Gov. Charles Turnbull said over the long Christmas holiday weekend he anticipates vetoing some sections of the mammoth 2001 Omnibus Act passed by the 23rd Legislature last week before the body adjourned sine die.
Speaking from St. Croix at week's end, Turnbull said one section he will veto will likely include language about the late submission of the Fiscal Year 2001 budget. "I have seen a preliminary draft of the bill and heard the Senate debate, and I must admit that there are several sections that are objectionable."
Turnbull said he finds it offensive that the Legislature attempted to cast blame on the administration for inaction on a spending plan for the fiscal year that opened Oct. 1. "Those suggestions are not fair and that's the first portion I will veto." Turnbull agrees with lawmakers who noted that certain sections of the omnibus bill are unacceptable, noting, "It was an act of compromise on their (lawmakers) part and I will act accordingly."
He said a final decision will be made when the final version of the bill arrives at Government House and an analysis is completed by his legal counsel.
He also has questions about the manner in which the Senate attempted to relocate vendors to Drake's Seat after an easement granted to the government years ago has been revoked by the owners of the property on which the scenic overlook sits. "I am going to review this matter very carefully and analyze the bill before I make a final decision," he said.
Turnbull said he understood the plight of the vendors at Drake's Seat. "I know what they are going through, but as governor I must abide by what is legally right." Turnbull said he will take final action on the vendors' measure when a thorough review is completed.
