Oct. 26, 2006 — While the candidates were often in accord on questions posed at Thursday's senatorial debate sponsored by the St. John Community Foundation, there were some differences of opinion.
The Rev. Toi Barbel promised inclusion on a question asking if a provision for municipal government should be incorporated in the upcoming Constitutional Convention.
"Everyone pays taxes. We must be inclusive of all people," she said to the nearly 30 people gathered at the Westin Resort and Villas to hear what the candidates had to say.
However, former Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said that her decision would be made in the best interest of native Virgin Islanders. "I feel that a lot of us have been disenfranchised," she said.
Sen. Craig Barshinger, who holds the at-large position, was emphatic in his response. "I am for municipal government. Local decisions must be made locally," he said.
Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone pointed out that it will be up to the convention delegates to the to decide if they want to include a municipal government provision.
While most of the candidates were unaware of the recent flap over a five-acre parcel of land in Coral Bay that Public Works wants to take from the Housing, Parks and Recreation Department in order to build a facility for VITRAN buses and its vehicles, Lorelei Monsanto was quick with her answer.
"This is the reason I'm running," said Monsanto, who lives next to the property.
The decision to use the property for other than a park, as planned by Housing, was done without any input from residents.
"We're tired of having stuff stuffed down our throats," Monsanto said.
Many of the candidates were also unfamiliar with the perennial discussion on getting the V.I. National Park to open up roads within the park to provide access to areas of St. John that currently have only one way in and out.
"It will take the full force of all the branches of government," Basil Ottley Jr. said.
He said the issue came up in 2004 when he ran for the delegate to Congress post.
Ludrick "Ludie T" Thomas said he empathized with the people living in such situations since he lived on St. Thomas' West End, which also has only one road in and out.
Former Sen. Carlton Dowe called for strengthening ties with the federal government in order to deal with such issues. "We must develop real relationships with Washington," he said.
Moderator Ronnie Jones asked the candidates if they would support efforts to find out just how much money in taxes St. John generates. St. John residents have long asked for an accounting of its tax dollars, but despite promises, the government hasn't provided any answers.
"St. John pays higher taxes. There's no reason we can't have accountability," senator-at-large candidate Carmen Wesselhoft said.
Horace Brooks agreed. "You contribute, you should know," he said.
The candidates also were asked if they would work to keep the money in St. John's Capital Improvement Fund reserved for St. John capital projects. Senators have tapped this fund for other uses, including hauling the island's garbage to St. Thomas.
Former Sen. Carlton Dowe said that he couldn't promise he wouldn't tap the fund in an emergency, such as a hurricane.
Financial problems at the Government Employees Retirement System also came up.
Ada Hodge said she absolutely would support legislation to reform the system. "There's no reason government employees shouldn't be able to retire," she said.
Patrick Simeon Sprauve called for putting in place a financial team to develop a comprehensive plan on dealing with GERS issues.
Sens. Celestino White Sr., Louis P. Hill and Liston Davis; and candidate Alvin Williams did not attend.
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