Oct. 26, 2007 — The St. Thomas district of the territory's Democratic Party met Friday evening at Victor's New Hideout with an eye toward the 2008 presidential race, the Constitutional Convention and a more focused role in local politics.
The keynote speaker of the evening was Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls.
District Chair Glen J. Smith opened the gathering with a brief overview of a new mission for the body: to enjoy a more active and visible role in the community. In order to do this, Smith believes it's necessary for democrats to identify with the platform of Gov. John deJongh Jr.
"He is making great strides in a number of areas, including public works, health insurance and housing," Smith said. "Every governor must address these issues to improve the quality of life for all."
He also would like to see all democratic candidates share headquarters, with central locations on all three islands, thereby increasing camaraderie.
"It's achievable," he said. "Having varied headquarters does not send a good message."
Smith implored his colleagues to participate as fully as possible in the territory's Constitutional Convention. While doing so, he acknowledged St. John hopeful Harry Daniel for his perseverance in the struggle for a seat on the delegation, while also thanking Daniel for opting to put aside his own desires and "bowing out to permit the process to move forward."
Barack Obama's planned Nov. 5 appearance on St. Thomas is a sign of the burgeoning power of local democrats on the national political scene, according to Smith. The territory is entitled to nine votes from among 12 delegates, plus one alternate, in support of a democratic candidate for the presidency at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo., in August 2008.
"Barack is here as more than just a fund raiser," Smith said. "We will be at the Democratic National Convention, casting our votes."
For a copy of the local delegate selection plan, email Simon Caines.
Keynote speaker Smalls spent 15 years at the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, starting out as the assistant to the director of engineering before moving into that position himself. In the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, he worked alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the recovery effort. As this was one of the first times that a private entity had collaborated with the military in such a way, Smalls was invited to make a presentation on the implementation of such partnerships to military personnel in San Antonio, Texas.
Later promoted to the vice president of facilities management at the hospital, Smalls was deeply involved in the inception, design and execution of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute. An invitation to speak with the governor led to his accepting the post of commissioner of Public Works. Smalls went on to highlight the agency's initiatives, issues and goals. He described a maze of unknowns that he has navigated by asking questions and getting to know his staff.
"I'm the commissioner, but I am just an individual," Smalls said. "I believe in accountability and empowering staff. We are going to change the image of the Department of Public Works."
Smalls addressed several matters, including the possibility of a central-dispatch system for government maintenance resources, better striping and maintenance of public roads, improved VITRAN bus services, reviewing impact fees for developers and contractors, the upcoming Long Bay project and better communications among the Waste Management Authority, Planning and Natural Resources and Public Works.
"The Department of Public Works is no longer the same," he said. "We can no longer think of it as 'government' — we have to treat it as a business. Holding folks accountable, looking at the bottom line and looking at efficiency."
Smalls addressed those who feel his goals are ambitious considering the challenges he faces: "It is through risk and vision that we achieve much."
St. Thomas district democrats maintain a Yahoo chat room and forum featuring discussions, information exchange and online polls. Prospective participants may request an invitation by email.
The group will also host a forum on the Constitutional Convention at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Victor's Hideout. The general public and registered democrats are invited.
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