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Charlotte Amalie
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HomeNewsArchivesDonastorg Officially Enters Race for Governor

Donastorg Officially Enters Race for Governor

June 14, 2006 — The race for Government House grew to two-and-a-half teams this week as Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg announced his candidacy at his Bassin Triangle campaign headquarters on St. Croix. Donastorg, who has served six consecutive terms in the V.I. Legislature, did not announce a running mate.
"My candidacy is based on the certainty that I will win this election. But it will not be my victory, but a victory for the people of the Virgin Islands, Donastorg announced to a crowd of approximately 125. His announcement was also carried live on a number of radio stations throughout the territory.
"You are my friends, my neighbors and my family. I want the very best for you," he said. "This is a small community, and no one is immune to anyone else's suffering. In our rapid pursuit of growth and development, the human element has often been ignored," he added.
Donastorg cited the decreasing beach access, the availability of firearms and the growing poverty in the territory despite increasing tourism numbers as some of his concerns. He also mentioned the high cost of living and low wages and the practice of giving tax breaks to companies while the V.I. government doesn't have funding for textbooks.
"My opinions are sometimes controversial, but I am not afraid to take a stand even when it is less than popular," he said. "I have already proven to you that I have the political courage to take on any adversary on behalf of the public. Perhaps I am best known for my battles with our local utility companies, but I have taken on many individuals and institutions, to include this very government," he said.
Donastorg's announcement continued his trend of breaking with tradition as he declined to name a running mate.
According to the Title 10, Section 11, of the V.I. Code, "The governor and lieutenant governor shall be chosen jointly, by the casting by each voter of a single vote applicable to both officers." However, according to the calendar by the V.I. Board of Election, all candidates have until 5 p.m. August 7, 2006, to file their nomination papers and/or petitions.
Donastorg is running as an independent with no party affiliation.
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