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Judge Thomas K. Moore Wants Your Vote

JUDGE THOMAS K. MOORE
#29 on the St. Thomas Ballot
My goal as a delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention is to create a document that will protect our right to govern ourselves and respect the best traditions of Virgin Islanders. I am Judge Thomas K. Moore, #29 on your St. Thomas ballot.
I came to St. Thomas 31 years ago to serve as Assistant U.S. Attorney. I then practiced law privately until 1992 when the President appointed me as the resident U.S. District Court Judge on St. Thomas. I served as Chief Judge for the first seven of my 12 years on the bench.
As a judge, I ruled on many controversial issues including the application of the U.S. Constitution to the Virgin Islands, the legality of our real property tax system and the failure of the local government to maintain our sewer system. I have studied the U.S. Constitution, the Organic Act and results of previous Constitutional conventions.
A constitution provides a structure for the creation of the institutions of government. It is past time for Virgin Islanders to govern ourselves. Our constitution must include:
A. Securing control of our real property taxes: We must be able to protect local real property owners through exemptions for homestead, EDC, agriculture, plus a the 10% cap on residential property assessments. A 1936 federal law blocks this by requiring that all real property taxes be computed on the actual value of the property regardless of how it is used. The delegates to the convention must convince Congress to repeal this 70-year-old law and allow our constitution to provide an equitable property tax system for the Virgin Islands.
B. Election Reform: We must reduce the size of the Legislature and revise the method for selecting senators to make them more accountable, either by numbered seats or by subdistricts.
C. Local Government: We must include each island in the structure of government and allow each island to choose its own local government.
D. Freedom of Information: Any person must be able to examine any public document and attend and observe the meetings and deliberations of any agency of the government, subject to reasonable limitations or special circumstances.
Thirty delegates from divergent backgrounds will work together to create a constitution that will enhance the future of the Virgin Islands and all Virgin Islanders. A successful delegate must be able to listen, persuade, compromise and decide. My years as a judge and a lawyer taught me how to engage in frank and honest debate, respect all points of view and arrive at acceptable conclusions.
All this, and my desire to give something valuable and lasting back to the community that has been so good to me and my family, combined with my love for and dedication to the Virgin Islands and its people qualify me to serve you as a delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention.
I am Judge Thomas K. Moore, #29 on your St. Thomas ballot, and I ask for your vote on June 12.

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