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BALLOT DIVERSE FOR ST. CROIX DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Sept. 13, 2002 – The 10 Democratic candidates running for the seven St. Croix Senate seats in Saturday's primary election are a well-educated group. But that, and a desire for public service, is about all they have in common.
The two women and eight men range in age from newcomer Juan Figueroa-Serville, 27, to former senator Mary Ann Pickard, 60. All hold college degrees, except Figueroa-Serville, who is a senior at the University of the Virgin Islands majoring in business administration.
Four of them – Figueroa-Serville, the Rev. Malcolm Harris, attorney Ronald Russell, and Michael Thurland, who is Sen. Emmett Hansen II's chief of staff – have never held public office. Two are incumbents, first-term Sen. Douglas Canton and four-term Sen. David Jones.
The candidates are:
– Elroi E. Baumann, 54, born on St. Croix.
Educational background: B.A. in psychology, Queens College, N.Y.; M.A. in health care administration, Long Island University, N.Y.
Former Chief Operating Officer at Juan F. Luis Hospital, and other health administration posts on St. Croix and in New York.
Baumann's main issues are health care and education reform.
– Douglas E. Canton.
Requested information not received.
– Ophelia Felix-Williams, 40, born on St. Croix.
Educational background: B.S. in intermediate education, Barber-Scotia College; currently enrolled in Nova Southeastern University graduate program.
Currently V. I. Housing, Parks and Recreation Department deputy commissioner.
Felix-Williams' main issues are health care and education.
– Rev. Malcolm Harris.
Requested information not received.
– David S. Jones.
Requested information not received.
– Mary Ann Pickard.
Requested information not received.
– Luther Renee, 53.
Educational background: B.A. in economics, University of the West Indies, Trinidad; M.A. in Education, University of Miami.
Currently head of Academic Services at University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus, and a member of the Public Services Commission.
His main issue is education reform.
– Ronald Russell, 48, born on St. Croix.
Educational background: B.A. in chemistry from the College of the Virgin Islands; B.A. Rutgers University; and J.D. (law degree) from Rutgers.
Former teacher and currently a practicing attorney.
Russell's main issues are crime prevention and community sports and music events. He is a member of the St. Croix Festival.
– Juan Figueroa-Serville.
Requested information not received.
– Michael Thurland.
Requested information not received.

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