Five of the six Democratic candidates for governor discussed their qualifications and plans for the territory at a crowded public forum in the courtyard at Pier 69 in Frederiksted on Monday night.
The participants were Donna Christensen, Gerard Luz James, Marvin Pickering, Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg and Moleto Smith. Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis was not present.
The meeting hosted by the St. Croix Economic Development Initiative followed a similar format as two previous forums with lieutenant governor, senatorial and delegate to Congress hopefuls.
The candidates for governor introduced themselves and were given two minutes each to answer questions from the moderator, Kim Jones, a panel and the audience.
Responding to a question whether the V.I. government should have the right of eminent domain, there was general agreement that in certain cases it would be appropriate. Smith said dilapidated properties should be claimed by the government when it is in the best interest of the public and is the best use of the property.
Candidates said incentives and financial assistance for the property owners should be considered first. Christiansen suggested a government trust that could return the property to the owners, eventually.
Pickering said the legal confiscation of private property should have been invoked to relocate the V.I Water and Power Authority to the South Shore.
Responses to a question about speeding up the territory’s renewable energy timetable brought on some vague statements to “explore all renewable energy” and the intention to form an energy commission. Only Pickering said “yes,” that his goal is for the territory to be 100 percent independent of fossil fuel by 2020 because “it’s doable.”
The panel and audience questions reflected an interest in revitalizing the towns, the Government Employees Retirement System, the cost of utilities, public safety and the economy.
Donastorg said he supports “Operation District Trade,” to improve public safety by transferring 100 police officers from St. Thomas to St. Croix and vice versa. He also suggested replacing some of the board members at the Economic Development Administration with business people to improve processing time for new businesses, which he said is over a year in some cases.
Christensen said “salary equities” for St. Croix workers would decrease the perception that St. Thomas receives preferential treatment. She also said the two hospitals should be reimbursed for services “at their spending level,” not at outdated rates.
“We need to pay attention where more attention is needed. St. Croix is where the attention is needed,” Christensen said. “When St. Croix does well, the whole Virgin Islands does well.”
Responding to a question from the audience about GERS, James said it is “very simple” to sustain the system.
“Contributions plus investments equal beneficiary payments and expenses for administration,” he said.
Smith said a “political solution” was needed to “cap” the V.I. Water and Power Authority –
investigating and decreasing line loss and dealing with “management issues.” He also said the entire government needs restructuring to lower the budget from the ground up.
To begin rebuilding Frederiksted and Christiansted, Pickering said probate laws and tax incentives may need to be revised. Residents should have input in city planning and offered incentives to renovate their property, he said.
Christensen, currently delegate to U.S. Congress, said she and her running mate, Basil Ottley, have the experience and integrity to run the Virgin Islands as governor and lieutenant governor. She said voters should look for “someone who has vision and inspires people who want to come and work for the territory.”
Gerard Luz James, a former lieutenant governor and former senator, said his management and organizational skills running the family funeral home for 30 years and his running mate’s legal experience separates them from the rest, especially because they “will help our basic health care, here.”
Pickering, who worked for Cruzan Viril Ltd. distillery for 40 years, retired in 2012 as chief financial officer and senior vice president. He said his experience in financial and human resources management and Calford Martin’s experience in small business administration will help them reduce the government budget.
“It’s not a popularity contest,” Pickering said. “It’s about competence and dedication to the Virgin Islands.
A former Senate president who served seven-terms, Donastorg referred to his legislative record and said the budget was balanced four times while he held office. He disagreed with a general feeling that government should be run like a business.
“There’s a difference – the government is a service provider,” he said.
Former St. Croix fire chief Angel Torres is Donostorg’s running mate.
Candidate Smith said he and his co-candidate, Hubert Frederick, are competent, love the people of the Virgin Islands, and are of good character and morals. Smith has worked for several decades for the V.I. government including 16 years as deputy commissioner of Human Services and 11 years in the private sector.
The forum was sponsored by the St. Croix Economic Development Initiative, the Christiansted Restaurant and Retailers Association, Our Town Frederiksted and the V.I. Democratic Party. There have been forums for senate, lieutenant governor and delegate to Congress candidates including televised events July 9 and July 17 on Channel 12.
