Dear Source:
If the economic development of St. Croix is a priority, why can't the members of the Economic Development and Agriculture Committee show up for a scheduled meeting? Senators Russell, JnBaptiste and our Senate President Richards, (who should be setting an example), were notably absent in Fridays first meeting, held on the big island no less.
Testifiers from William and Punch, Gallows Bay Marina, Robin Bay Realty, Carambola and Golden Resorts, (having been gifted a $15 million bridge loan by the 26th legislature), were all present at the session ready and willing to answer any and all questions posed to them. All had formal presentations for the committee members now not heard by some.
It is a slap in the face to those willing to spend millions of dollars on St. Croix projects for three members of the committee to be absent. All three absent senators from St. Croix ran on election promises to all of us to bring development to St. Croix, which will in turn garner jobs and give the economy a boost.
All of us need to remember campaign promises come November 2008 and who routinely and systematically failed to show up for their jobs. And at a VERY high price of $85,000 a year plus perks totaling well over $100,000 a year! We all know a senator's job, as often stated by Russell, is really not '24/7', but how about just showing up for a 40 hour work week?
Jill Lange
Christiansted, St. Croix
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