Now that the dark cloud of the Schneider administration has dissipated, the sun once again is shining down on our emerald isles. With this fresh breeze of optimism the Turnbull-James team is poised to confront the serious task of renewal.
Along the campaign trail, I was able to witness first-hand the interaction of our soon-to-be governor with the people of this territory. They were of many political persuasions, colors, cultures and backgrounds, but with one common desire: to restore these islands' image as a friendly, safe, enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Our campaigning governor was receptive, humble enough to listen, and at times hearing and learning things that were new to him. Out of the public's eye, he would ask further questions of those around him as to how we could improve things, or why simple problems go unsolved when only a little effort is needed to fix them.
Most people whom the candidate met were instantly impressed with his manner and style, although a little concerned about whether he would be able to lead us out of the dire circumstances the islands were experiencing.
When confronted with these doubts or criticisms, Turnbull answered quickly that this campaign was not a personality cult but a team, best characterized when he said, "If I don't know the answer, I'll ask someone who does."
As the campaign progressed and the long-shot candidate pulled even, the issues became more focused and solutions were offered. A platform put together by the resurging Democratic Party became Turnbull's calling card. At every rally he would clearly articulate the theme of his campaign and platform — service, unity and respect. For the first time in many elections, Democratic candidates stood side-by-side, emphasizing the power of unity, as an option for the public's growing concern about Gov. Roy L. Schneider's dictatorial behavior.
What a contrast in candidates. The public had a clear choice, but a cautious public held their cards close to their chests, leaving political pundits hard-pressed to make convincing predictions as to the election's outcome.
My feeling at the time was that the voter had plenty of reasons not to vote for Schneider, but too few to vote for Turnbull. Then the tide turned. In the last weeks of the campaign, the "Bull" developed a rapport with the voter, a clear victory in the debate, the support of unions, increased numbers of Schneider appointees lining up with the Democratic candidates, and public confidence that "yes, maybe" the teamwork concept might work.
Well, the rest is history. We will soon inaugurate Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull as governor, G. Luz James as lieutenant governor, a Democratic Party-formed majority in the Senate, and a landslide victor in Congress, Donna Christian-Green.
It must be said publicly that this was a superb example of democracy, and lays the groundwork for the re-establishment of the two-party system. The public wants accountability from their elected officials. They want to see a unified political party with a clear agenda. We cannot afford personality politics anymore.
The Turnbull-James and Democratic platform are of the same philosophy; it is clear that they are committed to changing the way government operates.
This lofty goal can only be accomplished by including the talents of many, by continuing that personal dialogue developed on the campaign trail, and most of all by turning words into actions that will truly gain the confidence of the people they represent.
