As we gear up for the 2024 Senate elections, it’s crucial to know where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to our community. To keep you informed, The Source has compiled a list of key questions on pressing topics affecting the Virgin Islands. The answers below are from St. Thomas-St. John incumbent Sen. Carla Joseph: Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you? I am running for another term as your servant and Senator to continue to advocate for the needs of our community and to drive meaningful change in the Virgin Islands. I have a strong track record of supporting legislation that addresses vital issues such as economic development, family support, energy, healthcare, and veterans’ affairs. My experience as a Senator, coupled with my collaborative approach in working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, prepares me to tackle the challenges facing our territory. Voters should choose me because I am committed to making decisions grounded in the needs of our citizens, advocating for policies that foster sustainability, empowerment, transparency and accountability. — How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing? To address the high cost of living, my focus would be on promoting economic development initiatives that create jobs and increase wages, thereby empowering residents with the means to support their families. For affordable housing, we can utilize public-private partnerships to encourage the development of affordable housing projects. Additionally, I have authored legislation to prevent discrimination based on income sources, which can help ensure that more residents have access to secure housing. — How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy? Improving our electrical grid and implementing renewable energy solutions are priorities for me. I would advocate for increased funding and support for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to modernize and maintain the grid. Furthermore, I would push for collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive renewable energy strategy that includes investments in wind, solar, and other sustainable technologies, ensuring that our energy future is both reliable and environmentally friendly. — What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now? To expedite disaster recovery, I would advocate for streamlining processes within government agencies to ensure faster allocation of resources and funds. I would also establish a dedicated task force to focus exclusively on coordinating recovery efforts with community input, leveraging partnerships with non-profits, and ensuring that our residents are not left waiting for aid. Transparency and accountability will be key in regaining the trust of our communities. — What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve? Reforming education requires a multifaceted approach. I propose increasing funding for schools to improve infrastructure, purchasing advanced teaching materials, and providing professional development for teachers. It’s important to foster a curriculum that is relevant to our community’s needs and invest in after-school programs that support at-risk youth. Additionally, I would emphasize the importance of parental and community engagement in schools to create a cohesive support network for our students. — What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men? Addressing violent crime involves not only law enforcement but also prevention and rehabilitation. I would support initiatives that focus on youth empowerment through education, job training, and mentorship programs. By creating pathways to success for young men, we can reduce crime rates. Collaborating with community organizations to implement crime prevention programs will also be crucial to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe and thriving. — How can the territory improve upon its tourism product while addressing growing concerns about over-tourism? Are we too reliant on cruise tourism and what can be done to bring more overnight visitors? To improve our tourism product, we must diversify our offerings beyond cruise tourism. Promoting eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and wellness retreats can attract more overnight visitors. Investing in infrastructure to accommodate tourists, such as quality accommodations and attractions, is vital. We can also implement policies that regulate tourist numbers in a way that preserves our environment and community culture while maximizing economic benefits. Moreover, as new generations (Millennials and Generation Z) are now part of our workforce, we need to shift our tourism product to Recreational, Entertainment and Sports Tourism. This generation in particular spend time on money on experiences. — What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness? To better support individuals facing these challenges, we need a comprehensive approach. The 35th Legislature has increased funding for mental health services and addiction treatment programs. I will work collaboratively with our mental health professionals and community-based initiatives that provide access to services and support, including outreach programs. Collaborating with social service organizations to create transitional housing solutions alongside job training can help connect individuals with resources they need to reintegrate into the community effectively. — What plans do you have to re-establish the libraries in the territory? Re-establishing libraries involves advocating for funding and community support. I would propose a strategic plan to restore library services by seeking partnerships with local organizations and exploring grants dedicated to education and literacy. Libraries can serve as community hubs that provide access to information, technology, and services, which can enrich our residents’ lives and promote lifelong learning. — How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses? Access to affordable healthcare requires innovative solutions. I would support policies that encourage competition among healthcare providers to drive down costs, as well as expanding eligibility for programs like Medicaid. Promoting preventive care and wellness programs can also reduce long-term healthcare costs. For small businesses, providing incentives to offer affordable health insurance options to employees would help ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical services. — Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above. One of my other priorities is enhancing the territory’s infrastructure. This includes not only roads and transportation systems but also broadband access, which is essential for education and economic development. By improving our infrastructure, we can better connect residents to opportunities, promote business growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Virgin Islands. — And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why? If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to unite our community with an unwavering sense of purpose and collaboration. This superpower would foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups, allowing us to tackle our challenges collectively and effectively. When we work together, we unlock the potential for significant progress and can build a brighter future for all residents of the Virgin Islands. When we work together, the Virgin Islands win! Our gratitude to all the candidates for their participation in this important series. Stay tuned as we share their views and priorities, helping you make an informed decision at the polls!