Sept. 10, 2006 – Senator Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg offered his congratulations to all the winners of the Democratic primary.
"I know that running for office requires a lot of hard work and a true commitment to public service," Donastorg said. "I offer my best wishes to the winners of the primary and also to all those who didn't make it this time around – it was clear that there was a great deal of effort put forth by the candidates and their supporters."
Donastorg said he believed the new faces would make the 27th Legislature a more dynamic body.
"Term limits exist in many places with good reason," he said. "Legislative bodies often become entrenched in the same way of doing things without injections of the energy and enthusiasm that first time senators bring with them."
Donastorg said that as far as the gubernatorial candidates go, none have more energy and enthusiasm than his team.
"Money can buy a lot of exposure," Donastorg said. "But our campaign for Government House is based on something more significant. We are on the streets of this Territory every day talking with residents about their concerns and sharing our ideas for a better Virgin Islands."
The senator said he looks forward to a campaign focused on the issues.
"I did not see enough debate or real information being released by the gubernatorial candidates prior to the Primary," Donastorg said. "And as far as I know only one of the three teams even released a platform in time for any real discussion. I welcome the opportunity to express my opinions or ideas about any issue."
Donastorg said that he was encouraged by a relatively high voter turnout in the Primary.
"It tells me people are interested and concerned," he said. "But outside of their core supporters there was a real lack of enthusiasm for any of the three teams running. Voters did their duty on Saturday, however it is clear that they are looking for an alternative. Donastorg/Christian is that alternative. And, of course if your candidate will not be in the race you are welcome to join us – we are the candidates that represent all Virgin Islanders regardless of party, ethnicity or economic status."
Donastorg said that he and running mate, Dr. Cora Christian, best embody the traditional Virgin Islands values of commitment, candor, compassion and courage.
"Our records of public service far outshine the other gubernatorial candidates – we have been right here in the trenches the last four years," he said. "And Donastorg/Christian is the only team you can count on to represent the public interest and not special interest. Our campaign has been run by volunteers and not professional ad agencies or paid political consultants – we won't owe anyone but the people of the Virgin Islands when all is said and done."
Donastorg said that as a senator he never wavered when addressing any issue or institution.
"We need people in Government House that will stand up and fight for the people of this Territory," Donastorg said. "Virgin Islanders have been taken advantage of by big business and overlooked by a Federal Government that in many respects treats us as second class citizens – our top officials have been afraid to take on these issues for far too long."
He cited high electricity costs, Medicaid caps and diminishing beach access as prime examples.
"A strong Public Services Commission could do much more to keep energy costs down through better regulation of WAPA and enforced alternative energy projects," Donastorg said. "And because of a failure to implement the Territorial Park System and negotiate with landowners we are losing access to our beaches. We need to unite with the Delegate's office and hold meetings with every member of Congress until we get our fair share of health care funds. The people of the Virgin Islands deserve better and a Donastorg/Christian Administration will deliver."
In his concluding remarks, Donastorg said he hoped that his fellow gubernatorial candidates would not shy away from debates featuring the aspirants for Lt. Governor.
"Dr. Christian is a brilliant individual who has dedicated herself to improving life for the people of the Virgin Islands," Donastorg said. "She is by far the most highly qualified candidate for Lt. Governor. She was the first native Virgin Islands woman to become a medical doctor! You can not help but be impressed when you learn more about what she has done such as helping to open the first clinic in Frederiksted and operating a successful non-profit agency, the Virgin Islands Medical Institute, which has brought so much to St. Croix over the last 26 years."
Donastorg said he would like to make history by being a part of the first Administration to include a woman.
"It is long past time that a woman was in Government House," he said. "As the father of two daughters I would like them, and all the young ladies in our community, to see tangible proof that women can achieve anything. A First Lady can play an important role in Government House, but we also need to elect a woman to serve in higher office in order to bring a better, more rounded perspective on the issues. No man can ever have first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by Virgin Islands women."
Dr. Christian will take on a greater role than past Lt. Governors.
"She will personally oversee our plans for St. Croix economic revitalization as well as the departments of Education, Health and Human Services," Donastorg said. "There is a great deal of work to be done and we can not afford to confine a Lt. Governor to the Divisions of Banking and Insurance."
