1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
In the second term of the Farrelly-Hodge Administration, a comprehensive land and water use plan was being finalized. It was an exhaustive process, and perhaps one of the best plans derived in the Virgin Islands. As the new Schneider-Mapp Administration took office, the proposal was not acted upon by the new administration. Even more, the 21st and 22nd Legislatures did not attempt to adopt what quickly became a relic of the Farrelly-Hodge era. Unfortunately, our political leaders were not mature enough to adopt a proposal that a rival grouping had developed. As a Senator, I would retrieve this same plan and seek to adapt it to our new realities. Political leaders must have political will, and they must cultivate consensus even with those they disagree.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
In every society, the best practices of governance are based on private and public sector partnering. The fundamental problems of our public sector are tied to the lack of confidence and respect for elected officials. Frankly, it is justified that many private sector leaders hold more than a handful of our elected officials in contempt. Instead of leading by example, our elected officials uphold the old adage –"do as I say not as I do." We are in a new millennium, we need new leadership. I propose an Ethics Commission that would investigate everyone and restore public and private confidence in our political leadership.
3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solved?
As an educator myself, I see the need for a massive restructuring of our public education system. We will never quite de-politicize the public education system, but we can minimize the endemic spoils system and patronage that have been hogtying our schools. Similar to 70 percent of the school districts on the Mainland, the Board of Education needs to run the public education system. The Board should get governance in phases over a four-year period (perhaps as long as 10 years). The new Board would be mainly an elected body with a minority of appointed members, and it would be responsible for the hiring of the Superintendent and key administrative personnel. It would be tasked with oversight of the physical plant, curriculum, personnel, funding, and major public policies on public education. The new Board would be accountable and responsive to the Community not a governor.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory's present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
We need a provisional moratorium on new bonds! As noted, an Ethics Commission is needed immediately. The bond schemes of the past 10 years will have to be investigated for malfeasance and gross neglect. If they pass muster and our problems are not criminal but simply foolhardy, it is time for a mass public education. I am one of the Candidates who have great experience in mass education, and I will educate the public on the need to end more bonds to avoid fiscal bondage.
5. What is the most viable solution to the territory's solid waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The solid waste disposal problems are tied to our consumer mentality. We will have to adopt a multi-pronged approach. First, we need to seriously encourage recycling and develop a mass campaign to do this. (Well over 80 percent of the solid waste in our landfills can be recycled). Second, we will have to immediately find new landfills. Our surrounding cays should be reviewed as possible sites. As mentioned before, mass education is important, and in this area, I would be intimately involved in a campaign to recycle and renew our Islands.

6. What is the most viable solution to the territory's sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Besides expanding sewage treatment plants, I would revisit the "green" proposals that allow biodegradable recycling. In some States, sewage is filtered into manmade lagoons which mimic the filtration process of mangrove lagoons and salt ponds. These manmade lagoons become wild life sanctuaries, and they are compatible with sensitive coral ecosystems. Mass education is important. Elected leaders must educate the people whom they serve.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
The Virgin Islands economy is uneven. In St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, the Cruise Ship industry has allowed us to remain afloat. However, in St. Croix, we have serious problems. There is no political will or consensus on how to develop St. Croix. The political elites who have led this community for the past 20 years have not been able to develop a common approach. They are riddled with pettiness, fragmentation, immediatism, and insularism. We need new leaders to confront old problems. The ideas for economic renewal are already well known, but the present leaders have too much personal animus toward each other. And as the Greeks say, they must bury the corpse of history. Only new leaders can do this.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Corruption has become a part of our political culture. The only way to contain or even eliminate it is through the creation of an Ethics Commission. This body would be autonomous and improve public ethics and morality. It is most telling that we have never had one.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
We would have to develop several layers/tiers that separate the benefit packages of public sector employees. We would have to adjust the payment schedule in order to allow adequate funding for public sector employees. The appropriate amounts of funding would be based on the expert advice of the professional staff at the GERS. I would advance a "fast track" legislation that prioritizes funding for the GERS and prohibits any tinkering with the system.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Legislators and other public sector leaders must increase revenue collection and eradicate waste simultaneously. The public sector will have to be reduced steadily over the next 10 years so that public sector employees would be less than 20 percent of the workforce. To compensate for public sector reduction, an aggressive expansion of high income jobs in the private sector is critical. Both must occur at the same time. As a Senator, I would actively work with an "over ride" majority which will seek new investors for the Territory.
11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
As mentioned in my brochure, majority and minority blocs will have to be eliminated for the present period as we reform our political system. Theoretically, majority-minority divisions are tied to partisan alignments. However, our majority-minority blocs are based solely on personality and fundin g. They are not tied to ideology or platform. Thus, I would propose to abolish them for the meantime.

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
In the second term of the Farrelly-Hodge Administration, a comprehensive land and water use plan was being finalized. It was an exhaustive process, and perhaps one of the best plans derived in the Virgin Islands. As the new Schneider-Mapp Administration took office, the proposal was not acted upon by the new administration. Even more, the 21st and 22nd Legislatures did not attempt to adopt what quickly became a relic of the Farrelly-Hodge era. Unfortunately, our political leaders were not mature enough to adopt a proposal that a rival grouping had developed. As a Senator, I would retrieve this same plan and seek to adapt it to our new realities. Political leaders must have political will, and they must cultivate consensus even with those they disagree.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
In every society, the best practices of governance are based on private and public sector partnering. The fundamental problems of our public sector are tied to the lack of confidence and respect for elected officials. Frankly, it is justified that many private sector leaders hold more than a handful of our elected officials in contempt. Instead of leading by example, our elected officials uphold the old adage –"do as I say not as I do." We are in a new millennium, we need new leadership. I propose an Ethics Commission that would investigate everyone and restore public and private confidence in our political leadership.
3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solved?
As an educator myself, I see the need for a massive restructuring of our public education system. We will never quite de-politicize the public education system, but we can minimize the endemic spoils system and patronage that have been hogtying our schools. Similar to 70 percent of the school districts on the Mainland, the Board of Education needs to run the public education system. The Board should get governance in phases over a four-year period (perhaps as long as 10 years). The new Board would be mainly an elected body with a minority of appointed members, and it would be responsible for the hiring of the Superintendent and key administrative personnel. It would be tasked with oversight of the physical plant, curriculum, personnel, funding, and major public policies on public education. The new Board would be accountable and responsive to the Community not a governor.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory's present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
We need a provisional moratorium on new bonds! As noted, an Ethics Commission is needed immediately. The bond schemes of the past 10 years will have to be investigated for malfeasance and gross neglect. If they pass muster and our problems are not criminal but simply foolhardy, it is time for a mass public education. I am one of the Candidates who have great experience in mass education, and I will educate the public on the need to end more bonds to avoid fiscal bondage.
5. What is the most viable solution to the territory's solid waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The solid waste disposal problems are tied to our consumer mentality. We will have to adopt a multi-pronged approach. First, we need to seriously encourage recycling and develop a mass campaign to do this. (Well over 80 percent of the solid waste in our landfills can be recycled). Second, we will have to immediately find new landfills. Our surrounding cays should be reviewed as possible sites. As mentioned before, mass education is important, and in this area, I would be intimately involved in a campaign to recycle and renew our Islands.

6. What is the most viable solution to the territory's sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Besides expanding sewage treatment plants, I would revisit the "green" proposals that allow biodegradable recycling. In some States, sewage is filtered into manmade lagoons which mimic the filtration process of mangrove lagoons and salt ponds. These manmade lagoons become wild life sanctuaries, and they are compatible with sensitive coral ecosystems. Mass education is important. Elected leaders must educate the people whom they serve.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
The Virgin Islands economy is uneven. In St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, the Cruise Ship industry has allowed us to remain afloat. However, in St. Croix, we have serious problems. There is no political will or consensus on how to develop St. Croix. The political elites who have led this community for the past 20 years have not been able to develop a common approach. They are riddled with pettiness, fragmentation, immediatism, and insularism. We need new leaders to confront old problems. The ideas for economic renewal are already well known, but the present leaders have too much personal animus toward each other. And as the Greeks say, they must bury the corpse of history. Only new leaders can do this.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Corruption has become a part of our political culture. The only way to contain or even eliminate it is through the creation of an Ethics Commission. This body would be autonomous and improve public ethics and morality. It is most telling that we have never had one.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
We would have to develop several layers/tiers that separate the benefit packages of public sector employees. We would have to adjust the payment schedule in order to allow adequate funding for public sector employees. The appropriate amounts of funding would be based on the expert advice of the professional staff at the GERS. I would advance a "fast track" legislation that prioritizes funding for the GERS and prohibits any tinkering with the system.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Legislators and other public sector leaders must increase revenue collection and eradicate waste simultaneously. The public sector will have to be reduced steadily over the next 10 years so that public sector employees would be less than 20 percent of the workforce. To compensate for public sector reduction, an aggressive expansion of high income jobs in the private sector is critical. Both must occur at the same time. As a Senator, I would actively work with an "over ride" majority which will seek new investors for the Territory.
11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
As mentioned in my brochure, majority and minority blocs will have to be eliminated for the present period as we reform our political system. Theoretically, majority-minority divisions are tied to partisan alignments. However, our majority-minority blocs are based solely on personality and fundin g. They are not tied to ideology or platform. Thus, I would propose to abolish them for the meantime.

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

UVI to Observe Liberty Day
UVI will be closed Friday, Nov. 1, in observance of Liberty Day.
'Crisis In Paradise' Forum to Highlight Red Ribbon Week Activities
A public forum titled "Crisis In Paradise: Drugs, Crime and V.I. Youth" is scheduled for 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday as a major part of the UVI observance of National Red Ribbon Week. The forum will be presented as a video-conferenced event between the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses.
Forum panelists include Dr. Olaf Hendricks, a psychiatrist; Sgt. Elvin Fahie of the V.I. Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau; and parent Patricia Lewis. Miss UVI Nyasha Mutunhu will serve as moderator.
The forum can be attended in Chase Auditorium (Business Education – Room 110) on the St. Thomas campus and in the Theatre (Evans Center room 401) on the St. Croix campus.
For more information, contact the Associate Chancellor's Office on St. Thomas at 693-1120 or the Health Center Services Office on St. Croix at 692-4214.

SGA to Host Gubernatorial Forum on St. Thomas Campus
Seven of the eight candidates running for governor in the V.I. general election have confirmed they will participate in a forum on UVI's St. Thomas campus from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the cafeteria. The forum is sponsored by the Student Government Association. The only candidate not participating will be Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
For more information, call 693-1111.
Golden Key, SGA Gubernatorial Forum on St. Croix Cancelled
The St. Croix Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Student Government Association have announced the cancellation of a gubernatorial forum originally scheduled for Wednesday. The cancellation was due to a conflict with other election campaign activities. The groups jointly sponsored a forum for senatorial candidates last week.
Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to Perform Saturday
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Thomas for a record fourth visit with an 8 p.m. performance Saturday at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. Tickets are $65, $30 and $5. To place orders, call 693-1559. The performance is a co-production of the Reichhold Center and the Birch Forum. For more information go to "http:// www.reichholdcenter.com".

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

UVI to Observe Liberty Day
UVI will be closed Friday, Nov. 1, in observance of Liberty Day.
'Crisis In Paradise' Forum to Highlight Red Ribbon Week Activities
A public forum titled "Crisis In Paradise: Drugs, Crime and V.I. Youth" is scheduled for 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday as a major part of the UVI observance of National Red Ribbon Week. The forum will be presented as a video-conferenced event between the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses.
Forum panelists include Dr. Olaf Hendricks, a psychiatrist; Sgt. Elvin Fahie of the V.I. Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau; and parent Patricia Lewis. Miss UVI Nyasha Mutunhu will serve as moderator.
The forum can be attended in Chase Auditorium (Business Education – Room 110) on the St. Thomas campus and in the Theatre (Evans Center room 401) on the St. Croix campus.
For more information, contact the Associate Chancellor's Office on St. Thomas at 693-1120 or the Health Center Services Office on St. Croix at 692-4214.

SGA to Host Gubernatorial Forum on St. Thomas Campus
Seven of the eight candidates running for governor in the V.I. general election have confirmed they will participate in a forum on UVI's St. Thomas campus from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the cafeteria. The forum is sponsored by the Student Government Association. The only candidate not participating will be Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
For more information, call 693-1111.
Golden Key, SGA Gubernatorial Forum on St. Croix Cancelled
The St. Croix Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Student Government Association have announced the cancellation of a gubernatorial forum originally scheduled for Wednesday. The cancellation was due to a conflict with other election campaign activities. The groups jointly sponsored a forum for senatorial candidates last week.
Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to Perform Saturday
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Thomas for a record fourth visit with an 8 p.m. performance Saturday at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. Tickets are $65, $30 and $5. To place orders, call 693-1559. The performance is a co-production of the Reichhold Center and the Birch Forum. For more information go to "http:// www.reichholdcenter.com".

Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

UVI to Observe Liberty Day
UVI will be closed Friday, Nov. 1, in observance of Liberty Day.
'Crisis In Paradise' Forum to Highlight Red Ribbon Week Activities
A public forum titled "Crisis In Paradise: Drugs, Crime and V.I. Youth" is scheduled for 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday as a major part of the UVI observance of National Red Ribbon Week. The forum will be presented as a video-conferenced event between the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses.
Forum panelists include Dr. Olaf Hendricks, a psychiatrist; Sgt. Elvin Fahie of the V.I. Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau; and parent Patricia Lewis. Miss UVI Nyasha Mutunhu will serve as moderator.
The forum can be attended in Chase Auditorium (Business Education – Room 110) on the St. Thomas campus and in the Theatre (Evans Center room 401) on the St. Croix campus.
For more information, contact the Associate Chancellor's Office on St. Thomas at 693-1120 or the Health Center Services Office on St. Croix at 692-4214.

SGA to Host Gubernatorial Forum on St. Thomas Campus
Seven of the eight candidates running for governor in the V.I. general election have confirmed they will participate in a forum on UVI's St. Thomas campus from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the cafeteria. The forum is sponsored by the Student Government Association. The only candidate not participating will be Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
For more information, call 693-1111.
Golden Key, SGA Gubernatorial Forum on St. Croix Cancelled
The St. Croix Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Student Government Association have announced the cancellation of a gubernatorial forum originally scheduled for Wednesday. The cancellation was due to a conflict with other election campaign activities. The groups jointly sponsored a forum for senatorial candidates last week.
Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to Perform Saturday
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Thomas for a record fourth visit with an 8 p.m. performance Saturday at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. Tickets are $65, $30 and $5. To place orders, call 693-1559. The performance is a co-production of the Reichhold Center and the Birch Forum. For more information go to "http:// www.reichholdcenter.com".

Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
I have long said that if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. A land and water use plan is essential as on St. Thomas, in particular, we are experiencing zoning controversies, loss of beach access and a serious decline of our quality of life as a result of uncontrolled growth. Many people with money and large tracts of property have worked for years to actively block the adoption of any kind of plan, however, I believe the vast majority of citizens now see the need to implement a comprehensive land and water use plan and will support such a proposal. The plan is presently being held up by a member of the 24th Legislature's Majority and, as a result, no action can presently be taken. I will move to reintroduce the existing plan in the 25th Legislature and to seek the support of community groups and individuals in order to help secure its passage.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Public and private sector partnerships are an important and under utilized tool here in the Virgin Islands. I think that the biggest obstacle may be a bureaucratic fear of relinquishing any power or funding. The bottom line is that private sector organizations and businesses have information, technology and experience that the entire community can benefit from. I'd like to see the private sector brought in to help resolve many issues related to tourism, environmental protection, education and social progress.

3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solved?

There is a huge morale problem in the Department of Education that no one wants to talk about. Underpaid teachers, poorly utilized administrators and a mismanagement of funds and supplies have left most everyone quite frustrated and dissatisfied. This translates into problems for our students. We must immediately raise teacher salaries and restructure the Department to ensure better use of staff and monies. Additionally, some performance based bonuses or incentives must be offered to educators as well as new opportunities for training and higher education. The lack of site-based management is also an ongoing problem and this must be resolved in order to secure accreditation for our schools. Again, this is a problem that can be resolved by making some very basic changes within the Department.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory's present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
We may have already done enough damage by floating bonds, especially given that our interest rates are not the best available on the market. We should avoid floating any more bonds and focus on revenue producing initiatives, many of which I have outlined in recent weeks. I think the best way to persuade others of my views is to give them the hard numbers and to drive home the point that we have already mortgaged our children's futures.
5. What is the most viable solution to the territory's solid-waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
For many years I spearheaded efforts to resolve our solid waste problems and I was successful in getting the fires managed, some basic safety measures implemented as well as bringing our critical waste disposal problems to the forefront. I think the first step is to remove the ring of corruption from around solid waste management – it has become apparent that there are people in the Virgin Islands that don't want this problem to be resolved – unless it is to be resolved by the company of their choosing. I advocate an approach that includes first reducing the waste stream as much as possible through education and regulations, then recycling and composting wherever possible and finally establishing a safe, clean facility to landfill what remains. I am hopeful that a new legislature will help move this forward as the current Majority is extremely anti-environment and has failed to recognize the importance of these issues. I am prepared to work with the members of the 25th Legislature to see these problems resolved once and for all.
6. What is the most viable solution to the territory's sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
This Government must cease and desist in polluting our own waters. For years I have been saying that clean air and clean water are basic human rights and it is this Government's primary job to ensure that we live in a healthy and safe environment. The V.I. Government must spend the money on upgrading and maintaining our plants and acquire the training needed for plant workers. We also must continue to work with the Eastern Caribbean Center and other organizations that are researching alternative methods of sewage treatment and disposal. Sewage treatment is difficult, but by no means, impossible, and there is no valid reason for our ongoing problems.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
The Virgin Islands economy is not as bad as many say it is, however, government funds are continually mismanaged and regressive taxes (such as the 4 percent gross receipts tax) make it very difficult for small businesses to succeed. I see our best hope for growth in adapting new and creative strategies. For example, we have become the top cruise ship destination while our hotels and restaurants suffer from lack of business. We must offer incentives to bring those cruise ship passengers back as overnight visitors and we must work harder to get more out of the cruise ship industry as it has gotten a lot out of the Virgin Islands. The Economic Development Commission must be entirely restructured in order to assist new, small businesses to get off the ground. It is unconscionable that our largest industries and, even monopolies, continue to operate tax free, while the smaller, local and family-owned businesses are being crushed by a huge tax burden. And if we are to protect our tourism based economy and our quality of life we must be more aggressive in protecting our beautiful environment and cultural resources. Eco tourism is the fastest growing sector of the industry, yet the Virgin Islands Government is pushing for the development of new mega resorts as opposed to creating important tourist attractions such as parks or restoring historic buildings and sites. This kind of thinking is outdated and brings absolutely nothing to the table in the long term. We must look to sustainable growth and development if we are to truly improve our economic picture over the long haul.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Very. Exposing and eliminating corruption has been the cornerstone of my political career. I think it would help to give the Inspector General's Office more funding and autonomy to audit and investigate various agencies and programs. I have also long supported establishing the Attorney General as an elected, rather than appointed, office in order to ensure that law enforcement is not unduly influenced by the current Administration. An elected AG would have much more power to enforce existing laws, weed out questionable contracts and keep Government officials in check.

9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what w ill you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Government officials created a situation where the pensions of innocent Government employees are at risk and leaders must seek creative solutions to handle this problem. First, productive Government employees that reach retirement age should be offered incentives to stay on in order to reduce the numbers of people filing for benefits. These experienced employees are needed, particularly in troubled agencies such at the Department of Education. Next, the Government must look for a new source of revenue dedicated towards making up for the GERS shortfall. Government employees must not be made to pay the price for mistakes made by the officials they elect, however, they should keep these mistakes in mind on Election Day.

10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The most viable solution is to cut spending and to increase revenues. I have proposed significant cuts, such as the 25 percent reduction the Legislature's budget to accompany the reduction in the number of senators. If my legislation had been approved by my colleagues we would have saved as much nearly $9 million this year! Additionally, as I stated above, the cruise ship industry and other big businesses have yet to make their fare share of contributions to this community. By making creative spending cuts and enhancing revenues through, for example, reforms at the EDC and the Port Authority, we can easily balance our budget. I will continue to push for such creative solutions and the elimination of waste and corruption.


11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
Our democratic system allows for a certain level of adversarial action and, indeed, this "checks and balance" system helps to keep all branches of Government in line. However, here in the Virgin Islands we have taken this to the extreme and to the detriment of our entire community. We saw this in action in January of 2001 when the 24th Legislature Majority took office. In an effort to get all senators to line up behind them, the present Majority Block took away nearly all of the non-aligned senators' resources and worked to block my legislation and initiatives at every turn. We were elected by the public and deserve equal opportunity to perform our duties. The present Majority took this way too far, even blocking important, but innocuous, legislation such as my bill to increase penalties for animal cruelty and neglect. They took these actions, not in the best interest of the community, but in order to punish me for not joining their Majority. This does not behoove us as a Legislature or a community.

Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
I have long said that if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. A land and water use plan is essential as on St. Thomas, in particular, we are experiencing zoning controversies, loss of beach access and a serious decline of our quality of life as a result of uncontrolled growth. Many people with money and large tracts of property have worked for years to actively block the adoption of any kind of plan, however, I believe the vast majority of citizens now see the need to implement a comprehensive land and water use plan and will support such a proposal. The plan is presently being held up by a member of the 24th Legislature's Majority and, as a result, no action can presently be taken. I will move to reintroduce the existing plan in the 25th Legislature and to seek the support of community groups and individuals in order to help secure its passage.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Public and private sector partnerships are an important and under utilized tool here in the Virgin Islands. I think that the biggest obstacle may be a bureaucratic fear of relinquishing any power or funding. The bottom line is that private sector organizations and businesses have information, technology and experience that the entire community can benefit from. I'd like to see the private sector brought in to help resolve many issues related to tourism, environmental protection, education and social progress.

3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solved?

There is a huge morale problem in the Department of Education that no one wants to talk about. Underpaid teachers, poorly utilized administrators and a mismanagement of funds and supplies have left most everyone quite frustrated and dissatisfied. This translates into problems for our students. We must immediately raise teacher salaries and restructure the Department to ensure better use of staff and monies. Additionally, some performance based bonuses or incentives must be offered to educators as well as new opportunities for training and higher education. The lack of site-based management is also an ongoing problem and this must be resolved in order to secure accreditation for our schools. Again, this is a problem that can be resolved by making some very basic changes within the Department.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory's present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
We may have already done enough damage by floating bonds, especially given that our interest rates are not the best available on the market. We should avoid floating any more bonds and focus on revenue producing initiatives, many of which I have outlined in recent weeks. I think the best way to persuade others of my views is to give them the hard numbers and to drive home the point that we have already mortgaged our children's futures.
5. What is the most viable solution to the territory's solid-waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
For many years I spearheaded efforts to resolve our solid waste problems and I was successful in getting the fires managed, some basic safety measures implemented as well as bringing our critical waste disposal problems to the forefront. I think the first step is to remove the ring of corruption from around solid waste management – it has become apparent that there are people in the Virgin Islands that don't want this problem to be resolved – unless it is to be resolved by the company of their choosing. I advocate an approach that includes first reducing the waste stream as much as possible through education and regulations, then recycling and composting wherever possible and finally establishing a safe, clean facility to landfill what remains. I am hopeful that a new legislature will help move this forward as the current Majority is extremely anti-environment and has failed to recognize the importance of these issues. I am prepared to work with the members of the 25th Legislature to see these problems resolved once and for all.
6. What is the most viable solution to the territory's sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
This Government must cease and desist in polluting our own waters. For years I have been saying that clean air and clean water are basic human rights and it is this Government's primary job to ensure that we live in a healthy and safe environment. The V.I. Government must spend the money on upgrading and maintaining our plants and acquire the training needed for plant workers. We also must continue to work with the Eastern Caribbean Center and other organizations that are researching alternative methods of sewage treatment and disposal. Sewage treatment is difficult, but by no means, impossible, and there is no valid reason for our ongoing problems.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
The Virgin Islands economy is not as bad as many say it is, however, government funds are continually mismanaged and regressive taxes (such as the 4 percent gross receipts tax) make it very difficult for small businesses to succeed. I see our best hope for growth in adapting new and creative strategies. For example, we have become the top cruise ship destination while our hotels and restaurants suffer from lack of business. We must offer incentives to bring those cruise ship passengers back as overnight visitors and we must work harder to get more out of the cruise ship industry as it has gotten a lot out of the Virgin Islands. The Economic Development Commission must be entirely restructured in order to assist new, small businesses to get off the ground. It is unconscionable that our largest industries and, even monopolies, continue to operate tax free, while the smaller, local and family-owned businesses are being crushed by a huge tax burden. And if we are to protect our tourism based economy and our quality of life we must be more aggressive in protecting our beautiful environment and cultural resources. Eco tourism is the fastest growing sector of the industry, yet the Virgin Islands Government is pushing for the development of new mega resorts as opposed to creating important tourist attractions such as parks or restoring historic buildings and sites. This kind of thinking is outdated and brings absolutely nothing to the table in the long term. We must look to sustainable growth and development if we are to truly improve our economic picture over the long haul.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Very. Exposing and eliminating corruption has been the cornerstone of my political career. I think it would help to give the Inspector General's Office more funding and autonomy to audit and investigate various agencies and programs. I have also long supported establishing the Attorney General as an elected, rather than appointed, office in order to ensure that law enforcement is not unduly influenced by the current Administration. An elected AG would have much more power to enforce existing laws, weed out questionable contracts and keep Government officials in check.

9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what w ill you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Government officials created a situation where the pensions of innocent Government employees are at risk and leaders must seek creative solutions to handle this problem. First, productive Government employees that reach retirement age should be offered incentives to stay on in order to reduce the numbers of people filing for benefits. These experienced employees are needed, particularly in troubled agencies such at the Department of Education. Next, the Government must look for a new source of revenue dedicated towards making up for the GERS shortfall. Government employees must not be made to pay the price for mistakes made by the officials they elect, however, they should keep these mistakes in mind on Election Day.

10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The most viable solution is to cut spending and to increase revenues. I have proposed significant cuts, such as the 25 percent reduction the Legislature's budget to accompany the reduction in the number of senators. If my legislation had been approved by my colleagues we would have saved as much nearly $9 million this year! Additionally, as I stated above, the cruise ship industry and other big businesses have yet to make their fare share of contributions to this community. By making creative spending cuts and enhancing revenues through, for example, reforms at the EDC and the Port Authority, we can easily balance our budget. I will continue to push for such creative solutions and the elimination of waste and corruption.


11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
Our democratic system allows for a certain level of adversarial action and, indeed, this "checks and balance" system helps to keep all branches of Government in line. However, here in the Virgin Islands we have taken this to the extreme and to the detriment of our entire community. We saw this in action in January of 2001 when the 24th Legislature Majority took office. In an effort to get all senators to line up behind them, the present Majority Block took away nearly all of the non-aligned senators' resources and worked to block my legislation and initiatives at every turn. We were elected by the public and deserve equal opportunity to perform our duties. The present Majority took this way too far, even blocking important, but innocuous, legislation such as my bill to increase penalties for animal cruelty and neglect. They took these actions, not in the best interest of the community, but in order to punish me for not joining their Majority. This does not behoove us as a Legislature or a community.

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Dear Source:
They are called "big boxes" – Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Target, Walgreen's. As many of you know, Home Depot has been working behind the scenes to get approval to build a massive store in Donoe. At first, the thought of a big chain store coming to a small community seems like a good idea. They need a lot of employees to run it; they have a larger variety of products for sale; and they seem to offer lower prices. Yet, despite all this, the growing body of evidence says that welcoming a "big box" into your community may be one of the worst things you can do if you want to build or sustain your economic base.
Have you considered what the impact would be, in these islands, with the arrival of a Home Depot, or any other "big box"? We have obtained a copy of their application to build. Nowhere was the impact on traffic mentioned, however this store will generate an extra 2,500 to 3,000 cars per day at the intersection going into the Cost-U-Less complex. Clearly, this may cause "traffic". According to the Metropolitan Chapter of the American Planning Association, a 150,000-square foot store will directly increase congestion costs by $5 million per year, hence the secrecy for the past year and a half.
If an independent study proves that Home Depot will create more net jobs rather than displace them, add more money to the tax base and keep more money in the territory, than the businesses that will inevitably close, then they should be welcomed. Unfortunately, "big boxes" fear these independent impact studies because they expose a side that they would rather not have revealed.
In New Paltz, N.Y., four economic impact statements were prepared in March 1996, when a "big box" attempted to build there. The Planning Board reported that the project would cause "substantial job losses, closed businesses, requests for property abatements, increased vacancies and would result in far less dollars in the local economy as a big box retailer consolidates its gains and expands." Imagine what one Home Depot would do to this small, fragile market. The lesson is obvious – oversupplying an area with retail glut does not create jobs, it destroys them.
Consumers are best served when there are numerous competitors in the market, however the big retail corporations, like Home Depot, Toys R Us and Best Buy, are known in the industry as "category killers". This name is significant because these businesses do not intend to compete with local stores; they aim to be the only game in town.
Typically, a chain store will enter a new market with deep discounts. This sets up a battle that local merchants cannot win. Once the local competition is eliminated, prices tend to rise. In Virginia, a statewide survey of several Wal-Mart stores found that prices varied by as much as 25 percent. The researchers concluded that prices rose in markets where the retailer faced little competition. A similar conclusion was reached in a survey of Home Depot.
Chain stores contribute far less to the local economy than independent businesses. Local stores keep profits circulating within the local economy. They also support a variety of other local businesses including accounting firms, insurance companies and printers – to name a few. They advertise through independent radio stations and local newspapers. They purchase goods from local distributors. In this way, a dollar spent in a locally owned business sends a ripple of economic benefits throughout the community.
By contrast, chain stores typically centralize these functions at their head offices. They keep local investments and spending to a minimum. They bypass local radio stations in favor of national advertising. Much of a dollar spent at a chain store leaves the community immediately.
It is our understanding that Home Depot is currently training management and staff in Puerto Rico for their St. Thomas store. Of the approximately 200 people needed to run the St. Thomas store, half of them will be part-time employees. That leaves 100 full time jobs to people we believe will be substantially non-Virgin Islanders. Approximately 350 full time Virgin Islander jobs will be affected.
We believe an independent economic impact study will show what most other communities have seen, that is, significant competitor losses, net job losses, tax revenue losses, and the creation of a glut of empty retail space when a "big box" retailer comes to a small community.
Let us leave you with this final thought. The president of the local First National Bank in the small town of Nowata, Okla., said this about a "big box". "They were not playing fair. They came in and ravaged all the small businesses." The mayor of that same town who welcomes the mega store to town, now says they have proven it. "They're big and they're greedy. They have no compassion for the community or the individual."
A new big box can only be successful at the expense of existing businesses.
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail the Independent Retailers Group at independentretailersgroup@hotmail.com.
The Independent Retailers Group provided the following list of businesses as members supporting this letter: Allied Tool, The Paint Depot, Doctor's Choice, Caribbean Herbals, MSI Building Supplies, Steel Plus, Paint Master, Lock It Please, Plaza Extra, Time Center True Value, Appliance Plus, Sea Chest, Silk Greenery, Flair Magazine, St. John Hardware, Stormking, Bryan's Plants and Dockside Bookshop.

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Oct. 28, 2002 – A special Mass of celebration and remembrance will be held Sunday for all who have been associated with Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School with Bishop G. Murry, SJ and the Rev. Dr. G. Franklin. Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Refreshments will be served following Mass.
For more information, contact Cathy Cavin at 774-3166 or email friendsofstsppcs@catholic.org

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Oct. 28, 2002 – A special Mass of celebration and remembrance will be held Sunday for all who have been associated with Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School with Bishop G. Murry, SJ and the Rev. Dr. G. Franklin. Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Refreshments will be served following Mass.
For more information, contact Cathy Cavin at 774-3166 or email friendsofstsppcs@catholic.org

Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.