Sept. 27, 2006 Gov. Charles Turnbull on Wednesday presented the Alexander Hamilton Awards for Distinguished Public Service to two members of U.S. Congress: Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Charles Rangel.
According to a release issued Wednesday, "the Hamilton Awards were established by the governor and a committee of Virgin Islanders to honor those leaders whose careers have exemplified the spirit of democracy, love of country and dedication to the American people that Hamilton supported so strongly."
Known as one of America's founding fathers and co-author of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton's early childhood and upbringing was spent on St. Croix, an experience that helped make him the man he was in later life.
"Senator Crapo and Representative Rangel have stood out as leaders who exemplify the values of Alexander Hamilton," Gov. Turnbull said. "Their passion and commitment to serve their constituents and all Americans are worthy of emulation and honor. I am proud to grant them the Alexander Hamilton Award for Distinguished Public Service."
Sen. Crapo (R-Idaho), now serving his second term in the U.S. Senate after six years in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a member of the Senate Leadership team, holding the position of deputy whip. He also serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee. He recently secured $1 million to open a one-stop Response Center for victims of domestic violence and abuse, the first center of its kind in Idaho. Sen. Crapo also is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Nuclear Cleanup Caucus.
"I am honored to be one of the first recipients of the Alexander Hamilton Award for Distinguished Public Service," said Sen. Crapo. "I am truly inspired by Alexander Hamilton's commitment to defining and sharing the values and principles upon which America was founded. His passionate service to our country is a model for all of us."
Rep. Rangel (D-N.Y.) is serving his 18th term as the representative from the 15th Congressional District of New York. The ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means, Rangel was instrumental in the passage of a major expansion of the Caribbean Basin Initiative, which provides reduced duties for products made in the Caribbean. Additionally, he served as the principal author of the $5 billion Federal Empowerment Zone demonstration project to revitalize urban neighborhoods throughout America. Rangel is also a founding member and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
"I am privileged to receive this award dedicated to one of our greatest Americans," said Rangel. "Citizens' ability to contribute to America's democratic process is an important part of the United States' process of government."
The Award Committee — which includes Delegate Donna Christensen, former Ambassador Terence Todman and other distinguished members — nominates and evaluates candidates who have shown outstanding leadership and vision. The final selection is then made by the governor.
Alexander Hamilton grew up on the island of St. Croix, and many scholars credit his upbringing there with shaping his skills in finance and his democratic ideals. A Presbyterian minister, Hugh Knox, who came to St. Croix in the 1770s, educated Hamilton and preached about sobriety and the evils of slavery.
In addition, Hamilton's early experiences with business and commerce transpired on St. Croix, where he was in charge of business affairs at a counting house. He later became the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, formulating economic policies that would shape the future of the country. Finally, Hamilton gained recognition through his consistent advocacy of a strong federal government in the early days of the United States, arguing as the leader of the Federalist Party that a powerful central government could more effectively regulate commerce and social affairs in the states.
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