Sept. 13, 2008 — A steady stream of voters headed through the doors at Julius E. Sprauve School polling place to cast their primary election ballots Saturday.
"There is a constant flow despite the weather," Yvonne Wells, who was in charge of the polls, said.
Around noon, at total of 117 people from both of St. John's polling places had voted. Sprauve School polling place also served residents who normally voted at Guy Benjamin School in Coral Bay.
"It's a privilege, an obligation, and if you don't vote you have no say," Delia Thomas said.
She gave her choices lots of thought, she said, voting for people who would "be mindful of the majority's position rather than their self-interest."
Helena Blake said that she voted because had a big mouth and was fond of speaking out when things weren't going right.
While Elissa Runyan said that crime was her major concern, she didn't expect those elected to be able to do much about it. So she made her choices based on past performance.
Ralph Powell was disappointed that he didn't get a chance to talk to those running for office, but those supporting various candidates said many put in early morning appearances at Sprauve before heading to St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Francesca Attard wondered why none of the candidates talked about property taxes, a hot-button issue on St. John.
And voter Roger Harland stopped passersby to urge them to vote for him for the St. John at-large seat on the Democratic Committee.
"Nobody's running for it. It's a post that needs to be filled," he said.
As for the senatorial candidates, Harland said he wasn't satisfied with the current representation and wanted a change.
The candidate's supporters all had good words to say for their favorites. Clemmie Moses handed out leaflets touting Democratic National Committeeman candidate Glen Smith, former Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, who is trying for a return to the Legislature, as well as at-large candidate Harry Daniel.
"I know him to be a community-minded person," Moses said of Daniel.
Former Sen. Craig Barshinger also had supporters on hand. Bonny Corbeil said Barshinger, who lost to Sen. Carmen Wesselhoft in the 2006 election, gave a voice to St. John.
Corbeil said that especially when it came to the Sirenusa rezoning vote, the Legislature failed to listen to the outcry from St. John residents who emphatically said they didn't want the rezoning to pass. The rezoning vote allowed the controversial condominium project to expand.
However, Corbeil said that she voted for Sen. Louis P. Hill because he was the only senator to vote no on the Sirenusa issue.
"I forgave him for 6905," she said, referring to a lame-duck vote that increased the senators' salaries.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen had several supporters on hand. "I like the things she's done so far," Ronnie Jones said.
Several people made the trip from St. Thomas in hopes of convincing people to vote for their candidates. Kim Blackett said that she came over on the ferry to support Sen. Alvin Williams for reelection because many St. John residents don't know him.
"He brings new ideas," she said.
Another St. Thomas resident, Jo-Ann Petersen-George backed senatorial candidate Myron Jackson.
"He's very active and takes time to speak to you," she said.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
