A 10 a.m. meeting of the Senate Rules Committee Thursday which commenced at 11:10 saw the unanimous approval of the nomination of ex-Senate president Hugo Dennis Jr. to the Public Employees Relations Board.
Dennis, who already wears many hats, said the appointment would be a challenge, admitting that, along with serving as vice chair of the AARP Legislative Council and managing his electrical company, he also has an obligation to his tennis game, "which is no secret."
In addition to having served in the Legislature, Dennis has been both assistant and acting commissioner of Housing, Parks and Recreation. He was the founding president of both the St.Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers and the Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands. He stated to the committee, "Be it known, I am a trade unionist."
Dennis said his strong labor background qualifies him for a position on the board. "The disputes that come to PERB should be the exception, and not the rule," he added.
Committee chair Violet Anne Golden asked which departments in government have the most cases brought before the board. Dennis replied, "You have given me my first marching orders." He said he intended to write the board chairman to look into that matter immediately.
Dennis will succeed Riise Richards, whose term has expired.
Voting were Sens. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, Golden, Judy Gomez, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards. Committee member Adelbert Bryan was absent. The nomination will now go to the full Senate for a vote.
