Dear Source:
Although the radio call-in programs allow for the freedom of expression and opinion, that's about all they generate. Everyone has an opinion, some callers spout off daily, weekly, in fact, hourly. Most seem to feel it is sufficient to call in "let them know"and "give them a piece of your mind." Most of the callers for the most part are "borderline participants," talk, talk and more talk and very little do!!
We spend much too much time focusing on what is wrong and who is at fault. We claim that the Senators are not focused, they are busy nit picking over office space and who will have the largest budget. While all this is taking place the issues of safety, health care, the economy, environment, education, housing, business go unplanned therefore unresolved.
Have we heard from the soon to be 24th Legislature what they see the top five (5) issues are and their plan or approach to address them? The elected leaders are a good as we allow them to be. If we take the "wait and see what they are gonna do" approach, nothing will get done. On the other hand, if we, their employers, give them a mandate (job description) and hold them to creatively and aggressively addressing the issues: of education, health, economy, safety, the environment, housing, business, tourism, transportation and agriculture, we will begin to make progress. The issues change priority depending on what is taking place in the community at that time. In September, education was the leading issue, today safety. The economy is an ongoing constant issue that affects everything!
As a former Senator, I believe the issues should be addressed through the committee process. Most Senators are assigned chairmanships. If the President of the Legislature asked each Senator to list ten critical issues, all fifteen will have at least five issues in common. If they prioritized the issues and set up the legislative calendar to accommodate hearings and developing of the necessary legislation to address that issue we will begin to see progress and accountability.
We cannot afford to wait two years to see what the leaders will do. They begged for our votes, they got them, so lets give them the guidance!
If you leave 15 children in a house without any guidelines, duties responsibilities or consequences, at the end of a day you will find the house in chaos. This is what the VI has been experiencing for years. It wasn't until we ran out of money that we realized how bad things really are!
The lame-duck Legislature in their infinite wisdom proposed and passed legislation that flies in the face of the people of the Virgin Islands. The working class and the small business people cannot absorb or handle another tax. The UCC Lien Release fee went from $5 to $25, with little to no notice to the public. These increases were NOT well planned or thought out! We do not see where the money is going or is just to meet payroll? Is the compromise with the teachers a plaster for on old sore to insure reelection of Gov. Turnbull? What about the other unions?? How can we "find" money for one union and not for the rest? The leaders must be HONEST and lead by example! Why should we pay more and continue to get less? A promise is a comfort to a fool! Who's fooling who?
Don't be a borderline participant, get involved: fax, call, E-mail, write the Senators reminding them of their mandate to the people of the Virgin Islands.
1) Require all media to provide a brief about the bill when reporting about legislation. Most bills that go thru legal council have a brief summary about the legislation. One can obtain this info from the legislature's legal council office. The bill number or the act does not tell the reader / listener what or who is affected.
2) Attend hearings when possible. Encourage your church, community organizations to facilitate community meetings inviting the leaders to hear, discuss and plan for the specific concerns and needs of your community.
3) Participate in developing a list of specific sub issues related to the main issue. Education is a main issue, teachers salaries are still a specific sub issue to be addressed.
4) Get your church or community group to support suggestions/ideas that will benefit the community. There is influence, power and strength in numbers.
Encourage less talk and more involvement in whatever way that will bring about positive change. Don't be a borderline participant!
Stephanie Scott-Williams
