Lumiere School (9–12)
Saint John Lutheran School (K–8)
St. Joseph's School (PK–5) – closed June, 2012
Door Prairie Adventist Christian School (PK–8)
Renaissance Academy (PK–8)

With eight state baseball titles, La Porte High School holds the distinction of winning the greatest number in Indiana.

Public library
The city has a public library, a branch of the La Porte County Public Library.

Features
The famous Advance-Rumely tractor company was established in La Porte where it developed steam engines and eponymous green kerosene tractors.

La Porte has been featured in an occasional movie, including Prancer (1989), A Piece of Eden (2000), Treadmill (2006), Providence (2009) and Woman's Prison (2009).

La Porte was once the home of the world-famous Parsons Horological Institute, founded in the 1890s and still extant as part of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

La Porte was the eastern terminus of the Chicago – New York Electric Air Line Railroad, an ambitious early high-speed rail project.

Author J. K. Rowling has a Portkey (Key to the City) for La Porte. It was presented to her by Emerson Spartz.
Places of interest
 La Porte Little Theatre Club, founded in 1925 is one of the oldest and longest running live community theatre groups in the country.
 LaPorte County Historical Society which features several historic displays including the Kesling Automobile Collection which consists of more than 30 vintage and rare automobiles.
 The Indiana and Michigan Avenues Historic District, Downtown LaPorte Historic District, Francis H. Morrison House, and Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Parks and recreation
La Porte has an extensive city park district.

Allesee Park, (Boyd Boulevard) – is a 6-acre neighborhood park on the south side of the city. It was developed adjacent to a housing subdivision to provide recreational facilities to the neighborhood. The Park was named after George Allesee Sr (18989-1968). The City of La Porte designated the land to be a park and named it after George shortly after his passing. George Allesee was the long time Physical Director of the La Porte YMCA, He also broadcast La Porte Slicers Games on the Radio for 50 years, was the PA Announcer for Sunday Baseball at FOX Park, and for Parochial Football at Kiwanis Field in La Porte. George Allesee Coached many Baseball, Basketball, and Volleyball teams for the YMCA that won state championships. George was the founder of the La Porte Old Timers Baseball association and The La Porte Baseball Hall of Fame. He also played Minor League Baseball after playing High School Football, Basketball, and Baseball. His oldest son also named George was also a well known La Portean as a Sub Teacher for many years after being a History Teacher. His youngest son Tom Allesee played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. The park includes a baseball diamond, basketball half-court, benches, parking, playground, and a walking track. Improvements were made in 2000 thanks to a donation by Richard Allesee (one of his sons) to the La Porte Park Foundation.
Ben Rees Park, (Scott Street) – is a 1.5-acre parcel that is half of a square block located near the Civic Auditorium. The park was the site of the Fourth Ward School in the early 1900s. The school was demolished in the 1920s and the property was donated to the city in the 1940s. The park was named in honor of Ben C. Rees, a local attorney and school board member. A new playground, basketball court and gazebo shelter were installed through the help of community volunteers and contributions.
Bill Reed Tennis Complex (2150 A Street) – features several tennis courts, parking, water fountains and a pavilion.
Charles W. Lindewald Park, (Park Street) –  is considered La Porte's first park. A parcel of land, 9.4 acres on Lower Lake, was purchased in 1890. The original parcel contained a notable grove of white oaks, of which a few stands of this native timber still remains. The park today is a popular site for family reunions and picnics. Facilities include a picnic shelter with grills, playground, restrooms, water fountains, ball diamond, basketball half-court and 12 lighted horseshoe pits, which are home to the La Porte Horseshoe Pitches Association.
Clarke Field, (Farrand Avenue) – is a two square block area of 6 acres that was a donation to the city in the late 1930s. The park is generally surrounded with tall, mature fir evergreen trees that provide a buffer for the adjacent residential areas. The main recreational usage at Clarke Field are two ball diamonds, one used primarily by the La Porte High School junior varsity and La Porte Babe Ruth Baseball and the other for younger age levels. The park also contains a playground, ball diamonds, a concession stand, water fountains, and public restrooms.
Fox Memorial Park, (Truesdale Avenue) – originally started in 1911 with only 15 acres, has grown today to 170 acres of scenic beauty. In the early 1900s, flowers, shrubs, and trees were planted to further beautify the hills of mature oak, hawthorn and wild apple. The entire park was landscaped and strolling paths developed. Fox Memorial Park includes Clear Lake, which encompasses approximately 100 acres of the total park. Today, Fox Memorial Park can be considered one of La Porte's finest parks. It still contains much of its scenic beauty. The trees planted in the early 1900s have matured to provide a scenic environment. Active recreational facilities have been developed at the park as the demand for such activities have increased. The park offers ball diamonds, including Ron Reed Field; basketball; playgrounds; picnic shelters with grills; fishing; boating; water fountains; walking and fitness trials; and Thrills 'n' Spills Skate Park. The park also contains the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheatre, home to various special events including the Arts in the Park program.
Hastings Park (Monroe St.) – is a small park, featuring a playground and benches.
Kesling Park (2150 A Street) – is located on the southern edge of the community. It started with a small 2-acre land donation and has since grown through additional donations by the Kesling family to the present day size of 90 acres. Today, residents from all of La Porte enjoy the modern facilities including four ball diamonds, six tennis courts, a walking and nature trail, soccer fields, basketball courts, sledding hill and picnic shelters. The park also contains Fort La Play Porte, a large community-built playground.
Koomler Park (Miller Street) – covers 4 acres in southern La Porte. It was initially a play area developed by the federal government in the 1940s for children of the workers at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant. In 1962, this land was transferred to the city for exclusive use as a park. Today, Koomler Park serves the residents of Maple Terrace and offers a ball diamond, basketball court and playground.
LaPark (1st Street) – is adjacent to Bethany Lutheran Church.
Rumley Park (Home Street) is a 4-acre neighborhood park that was purchased and developed entirely with federal funds in 1980. It was actually a replacement park for the former Marquette Park, which was located four blocks away. Marquette Park was a piece of donated land that was unsuitable and unbuildable for a park. Rumley Park offers a basketball court, playground, picnic facilities and fishing.
Scott Field (Jefferson Avenue) – was the result of another land donation of a developer. Originally, in the layout of Scott's Second Addition, 5 acres in the middle of the new housing development was left as a neighborhood play area. The land was donated to the City of La Porte in 1923. It was not until 1952 that the Park Department entered a 99-year lease, for $1 per year, with the school corporation. The park currently includes a shelter, playground, ball diamond, open play, half-court basketball and picnic facilities.
Soldiers Memorial Park (250 Pine Lake Ave.) – was dedicated in 1928 and contains 556 acres. It is the largest city park and widely known for its forested beauty, water sports and organized recreational activities. The park encompasses all of Stone Lake, 140 acres of water and all but 628 feet of shoreline. Also the park provides a variety of active and passive recreational activities including swimming, playgrounds, diamond sports (softball, baseball and t-ball), volleyball, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, fishing and boating. Within its gently rolling terrain, the property is approximately 85 percent woodlands and water. Access is available to Stone Lake, Pine Lake, Crane Lake and Craven Pond. Nature trails have been developed through a stand of native trees, allowing environmental education opportunities. Soldiers Memorial Park is also the site of the Park Department Office and maintenance facilities, as well as Cummings Lodge.
Stone Lake Beach (300 Grangemouth Drive) – is a public beach with a volleyball courts, playground, picnic shelter, concession stand, and public restrooms.
Warsaw Tot Lot (Warsaw Street) – is a small playground of less than 1 acre in size. The triangular piece of land was donated to the city in 1946 and was developed in 1980 with funding from a federal grant. The play equipment has been recently updated thanks to a donation from the La Porte Park Foundation. Park also has a basketball half-court.
Pine Lake Beach (Pine Lake Avenue) – is a public beach with picnic tables, a newly built walk-way across the beach, and a picnic shelter including a grill.
Ski-Beach (Waverly Road) – is a public beach with picnic tables and grills. This beach is commonly used by boaters, and has a channel connecting Pine Lake to Stone Lake.

Lakes
Clear Lake
Crane Lake
Fish Trap Lake
Horseshoe Lake
Lily Lake
Lower Lake
Orr Lake
Pine Lake
Stone Lake

Golf
Legacy Hills Golf Club
 Beechwood Golf Course
Briar Leaf Golf Club

Public Activities
Fitness Fridays
Saturdays in the Sun
Saturday Farmers Market
TacoFest
Cruise Night
LakeFest

Media

FilmPrancer (1989) and A Piece of Eden (2000) were filmed on location in La Porte.

PrintLaPorte Herald-Argus is the only newspaper serving the City of La Porte. This media has since been combined with "The News Dispatch" to form "The Herald Dispatch".

Broadcast
La Porte receives television broadcasts and other radio broadcasts from Chicago and South Bend.

Radio
WCOE, 96.7 FM, WLOI, 1540 AM and Rock, 106.5 FM

In the 1990s WCOE was a broadcast home to the area NBA Team Chicago Bulls.  They broadcast Championship Bulls teams.

Notable people
 Dick Alban – former National Football League defensive back and Pro-Bowler
 Abram Andrew – United States Representative from Massachusetts
 Chuck Baldwin – Baptist minister and 2008 Presidential nominee of the Constitution Party
 Chris Bootcheck – Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
 Anne E. Carpenter – American scientist and the co-creator of CellProfiler
 John C. Chapple – Wisconsin legislator and newspaper editor
 Dorothy Christ – All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
 Art Cross – former race car driver; first Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500
 Brian Ebersole – Mixed martial arts veteran; UFC welterweight division fighter
 Daniel Edwards – figurative sculptor and artist
 Charlie O. Finley – owner of the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics 1960–80
 Belle Gunness – serial killer active from 1884 to 1908
 John D. Hancock – stage and film director, producer and writer
 Harold Handley – 40th Governor of Indiana, served from 1957 to 1961
 Hazel Harrison – pianist, known as the premiere black pianist of her time
 Royal R. Ingersoll – U.S. Navy rear admiral
 Paul Rowland Julian – meteorologist who with Roland A. Madden discovered the atmospheric phenomena known as the Madden–Julian oscillation
 Peter Kesling – orthodontist known for the development of the tip-edge orthodontic appliance
 Karl Paul Link – biochemist best known for his discovery of the anticoagulant warfarin
 William Worrall Mayo – founder of the Mayo Clinic
 Henrietta Meeteer – Latin and Greek professor and dean at Swarthmore College
 Alvera Mickelsen – writer and advocate of Christian feminism
 Douglas J. Moo – New Testament scholar
 Patrick Neary – Roman Catholic Priest and Bishop
 Isamu Noguchi – Japanese-American artist and landscape architect
 Tom Nowatzke – former National Football League running back
 Tony Raines – NASCAR driver
 Ron Reed – Major League Baseball pitcher, an All-Star and World Series champion
 John G. Roberts – current Chief Justice of the United States
 William Scholl – founder of Dr. Scholl's
 Scott Skiles – National Basketball Association head coach for Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic
 Emerson Spartz – founder of MuggleNet, a Harry Potter fan website, and GivesMeHope
 Wilbur F. Storey – newspaper publisher, Detroit Free Press and Chicago Times Almon Brown Strowger – inventor of an electro-mechanical telephone exchange which became the Strowger switch
 Miles Taylor (security expert)
 Julius Travis – Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court
 Dorothy Tristan – actress and screenwriter
 David Willis – web cartoonist known for It's Walky!, Shortpacked! and Dumbing of Age''

See also

References

External links

 Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce
 The LaPorte County Herald-Argus website
 What's New La Porte? Community Stories website
 The LaPorte County Public Library
 The Internet Movie Database – Titles with locations including La Porte, Indiana, USA
  La Porte, Indiana: A Documentary Film

Cities in LaPorte County, Indiana
Northwest Indiana
County seats in Indiana
Cities in Indiana
Populated places established in 1832
1832 establishments in Indiana

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


When I read this and remembered my precious mother, my five sisters, ladies I've met in church ministries over the years, my wonderful wife and the women in our families, I thought it would be great six days before Valentine's Day falls to share it with you. Maybe, this will inspire you to send a Valentine's Card to someone you haven't thanked in a long time.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love, and joy.
They make doctor's appointments for the whole family.
They serve as a pharmacist, nurse, and caretaker for all sick family members.
They even go to the doctor with a frightened family member.
Women come in all shapes, sizes, and skin colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run, text or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
They show compassion and share ideas.


Vote like your children, grandchildren, your family have to live in America after you're gone. The New Democratic Party's agenda will leave two classes, the 1 percenters or very wealthy elite ruling class and the much larger bottom class. Historical results show that in some socialist countries, it doesn't make a difference if you're in a union, government or private sector job, your wages will drop dramatically.


text:
Q: How prove this$\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}{i}x^ny^i+\sum_{j=0}^{n-1}\binom{m-1+j}{j}x^my^j=1$ let $m,n$ be positive numbers,and $x,y>0$ such $x+y=1$,show that
$$\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}{i}x^ny^i+\sum_{j=0}^{n-1}\binom{m-1+j}{j}x^jy^m=1$$
My try:
$$\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}{i}x^ny^i=\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}{i}x^n(1-x)^i=\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}{i}x^n\sum_{k=0}^{i}(-1)^k\binom{i}{k}x^k$$

A: The exponents are reversed in the second summation: it should be
$$\sum_{j=0}^{n-1}\binom{n-1+j}jx^jy^m\;.$$
(You can see that the version in the problem is wrong by actual calculation with $m=n=2$ and $x=\frac14$, for instance.)
Think of $x$ as the probability of a success and $y$ as the probability of failure in a Bernoulli trial. The experiment consists of $m+n-1$ independent Bernoulli trials each with success probability $x$. Then
$$\binom{n-1+i}ix^ny^i$$
is the probability of getting the $n$-th success on the $(n+i)$-th trial (why?), so
$$\sum_{i=0}^{m-1}\binom{n-1+i}ix^ny^i$$
is the probability of getting at least $n$ successes. Similarly,
$$\sum_{j=0}^{n-1}\binom{n-1+j}jx^jy^m$$
is the probability of getting at least $m$ failures. To complete the proof, show that exactly one of these two events must occur.

A: Suppose we seek to show that
$$\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n-1+q\choose q} x^n (1-x)^q
+ \sum_{q=0}^{n-1} {m-1+q\choose q} x^q (1-x)^m = 1$$
where $n,m\ge 1.$
We will evaluate  the second term by a contour  integral and show that
is equal to one minus the first term which is the desired result.
Introduce the Iverson bracket
$$[[0\le q\le n-1]]
= \frac{1}{2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{z^q}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z} \; dz.$$
With this bracket we may extend the sum in $q$ to infinity to get
$$\frac{1}{2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z}
\sum_{q\ge 0} {m-1+q\choose q} z^q x^q (1-x)^m\; dz
\\ = \frac{(1-x)^m}{2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z}
\sum_{q\ge 0} {m-1+q\choose q} z^q x^q \; dz
\\ = \frac{(1-x)^m}{2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z}
\frac{1}{(1-xz)^m} \; dz.$$
Now we  have three poles here at  $z=0$ and $z=1$ and  $z=1/x$ and the
residues at these  poles sum to zero, so we  can evaluate the residue
at  zero  by computing  the  negative of  the  residues  at $z=1$  and
$z=1/x.$
Observe that the  residue at infinity is zero as can  be seen from the
following computation:
$$-\mathrm{Res}_{z=0} \frac{1}{z^2}
z^n \frac{1}{1-1/z}\frac{1}{(1-x/z)^m}
\\ -\mathrm{Res}_{z=0} \frac{1}{z^2}
z^n \frac{z}{z-1}\frac{z^m}{(z-x)^m}
\\ -\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}
z^{n+m-1} \frac{1}{z-1}\frac{1}{(z-x)^m} = 0.$$
Returning to the main thread the residue at $z=1$ as seen from
$$- \frac{(1-x)^m}{2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{z-1}
\frac{1}{(1-xz)^m} \; dz.$$
is $$-(1-x)^m \frac{1}{(1-x)^m} = -1.$$
For the residue at $z=1/x$ we consider
$$\frac{(1-x)^m}{x^m \times 2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z}
\frac{1}{(1/x-z)^m} \; dz
\\ = \frac{(-1)^m (1-x)^m}{x^m \times 2\pi i}
\int_{|z|=\epsilon} \frac{1}{z^n}
\frac{1}{1-z}
\frac{1}{(z-1/x)^m} \; dz.$$
and use the following derivative:
$$\frac{1}{(m-1)!}
\left(\frac{1}{z^n} \frac{1}{1-z}\right)^{(m-1)}
\\ = \frac{1}{(m-1)!}
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {m-1\choose q}
\frac{(-1)^q (n+q-1)!}{(n-1)! z^{n+q}}
\frac{(m-1-q)!}{(1-z)^{m-q}}
\\ =
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} \frac{1}{q!}
\frac{(-1)^q (n+q-1)!}{(n-1)! z^{n+q}}
\frac{1}{(1-z)^{m-q}}
\\ =
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
\frac{(-1)^q}{z^{n+q}}
\frac{1}{(1-z)^{m-q}}.$$
Evaluate this at $z=1/x$ and multiply by the factor in front to get
$$\frac{(-1)^m (1-x)^m}{x^m} \times
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
(-1)^q x^{n+q}
\frac{1}{(1-1/x)^{m-q}}
\\ = \frac{(-1)^m (1-x)^m}{x^m} \times
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
(-1)^q x^{n+q}
\frac{x^{m-q}}{(x-1)^{m-q}}
\\ = (-1)^m (1-x)^m \times
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
(-1)^q x^{n} (-1)^{m-q}
\frac{1}{(1-x)^{m-q}}
\\ =
\sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
x^{n} (1-x)^q.$$
This yields for the second sum term the value
$$1 - \sum_{q=0}^{m-1} {n+q-1\choose q}
x^{n} (1-x)^q$$
showing that when we add the  first and the second sum by cancellation
the end result is one, as claimed.
This identity generalizes an identity by Gosper to be found at this MSE link.
Remark Fri Jun 9 2017. As written this proof requires $|1/x| \gt \epsilon$ or $1/\epsilon \gt |x|$ for the pole at $1/x$ to be outside the circular contour and for the geometric series to converge. Note however that these are polynomials in $x$ of degree $n+m-1$ and hence this is sufficient to show they agree for all $x.$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
GREEN BEANS WITH PEANUTS & CHILE DE ARBOL
By Pati's Mexican Table
Latin-Asian fusion is hot right now, but Asian immigrants have been influencing traditional Mexican cuisine for centuries. Pati goes food shopping with her friend chef Janet Yu and gets inspired to create a menu full of Asian-inspired Mexican meals.
Ejotes con Cacahuate y Chile de Árbol
– 1 pound green beans or Chinese long beans, ends removed and diagonally cut into about 2-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil
– 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
– 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
– 3 chiles de árbol, stemmed and thinly sliced
– 4 to 6 scallions, thinly sliced, light green and white parts only
Bring salted water to a boil, then add the sliced green beans and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until al dente. Strain beans and set aside.
Combine the soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar and salt and mix well.
Heat the peanut oil over high heat in a large heavy skillet until hot but not smoking. Add the peanuts and fry, stirring constantly, for about 20 seconds (careful, they brown faster than it seems! Add the garlic, stir, add the chiles de árbol, stir, add the scallions and stir.
Add the green beans to skillet and mix to combine all the ingredients, and finally pour in soy sauce mixture. Let it all cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve immediately or turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
Still hungry?… See more recipe's from Pati's Mexican Table
GREEN BEANS WITH PEANUTS & CHILE DE ARBOL2017-08-012019-05-22http://www.tln.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tln-logo.pngtln.cahttp://www.tln.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/greenbeans620_20160824183447_0.jpg200px200px
DAVID ROCCO'S DOLCE VITA
15jul3:30 pm- 4:30 pmDAVID ROCCO'S DOLCE VITA3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
David experiences all that Tuscany has to offer: fishing the storied lagoons of Orbetello, braving the crowds at the Palio di Siena, celebrating the wheat harvest in the Tuscan countryside
David experiences all that Tuscany has to offer: fishing the storied lagoons of Orbetello, braving the crowds at the Palio di Siena, celebrating the wheat harvest in the Tuscan countryside and even uncovering Florence's small but vibrant Indian community. He also explores the birthplaces of some of Italy's most famous (and delicious) exports: gelato, balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano, only to discover that the food producers are just as interesting as the food itself.
JOSE MADE IN SPAIN
15jul4:30 pm- 5:00 pmJOSE MADE IN SPAIN4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Jose Made in Spain explores the culinary and cultural riches of Spain, hosted by Chef Jose Andrés. Traveling throughout Spain, José takes viewers to the source and inspiration of the
Jose Made in Spain explores the culinary and cultural riches of Spain, hosted by Chef Jose Andrés. Traveling throughout Spain, José takes viewers to the source and inspiration of the dishes he prepares back in his kitchen.
CELEBRITY TASTE MAKERS
15jul5:00 pm- 6:00 pmCELEBRITY TASTE MAKERS5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join host Lisa Mateo as she uncovers where the stars love to eat, and upon arriving at their restaurant of choice, teaches you how to make their favourite dishes. The
Join host Lisa Mateo as she uncovers where the stars love to eat, and upon arriving at their restaurant of choice, teaches you how to make their favourite dishes. The all-star cast features the likes of; Emmy award winning TLN TV host, cookbook author and restauranteur Lidia Bastianich, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winning actress Rita Moreno, groundbreaking comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, Oscar nominated actor Chazz Palminteri, former professional boxer Mike Tyson, Masters of illusion Penn & Teller, and many more.
PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE
15jul6:00 pm- 6:30 pmPATI'S MEXICAN TABLE6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Pati sets out to explore the Maya world in the Yucatan Peninsula. Embarking on a road trip that will cross three states, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Pati meets with
Pati sets out to explore the Maya world in the Yucatan Peninsula. Embarking on a road trip that will cross three states, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Pati meets with local producers, growers and chefs, both in restaurants and in their homes, to learn about the unique cuisine of the region. From visiting remote fishermen\'s villages, to historic haciendas, to bustling markets and pre-Hispanic ruins and underground cenotes, this season goes deeper than ever before. As is customary, Pati then brings her learned lessons and experiences back to her kitchen, where she gives each viewer a one-on-one lesson on how to make all of these dishes their very own.
FIVE-SPICE PECAN PLUM EMPANADAS
AMARANTH & PANKO CRISPY CHICKEN WITH A SWEET & SPICY CREMA DIPPING SAUCE


text:
Selling Stem Cells
Californians are set to vote on a proposal to spend $300 million a year over the next 10 years for stem cell research. For some perspective on how big a deal this would be, the federal government spent $25 million…
by David Appell
Californians are set to vote on a proposal to spend $300 million a year over the next 10 years for stem cell research. For some perspective on how big a deal this would be, the federal government spent $25 million last year. The ballot measure, known as Proposition 71, is being financially supported by a strong cadre of entertainers, business people, and others, including Nancy Reagan, as the New York Times reports today and would be a strong counteraction to the Bush administration's ban on new stem cell lines. But is the Times overstating the number of potential beneficiaries of stem cell research? The paper writes, "half of California's families are affected by one or more of the 70 diseases or conditions that could respond to stem cell therapies," in which they include Alzheimer's disease. (Approximately 500,000 Californians have Alzheimer's disease.) But as the Washington Post reported in June, stem cells are an unlikely therapy for Alzheimers, which involves the loss of huge numbers and varieties of the brain's 100 billion nerve cells. Lest California voters come to wonder just what they've been sold, it may be better to be up front about it in the first place.
David Appell


text:
meier + associés architectes
Seismic school "Les Perraires" / meier + associés architectes
presented by the MINI Clubman
05:00 - 28 April, 2019
Curated by Paula Pintos
Courtesy of meier + associés architectes
Collombey-Muraz, Canton of Valais, Switzerland
Lead Architects
meier + associés architectes (Philippe Meier, Ariane Poncet, Martin Jaques, An-Inès Pepermans)
Partner Architect
Cagna + Wenger
Collaborators Architects
Istabrak Bellara, Daniel Baptista, Teresa Blanco, Sébastien Le Dortz, Arnaud Mottet
©Yves André
Municipality of Collombey-Muraz
Muttoni & Fernadez ingénieurs conseils, Kurmann & Cretton
Heating and ventilation engineer
Tecnoservice
Sanitary engineer
Facade engineer
Rey Bellet
More Specs Less Specs
Text description provided by the architects. Under the aegis of several designers, the CROCS system (which stands for Centre of Rationalisation and Organisation of School Constructions) has allowed the development of a modular construction principle adapted to school buildings. Among the pioneer buildings constructed under this principle, the Perraires school in Collombey-Muraz is the latest example of a building that has been preserved almost in its original state. The canton of Valais acknowledged this achievement by initiating steps to protect the work. The main features of the CROCS system are a 2.40m basic construction frame, as well as a 60cm dual axis structural space which stands out prominently on the facade (thereby proposing a solution to the problem created by the curtain wall angle) and a punctuated, metallic load-bearing structure.
The extension and transformation project of the Perraires school has chosen to rewrite the CROCS project by selecting elements which define the school's character, 'signature' and richness. The aim is to preserve the school's original 'Savoye villa' character, namely in the form of a piloti that is very slightly detached from the skin of the ground floor, as well as 'smooth' floating floors situated above it. In addition, a concept of four 'identical' facades is followed, while at the same time slightly differentiating the design of the new part of the school from the existing part, with a materiality that remains in anodised aluminium.
© ©Yves André
Within the extension, a new staircase has been positioned in a 'service' location, to the north, with a transparency that brings light to this circulation area. The new classrooms, of which there are three on each floor, are positioned so as face the great alpine landscape.
From a structural point of view, the extension contributes to the stabilisation of the whole building, by the presence of V-shaped concrete elements which take hold of, and characterise this new space, just as the metallic modulation characterised the existing part. Non-load bearing interior structures are clad in aluminium as a reflection of the existing panels.
Ground floor plan
With its understanding and reinterpretation of the CROCS system, the project has led to the use of a completely prefabricated envelope (consisting of six to seven different parts) which has saved a lot of assembly time in addition to optimising costs.
Projects Built Projects Selected Projects Educational Architecture Schools Refurbishment Renovation Extension Collombey-MurazSwitzerland
Cite: "Seismic school "Les Perraires" / meier + associés architectes" 28 Apr 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/913531/seismic-school-les-perraires-meier-plus-associes-architectes/> ISSN 0719-8884


text:
Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is where East and West converge. Today, the legendary city is a rich landscape of mosques, museums, boutiques and bazaars.Located in the central Besiktas district, Swissotel Bosphorus Istanbul, provides a superb base from which to explore Istanbul's many attractions. View the official tourism website for Turkey
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
This mosque's name comes from the 20,000 shimmering blue-green Iznik tiles that cover its interior. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is still in active use, but tourists may enter through a separate entrance.
Dolmabahçe Palace
This opulent palace was the former residence of Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Boasting both European and Turkish styles, the palace abounds in decorative finery such as crystal chandeliers, trompe l'oeil ceilings and intricate carpets.
Prince's Islands
The Prince's Islands provide a pleasant getaway from the city. There are eight islands within one hour from the city offering a range of attractions, including beaches, historical buildings and hiking trails.
Bosphorus Strait
This waterway is famed as a dividing line between Europe and Asia. A ferry ride on the Bosphorus yields enchanting views of city sights, especially in the evening.
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was first built as a basilica in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Under its massive dome, more than 18 storeys high, visitors may view galleries of beautiful mosaics from the Byzantine era.
Naval Museum
Founded in 1897, the Naval Museum showcases the maritime might of the Ottomans. Besides exhibits on celebrated Turkish sailors, the museum features an enormous collection of historical artifacts, including a 17th-century warship
Grand Bazaar
This maze of a street market promises the shopping experience of a lifetime. Explore some of the 4,000 shops and establishments and bargain over the item of your desire, be it a leather bag or antique carpet.
The luxury shopping and fashion district of Istanbul, Nişantaşı is also known for Art Nouveau-style apartment buildings. Its upscale pubs and restaurants are popular with trendsetters and the well-heeled.


text:
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Matthias Gnehm The affinity between architecture and comics
Leo Lander, the protagonist from Matthias Gnehm's comic "Die kopierte Stadt" (The Copied City). | Photo (detail): © Matthias Gnehm / Edition Hochparterre
German-speaking Swiss Matthias Gnehm is a rarity among comic authors: the artist and screenwriter works as a freelance architect and incorporates his professional experience into his comics.
Comics and architecture have more in common than it might seem at first glance, given that both are about creating living environments to be read and experienced in story and reality. So it is somewhat surprising that so few German-language comics deal with the subject of architecture compared to other places and languages, such the architectural comics of Belgians François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters from and US-American comic artist David Mazzucchelli, and the architecturally complex spaces created by Frenchman Marc-Antoine Mathieu. In this sense, Matthias Gnehm is a pioneer in the German-language comic world. Unlike Schuiten and Peeters, however, the Zurich-based author does not explore parallel urban worlds and the destruction of historical buildings, choosing instead to focus on architecture as a social space and its role in creating identity formation.
Living and fictional spaces
One topic that is particularly close to Gnehm's heart is urban sprawl in his Swiss homeland, a topic he explores in Die Bekehrung (The Conversion) from 2011. After a quarter of a century away, an architecture journalist travels back to the village of his childhood and remembers a previously repressed, dark chapter of his youth. In the train, he recalls and relives how he, his friends and his secret love were victimized by an evangelical preacher. Once there, he sees that the once so pastoral and straightforward village of his childhood has grown crowded and been engulfed by an urban agglomeration. The urban sprawl has resulted in locational and social alienation among the inhabitants, just as his childhood experience alienated him from his parents and his origins.
The story is set in Gnehm's home in the Swiss midlands, where he was born in 1970 and spent his childhood. In the 1960s, it was the site of a prestigious urban planning project developed by Gnehm's future alma mater, ETH Zurich. The project failed miserably and was unable to prevent urban sprawl in the area. In Gnehm's comic, village's disintegrating social space becomes symbolic of how the villagers, and especially the children, feel: lost and adrift.
In Die kopierte Stadt (The Copied City, 2014), Gnehm deals with another architectural phenomenon involving an unusual form of architectural appropriation: the faithful reproduction of buildings and even entire districts. Failed, naive architect Leo Lander visits Hans Romer, a friend from university, in the city of Kunming in southern China and becomes a pawn in a nefarious scheme. Romer runs a successful architectural firm that is building a copy of the city of Zurich in China for a real estate mogul. Classical European architecture is a real trend in China today, where entire European urban districts and famous structures are being recreated in the suburbs. Die kopierte Stadt explores the difference between a copy and the original, a distinction much more important in Europe than in Asian cultures, which plunges protagonist Lander into deep despair. Ultimately Lander ends up commuting back and forth between Switzerland and China, living in the same space in the original and the replica Zurich, the very same apartment with the same furniture, and loses all sense of reality.
Pioneering narrative forms and drawing styles
Matthias Gnehm is an extraordinary comic artist, and not only because he reflects on architectural and social issues. He also develops a new narrative form and drawing style for each piece. Such as in Der Maler der ewigen Portraitgalerie (Eternal Portrait Gallery Painter, 2013), which has a very interesting backstory.
Gnehm began by exhibiting six four-centimetre pastel portraits in black and white in a Zurich gallery and launching a comic book project on a corresponding website. For a fee, he offered to draw visitors' portraits in the same fashion. Gnehm asked people to submit a photograph to serve as a model drew a portrait and uploaded it the website. Subjects received the original drawing and a promise that their portrait would appear in his upcoming graphic novel. An unconventional way to finance an unconventional comic book some might not even call a comic, as the 250-page work has no panels or speech bubbles. Each page features up to four images in portrait format with text below or on one side. The narrative tells the tale of an unsuccessful painter who discovers a tiny portrait of his grandmother among her photographs. He sets out in search of his family's roots, and he uncovers a well-kept secret buried in his family's history.
In an earlier comic, Das Selbstexperiment (The Self-Experiment, 2008), Gnehm delivers a fast-paced thriller that - like Die kopierte Stadt - is actually about reality and consciousness. As he works to find a cure for jealousy, researcher Frank Karrer accidently discovers how human consciousness functions and develops. When he tests these findings on himself, the experiment goes terribly wrong and Karrer is lost in a consciousness not his own. Through scientific excursions and fantastic speculations, Gnehm condenses highly complex scientific questions from research into consciousness and emotion into a breath-taking thriller that also touches on philosophical questions.
Photo (detail): © Matthias Gnehm / Edition Hochparterre
"Die kopierte Stadt" (The Copied City) by Matthias Gnehm.
Matthias Schneider is a cultural scientist and freelance cultural journalist who curates film programmes and exhibitions on comics and graphic novels.
Translation: Sarah Smithson-Compton
Copyright: Goethe-Institut, Matthias Schneider . This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Share Alike 3.0 Germany license.
Any questions about this article? Write to us!
Matthias Gnehm's website
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