After the chaos of this election, especially at Gomez School, there should be little doubt of the need for districting. The electorate overwhelmingly endorsed a downsizing of the Legislature from 15 members to 9. This will require a major reorganization with several possible consequences.
One major change could be the change from an at-large candidate resident on St. John, to a full-time St. John representative. St. John is a unique island with unique problems and demands a full time legislative representative. To make the St. John representative campaign throughout the territory and spend tens of thousands of dollars traveling to and staying on St. Croix plus additional dollars operating an office on that island is an insult to St. John residents and Virgin Islands' taxpayers. To make St. Thomas legislative aspirants leave that island to campaign on St. John denigrates their ability to work with the voters they propose to represent. St. John residents deserve a full-time, dedicated representative to our legislature.
According to the referendum question, some 17,070 people voted in the Virgin Islands on this universal issue. The candidate with the most votes on St. Croix received some 5,851 votes. The candidate with the most votes on St. Thomas received some 7,500 votes and the seventh place finisher received some 5,000 votes. According to the V.I. Daily News, Gomez School was expected to service some 10,000 voters. Given these facts, one can clearly see that the voters in the Gomez district – Old Tutu, New Tutu, and Hidden Valley – hold the key to Virgin Islands Government on St. Thomas. This one group of relatively homogenous people can elect all the legislators to represent the island and, therefore, demand all the legislative privileges for that unique area. Districting would give the Gomez District one legislator who would be elected solely by the Gomez voters and work in the legislature for the Gomez District.
Now the West End, Charlotte Amalie and East End could each have their own legislator. The various candidates would only campaign in their district among their neighbors. Instead of attempting to provide all islanders with something to remember them by and earn their vote, the candidate could concentrate on coming up with opportunities and solutions to problems in their specific district.
The difference in voting would be marked. For openers, only St. Johnians would vote for the St. John legislator and they would only vote for that one legislative position. Instead of attempting to give up to seven votes to some twenty to thirty candidates, all voters would vote once for one of the candidates resident in their district and running to represent their district. Given this scenario, St. Thomas voters would have voted for the referendum, congressional delegate, Board of Education, Board of Elections, and one legislator. Booth time would be greatly diminished.
I really envy the new legislature. They have the exciting privilege to design a new legislative system that can solve many of our identified problems, and provide the electorate with new and challenging opportunities to influence the laws of our community.
UVI BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET NOV. 11
The University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees will meet at The Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix at 9 a.m. Saturday. The meeting will begin with the president's report, including highlights of major university accomplishments since the previous board meeting.
Other reports will cover the selection of a new chairman for the capital campaign, a report from the Buildings and Grounds Committee on the status of the Sports and Fitness Center on the St. Thomas campus, a report from the Finance Committee on the university's audited financial report for FY1999-2000, an update on the Research and Technology Park Initiative and a recommendation by the Finance Committee to extend the TIAA-CREF Early Retirement Incentive Program for UVI employees.
After committee reports, the board will move into executive session. Auguste Rimpel is chairman of the board of trustees.
Other reports will cover the selection of a new chairman for the capital campaign, a report from the Buildings and Grounds Committee on the status of the Sports and Fitness Center on the St. Thomas campus, a report from the Finance Committee on the university's audited financial report for FY1999-2000, an update on the Research and Technology Park Initiative and a recommendation by the Finance Committee to extend the TIAA-CREF Early Retirement Incentive Program for UVI employees.
After committee reports, the board will move into executive session. Auguste Rimpel is chairman of the board of trustees.
V.I. NEEDS NEW SYSTEM FOR JUDGESHIPS
Dear Source:
Judge Holler is a fine judge. Yet one wonders that she might not have leaned towards the teachers plight if she were not up for reappointment in Governor Turnbull's reign. Clearly she felt the teachers deserve better.
They have no contract as it is invalidated by the Government's failure to pay the negotiated and the then arbitrated settlements. I hope they appeal and ask for a stay of sentence.
We have not a court – by its very nature- unbiased in cases against the administration as the judges are appointed to short terms by the Governor. We need lifetime appointments or elect judges. As we need an independent Attorney General and a Territorial Grand Jury system.
Our Judicial branch must advance towards giving the local people swifter unbiased Justice not the mere aggrandizement of jurisdiction and costs we have had these last decades.
More is at stake then children out of school and the difficulty parents face. Time will be made up. The issue is the respect we have for those to whom we entrust our children. This applies to Police, firemen and all performing government employees.
Michael Paiewonsky
Judge Holler is a fine judge. Yet one wonders that she might not have leaned towards the teachers plight if she were not up for reappointment in Governor Turnbull's reign. Clearly she felt the teachers deserve better.
They have no contract as it is invalidated by the Government's failure to pay the negotiated and the then arbitrated settlements. I hope they appeal and ask for a stay of sentence.
We have not a court – by its very nature- unbiased in cases against the administration as the judges are appointed to short terms by the Governor. We need lifetime appointments or elect judges. As we need an independent Attorney General and a Territorial Grand Jury system.
Our Judicial branch must advance towards giving the local people swifter unbiased Justice not the mere aggrandizement of jurisdiction and costs we have had these last decades.
More is at stake then children out of school and the difficulty parents face. Time will be made up. The issue is the respect we have for those to whom we entrust our children. This applies to Police, firemen and all performing government employees.
Michael Paiewonsky
JUDGES FOLLOW FACTS AND LAW, NOT SENTIMENT
Dear Source:
While I can well understand the frustration of the teachers who have been told, after 24 days on strike, that they must return to work because their 1991 to 1995 contract remains in effect and prohibits them from striking, attacking Judge Brenda Hollar is neither reasonable, fair, nor productive.
Once it was determined that the contract remained in effect, albeit on a day to day basis, the judge had no choice but to enforce its provisions. And the bargaining committee of the AFT acknowledged that the contract was still in effect in July 2000.
The apparently widespread belief that controversial judicial decisions are invariably politically inspired is acutely troubling. It implies an equally widespread disrespect for the judiciary and the legal system.
Those who are saying that the decision in this case was based on Judge Hollar's desire to keep her job obviously know nothing of Judge Hollar.
Whether you agree with her decisions or not, they are invariably based on her understanding of what the law is and how it applies to a given situation. She has never been known to make decisions based on expediency or her own personal interest.
It is also disturbing that Judge Hollar's decision should be described as based on her own self-interest when no one has challenged its factual or legal bases. There has been no suggestion that she was wrong in finding that the contract was both in force and that it prohibited the teachers from going on strike. There has been no suggestion that she was wrong in finding that the contract contained a procedure for settling disputes, a procedure which included first mediation and then, if that did not produce a resolution, binding arbitration. Therefore, there is no reason to suggest an improper motive for Judge Hollar's decision.
A court decision is not wrong or improper just because it goes against the position that we favor, even it that position appears to be morally right. The teachers may have been treated unfairly for years and we may be in sympathy with them, but if their union leaders agreed to extend a contract with a no-strike clause, can a judge ignore that? Even worse than the casual maligning of a judge, the view of this decision as "political" misunderstands the function of a court. Courts are designed to decide conflicts in accordance with agreed on principles and standards. The principles and standards are agreed on so that there is predictability about how a particular kind of conflict will be resolved. Without this agreement, there would be no guides to tell a judge what facts should be considered or what should be the basis of any decision. Every judge would be left to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
Judges are not appointed to "do good" or to "make the world better".
What is "good" and what "makes the world better" is a matter of opinion, and opinions differ. Judges are appointed to resolve conflicts according to the facts and the law. They should not be defamed when they simply do their job.
Judith L. Bourne
While I can well understand the frustration of the teachers who have been told, after 24 days on strike, that they must return to work because their 1991 to 1995 contract remains in effect and prohibits them from striking, attacking Judge Brenda Hollar is neither reasonable, fair, nor productive.
Once it was determined that the contract remained in effect, albeit on a day to day basis, the judge had no choice but to enforce its provisions. And the bargaining committee of the AFT acknowledged that the contract was still in effect in July 2000.
The apparently widespread belief that controversial judicial decisions are invariably politically inspired is acutely troubling. It implies an equally widespread disrespect for the judiciary and the legal system.
Those who are saying that the decision in this case was based on Judge Hollar's desire to keep her job obviously know nothing of Judge Hollar.
Whether you agree with her decisions or not, they are invariably based on her understanding of what the law is and how it applies to a given situation. She has never been known to make decisions based on expediency or her own personal interest.
It is also disturbing that Judge Hollar's decision should be described as based on her own self-interest when no one has challenged its factual or legal bases. There has been no suggestion that she was wrong in finding that the contract was both in force and that it prohibited the teachers from going on strike. There has been no suggestion that she was wrong in finding that the contract contained a procedure for settling disputes, a procedure which included first mediation and then, if that did not produce a resolution, binding arbitration. Therefore, there is no reason to suggest an improper motive for Judge Hollar's decision.
A court decision is not wrong or improper just because it goes against the position that we favor, even it that position appears to be morally right. The teachers may have been treated unfairly for years and we may be in sympathy with them, but if their union leaders agreed to extend a contract with a no-strike clause, can a judge ignore that? Even worse than the casual maligning of a judge, the view of this decision as "political" misunderstands the function of a court. Courts are designed to decide conflicts in accordance with agreed on principles and standards. The principles and standards are agreed on so that there is predictability about how a particular kind of conflict will be resolved. Without this agreement, there would be no guides to tell a judge what facts should be considered or what should be the basis of any decision. Every judge would be left to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
Judges are not appointed to "do good" or to "make the world better".
What is "good" and what "makes the world better" is a matter of opinion, and opinions differ. Judges are appointed to resolve conflicts according to the facts and the law. They should not be defamed when they simply do their job.
Judith L. Bourne
SHAKE UP OF STX SENATE SEATS FAILS TO MATERIALIZE
The wave of voter dissatisfaction predicted to wash incumbent St. Croix senators out of office only partly materialized Tuesday, as old stalwarts remained firmly entrenched.
Out of the seven St. Croix senators, four will return to their seats: Sens. Adelbert Bryan with 12 years in office; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, 14 years in office; David Jones, six years in office, and Norman Jn. Baptiste, two years in office.
Senate President Vargrave Richards, with six years in office, is tied for seventh with Senate hopeful Raymond "Usie" Richards. The deadlock – at 3,936 votes – will be decided by approximately 500 absentee ballots within 10 days, election officials said.
The most votes went to perennial Senate aspirant Doug Canton Jr., who garnered 5,851 votes. Another first timer, Emmett Hansen II, placed a strong third with 5,501 votes.
Baptiste was second in votes with 5,758. Jones took fourth with 4,885 votes followed by Hansen, 4,768; Bryan, 4,323, and Vargrave Richards and Raymond Richards.
Losing their seats were St. Croix’s two first-term Republicans, Sens. Gregory Bennerson and Anne Golden. Democrats Canton, Emmett Hansen, Jones and Baptiste will have four seats and possibly five if Vargrave Richards can top Raymond Richards.
While the Democrats’ hold on the St. Croix district was significant, Emmett Hansen said it will be more important to work with other senators to move the island forward.
"The first thing all of us will have to do is sort out how we are going to improve the quality of life on St. Croix," he said. "This is a very clear-cut mandate from the people of St. Croix who are looking for progress."
Late Tuesday, Vargrave Richards said he was "hanging in there" despite his tie with Raymond Richards of the Independent Citizens Movement. Political pundits and Sen. Richards noted that sitting Senate presidents haven’t fared well historically in elections.
Vargrave Richards, a former teacher, also caught the wrath of striking members of the American Federation of Teachers. The AFT membership was upset that Richards didn’t call a special session to find money to fund their contracts prior to the election.
"My assessment . . . suggests there was a level of dissatisfaction with the voters," Sen. Richards said. "The strike right down to the election didn’t help."
Raymond Richards, who is chairman of the Joint Board of Elections and a member of Sen. Bryan’s staff, said he has concerns about absentee ballots that were mailed to V.I. voters on the mainland but have never been received. Some of those voters, he said, are supporters of his campaign.
Nonetheless, "I look forward to the next 10 days," he said.
Chucky Hansen was backed by a crowd of supporters equally as vocal as the loquacious senator Tuesday night after the election. She said an effort to push her out of the Senate was rebuked by her legions of supporters. She vowed to "not ease up."
"Keep your head up. You’ve got Chucky Hansen back in the Senate against all obstacles," she said. "Whether you support me or not, when a crisis comes Sen. Chucky Hansen will be there."
For a complete list of election results, click on www.vivote.com.
Out of the seven St. Croix senators, four will return to their seats: Sens. Adelbert Bryan with 12 years in office; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, 14 years in office; David Jones, six years in office, and Norman Jn. Baptiste, two years in office.
Senate President Vargrave Richards, with six years in office, is tied for seventh with Senate hopeful Raymond "Usie" Richards. The deadlock – at 3,936 votes – will be decided by approximately 500 absentee ballots within 10 days, election officials said.
The most votes went to perennial Senate aspirant Doug Canton Jr., who garnered 5,851 votes. Another first timer, Emmett Hansen II, placed a strong third with 5,501 votes.
Baptiste was second in votes with 5,758. Jones took fourth with 4,885 votes followed by Hansen, 4,768; Bryan, 4,323, and Vargrave Richards and Raymond Richards.
Losing their seats were St. Croix’s two first-term Republicans, Sens. Gregory Bennerson and Anne Golden. Democrats Canton, Emmett Hansen, Jones and Baptiste will have four seats and possibly five if Vargrave Richards can top Raymond Richards.
While the Democrats’ hold on the St. Croix district was significant, Emmett Hansen said it will be more important to work with other senators to move the island forward.
"The first thing all of us will have to do is sort out how we are going to improve the quality of life on St. Croix," he said. "This is a very clear-cut mandate from the people of St. Croix who are looking for progress."
Late Tuesday, Vargrave Richards said he was "hanging in there" despite his tie with Raymond Richards of the Independent Citizens Movement. Political pundits and Sen. Richards noted that sitting Senate presidents haven’t fared well historically in elections.
Vargrave Richards, a former teacher, also caught the wrath of striking members of the American Federation of Teachers. The AFT membership was upset that Richards didn’t call a special session to find money to fund their contracts prior to the election.
"My assessment . . . suggests there was a level of dissatisfaction with the voters," Sen. Richards said. "The strike right down to the election didn’t help."
Raymond Richards, who is chairman of the Joint Board of Elections and a member of Sen. Bryan’s staff, said he has concerns about absentee ballots that were mailed to V.I. voters on the mainland but have never been received. Some of those voters, he said, are supporters of his campaign.
Nonetheless, "I look forward to the next 10 days," he said.
Chucky Hansen was backed by a crowd of supporters equally as vocal as the loquacious senator Tuesday night after the election. She said an effort to push her out of the Senate was rebuked by her legions of supporters. She vowed to "not ease up."
"Keep your head up. You’ve got Chucky Hansen back in the Senate against all obstacles," she said. "Whether you support me or not, when a crisis comes Sen. Chucky Hansen will be there."
For a complete list of election results, click on www.vivote.com.
TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES CRUSH ALSO-RANS
Two incumbents, at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd and V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, crushed their competition in territorial balloting Tuesday night. Equally overwhelming was the number of yes votes cast to reduce the size of the V.I. Legislature, more than seven times that of those opposing the measure.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
DOGGIE DIPPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Doggies can be dipped for a worthwhile canine cause from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Courtyard across from the Renaissance Grand Hotel, where a "Holiday Fluff and Buff" fund-raiser will be held for St. Thomas' first full service pet facility.
Debbie Dunham, owner of Debbie's Dedicated Dogs, has had a dream for seven years of what could be done on St. Thomas to train, trot, show, groom and even provide gourmet goodies to the island's canine population.
"We have no facilities to show dogs, or to properly train them, to say nothing of the need for a crematorium," Dunham said. She said last year her when her130-pound dog died, she had no place to bury him, as she isn't a land owner. She took the dog to Florida to be cremated, and returned to dispose of his ashes – a painful and expensive venture.
Dunham has permits for all her plans, and is American Kennel Association certified to show dogs. Her plans are extensive. She wants to get the lease on the old Wintberg Gardens property, which was a riding ring for years under the late Andy Bornn. It would be ideal for Dunham's purposes which include a show ring and an obstacle course. But she must make it through a financial obstacle course to get there.
Sunday's event will feature a bake sale and gourmet treats for dogs and dog owners, alike. Canine services include dips, nail cuts and dematting. For further information call (340) 774-1981. Dogs must be on secure leash or in kennel, Dunham stressed.
Debbie Dunham, owner of Debbie's Dedicated Dogs, has had a dream for seven years of what could be done on St. Thomas to train, trot, show, groom and even provide gourmet goodies to the island's canine population.
"We have no facilities to show dogs, or to properly train them, to say nothing of the need for a crematorium," Dunham said. She said last year her when her130-pound dog died, she had no place to bury him, as she isn't a land owner. She took the dog to Florida to be cremated, and returned to dispose of his ashes – a painful and expensive venture.
Dunham has permits for all her plans, and is American Kennel Association certified to show dogs. Her plans are extensive. She wants to get the lease on the old Wintberg Gardens property, which was a riding ring for years under the late Andy Bornn. It would be ideal for Dunham's purposes which include a show ring and an obstacle course. But she must make it through a financial obstacle course to get there.
Sunday's event will feature a bake sale and gourmet treats for dogs and dog owners, alike. Canine services include dips, nail cuts and dematting. For further information call (340) 774-1981. Dogs must be on secure leash or in kennel, Dunham stressed.
TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES CRUSH ALSO-RANS
Two incumbents, at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd and V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, crushed their competition in territorial balloting Tuesday night. Equally overwhelming was the number of yes votes cast to reduce the size of the V.I. Legislature, more than seven times that of those opposing the measure.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES CRUSH ALSO-RANS
Two incumbents, at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd and V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, crushed their competition in territorial balloting Tuesday night. Equally overwhelming was the number of yes votes cast to reduce the size of the V.I. Legislature, more than seven times that of those opposing the measure.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
In the at-large Senate race, Liburd racked up 13,421 votes to just 7,188 for challenger Craig Barshinger. Christian Christensen tallied 18,292 votes to 3,488 for Victor Frazier and 1,521 for Jorge Estemac.
The referendum on reducing the size of the Senate passed by 14,949 to 2,120. Of those in favor of the reduction, 12,589 wanted to see the number of senators reduced to nine; 2,826 preferred 11 senators. Forty-eight voters did not indicate a preference.
DONASTORG TOP VOTE-GETTER
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg outpaced by several lengths the pack of candidates for St. Thomas-St. John senatorial seats Tuesday, beating out his nearest rival, former Sen. Celestino White, by more than 1,600 votes.
Two incumbents battled for the seventh and final seat, with Sen. George Goodwin edging out Sen. Lorraine Berry by 115 votes. However, Berry could conceivably run seventh when absentee ballots are counted.
The top vote-getters are as follows.
1. Adlah Donastorg, 7446
2. Celestino White, 5824
3. Donald Cole, 5614
4. Carlton Dowe, 5450
5. Roosevelt David, 5425
6. Norma Pickard Samuel, 5115
7. George Goodwin, 4998
Final returns were not tallied until nearly 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, as election officials decided to keep polls open until 10 p.m. A high voter turnout that could be as much as 60 percent of registered voters coupled with a lack of resources were given as the reasons for the decision.
The final vote totals must be certified by the Board of Elections after absentee ballots are in. That could take up to 10 days.
In the other major races, incumbent Sen.-at-Large Almando "Rocky" Liburd beat challenger Craig Barshinger by a vote of 13,210 to 7,059.
Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen will go back to Washington after garnering 18,025 votes versus 3,444 for Victor Frazer and 1.541 for Jorge Estemac.
Two incumbents battled for the seventh and final seat, with Sen. George Goodwin edging out Sen. Lorraine Berry by 115 votes. However, Berry could conceivably run seventh when absentee ballots are counted.
The top vote-getters are as follows.
1. Adlah Donastorg, 7446
2. Celestino White, 5824
3. Donald Cole, 5614
4. Carlton Dowe, 5450
5. Roosevelt David, 5425
6. Norma Pickard Samuel, 5115
7. George Goodwin, 4998
Final returns were not tallied until nearly 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, as election officials decided to keep polls open until 10 p.m. A high voter turnout that could be as much as 60 percent of registered voters coupled with a lack of resources were given as the reasons for the decision.
The final vote totals must be certified by the Board of Elections after absentee ballots are in. That could take up to 10 days.
In the other major races, incumbent Sen.-at-Large Almando "Rocky" Liburd beat challenger Craig Barshinger by a vote of 13,210 to 7,059.
Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen will go back to Washington after garnering 18,025 votes versus 3,444 for Victor Frazer and 1.541 for Jorge Estemac.
