Dear Source:
The Senate, in its infinite wisdom, has again failed the people of the Virgin Islands. This insidious money-making machine has again placed their own perverse views on how to enact laws right out there for the entire world to see! The Rules and Judiciary Committee has sent an unfavorable recommendation on the nomination by Governor deJonge of Lynn Spaminato as Education Commissioner to the whole Senate with a 6-1 negative vote. With almost half of the senators on that Committee voting not to approve her, it is almost certain that the Senate vote will go the same way. What in God's name were they thinking? Here we have a reformer, who in just two months as interim Education Commissioner has already gained more of a handle on the state of the education system in the Virgin Islands than did the past two Commissioners in four years!
It is abundantly clear that senators care more about "home-grown" positions being filled than they do about quality education. I am sickened with their idiotic decisions again. What we need to do is get rid of the whole bunch of them and start fresh. The 27th Legislature has proven to be even worst than the 26th in terms of their ability to see what's going on around them. More than ever, we need to find a way to create a Constitution that limits the power of the Legislature to making laws rather than being in control of our lives. For too long, Senators have either made laws or used existing law to exact their own theories on how to run this government, much to the detriment of the average citizen.
Normally, there would be an outcry that the senators made a mistake and thousands of people should contact their (so-called) representatives to influence their decisions. A few will, but those cries will be ignored by the Senators because they have to "vote their conscience"! What the hell did we elect them for? The Senate has proven over and over again that it simply does not listen to the cries of the people or care about their concerns. The only answer is to get rid of them and the sooner the better!
It is the right of every citizen to be able to influence their local officials and I still believe that, in a republican form of government, the elected officials must listen. It is very clear that the Legislature has no intention of listening to the "average Joe" which means we have a serious issue of whether or not we truly have a democracy in the Virgin Islands. This is a scary thought but this evasive attitude of our elected officials has proven itself time and time again over the years.
I believe that Governor deJonge should simply ignore any decision by the Legislature and keep Ms. Spampinato on as interim Education Commissioner. After all, we have several other "interim" positions out there in the highest levels of government. The Senators have no clue, and are only grandstanding for votes, so the Governor should do what's best for the children, teachers and tax-payers by keeping Ms. Spampinato on the job.
In a year, most of the Senators will be up for re-election. There will be the usual "vote for me because" rhetoric but this time, no one will listen. Senators, if you think we will forget the 11th-hour pay raises, the increased pensions, the allowance of illegal buildings, the guarantee of public funds to convicted felons, the unabashed raiding of public monies for pet projects, and the general arrogance you have shown to your continuants, and now our chance a better education system, then you have no idea of reality. Oh, and another thing Senators, don't expect to get another job as a government employee to further increase your already bulging bank account and pension allowance. No one wants you, so just go away quietly.
Paul Devine
St. John
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