Ascension : Subject: PRESS RELEASE
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 10.05.2007 (Article Archived on 07.06.2007)

Dear Georgie, Thank you for your e-mail of 23 April and for enclosing a letter addressed to me but intended for publication in the media.

Ascension Island to avoid paralysis of governance.
On the particular points in your letter, the timing of elections on Ascension and the deadline for nominations are determined in the Ordinance. I do not believe that allowing more time would have resulted in more nominations.  I think that there was a general awareness of the proposed election and the deadline for nominations.
You say that you do not agree with the options for governance which I was reviewing.  Since your letter you will be aware that I am going to suspend the Ordinance which created the Council and try to appoint an advisory group.  I have also made it clear that after a campaign of information and dialogue I would wish to see those working and living on Ascension elect an Island Council again.
In the meantime it is not realistic to end income tax.  The previous Council advised me on a budget for 2007/08 which involved collecting income tax as well as other taxes to cover the government's spending plans.
I am aware of no appetite on the part of the Users/Employers to return to a position where they would be responsible for services normally carried out by governments.
Yours sincerely
Michael Clancy
Governor