Dear Source:
In response to Jane Higgins, it was Senator Serville who sponsored the 'pork' bill on appropriating a whopping $400,000 for the drag racing folly. This of course done in the spirit of 'helping our youth'!!! Imagine if all of our children could read, write and master math with an assisted $400,000 in books or if a number of our schools were not in jeopardy of loosing accreditation. Liken to Senator William's $300,000 for a commission to research a new flag for the territory, he is in left field without a clue as a reality check of priorities truly needed by our children, or the community as a whole for that matter. Who says we don't need college educated senators with life experiences in the business world and community (sorry Juan, selling shoes does not quite make it) with the likes of the two we have proposing the inane bills they do?
This bill, in addition to the other ridiculous pork feel good (?) bills passed along with the relief for our EMC and Police pension provisions, is yet another attempt to dumb down the public on how wonderful our senators are taking care of the people. Of course don't hold your breath any of the funds appropriated will ever be released on the 'track' as I think our Governor and his finance team will see fit to spend our money wisely and funnel it elsewhere. Earth to our senators, we don't have the $840 million you spent last year. We are a tad short of funds and cash flow as stated by deJongh in his inaugural address in January and verified by the acting finance commissioner in a committee meeting. Can you pay your WAPA bill to relieve the community of some additional LEAC burden if you 'find' extra funds?
The bill, in its' entirety, resembles the infamous 6905 passed with the only positive benefit being to raise the government employees from $15,000 to a salary of $20,000. We need to remember the December 28th betrayal Serville and his cronies James, Baptiste and Russell committed come November 2008. Huge raises, added pensions for senators, (and to a former governor who did nothing in 8 years save buy furniture at auctions with the people's money), illegal contracts, $15 million to Golden. These guys are self-serving,deft and clueless as to what is happening on our islands and arrogant in their actions to correct the greed of the bill they passed in the 11th hour.
Cowards not to face the very people who put you into office and come forth and be accountable for your actions. But then again, all of you are laughing all the way to the bank with taxpayer money. Careful not to drive into that pothole and sewage and try not to look at a homeless person whom you have ignored, and please do not even think about the children you constantly speak about that are our future and the shameful education system you have chosen to turn a blind eye to on all levels including the substandard schools they are forced to learn in on your way there to cash your checks in your gas hog SUV's we provide for you.
Elections in November 2008 are not that far off senators. Enjoy the high life while you still can!
Jill Lange
Christiansted, St. Croix
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
