Dear Source:
I found myself wondering what kind of individuals would we want and need for our next November Legislative Election?
Here is what I have come up with:
"Virgin Islands seeking new Senators for 2008 Nov. Election"
The Virgin Island is seeking new Senatorial candidates to serve the people in the 28th. Legislature. No former political experience needed. In fact a lack of the usual “politricks” skills will be considered an asset.
The successful candidates should minimally have a College degree and have many years of service in their Communities thus proving that they are dedicated public servants focused on helping to create the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people.
They should understand basic law and finances as their responsibilities as Senators will be centered around the basic importance areas of Legislation and Appropriations.
They must must understand that their role and responsibilities are in serving all of their constituents – not just a few.
Senatorial candidates must have knowledge of the serious issues affecting the Territory including our energy crisis; our waste management issues; the need to support our greatest resource and the life blood of our economy-Tourism and consequently focus on customer service in all areas.
They must have knowledge of the serious lack of facilities and resources for our children and youth in both education and recreation; the many environmental concerns and the delicate balance of development with the environment; and the serious present government structure which minimizes each Island's ability to address and solve it's many unique and individual basic problems and issues.
Potential candidates must understand the need to have all Government and Committee and Board members made up of individuals with the skills needed to solve it's problems in a progressive manner.
It is also important that they understand the critical need for the VI to have self-efficiency in agriculture and all food production.
Most importantly, they must understand the need to reduce the heavy bureaucracy of government created through the years that has crippled and hindered our finances and contributed to our present inability to function adequately and consequently, meet the many service needs of the people of the VI's-particularly the poor and the needy.
Future Senators must be committed to attending all Legislative Meetings and respect the voting rights assigned to them by the people. They must be respectful of all other members at all times. Temper tantrums, or any kind of bullying, will no longer be acceptable behavior on the Legislative floor. The Legislative floor shall no longer be used for inappropriate personal issues or tirades. Senators are important role-models in our Community to the people especially to our Youth, consequently, emotional maturity is of essence.
The successful individual must be responsible, reliable, conscientious and compassionate to the needs of others. They must be clear and forward thinkers. They must also be honest individuals. It is imperative that they help create future trust in VI Government. While Senators are an important separate Legislative Branch of our Government, they are expected and encouraged to work as a Team with our Executive Branch in solving the many problems before us.
Each candidate must demonstrate excellent skills in communication particularly in listening to the people. This is imperative!
They need skills in problem-solving with an open-mind in considering all of the aspects of all appropriations and legislations that they are responsible for.
These Senatorial candidates must not be grand standers or have big ego's which creates difficulty in doing the peoples work. This also take up the valuable time needed to solve the many problems that we must solve in our Territory.
Please, do not apply if you are addicted to power and control. Your power must be in helping others especially those less fortunate and control must be in being responsible to the job that has been invested in you by the people. A friendly and approachable disposition is an asset and welcomed as it is conducive to empowering individuals to free speech.
The successful candidate should be willing to sign a contract committed to open and transparent government, respecting and understanding the Public’s right to know what is being decided on their behalf. No deals or decisions should be made behind closed doors on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands. Anyone who hesitates to openly support transparency, should be viewed with suspicion.
The successful candidate should not be primarily motivated by their salaries. They should know that their days will be long and often non-ending. Therefore they must be passionate about making positive changes for the future of these Territories. They should also realize that the new Constitutional may make them part-time or minimize their numbers. This should not matter because it will have been the will and many needs of the people as a priority. If you have the following qualifications, we urge you to consider running in the next Legislature.
We desperately need you!
Bonny Corbeil
St. John
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