Dear Source:
I watch with interest the committee on Economic Development 'outrage' that Jones Maritime, a business in STX that has given back to the community ten fold, the commentary and outrage from our legislature.
Jones Maritime bought the company years ago, tried to pay taxes on a yearly basis but was told by IRB they could not except tax money because they did not have a DPNR license. Needless to say, the permit process was delayed although several attempts were made to secure it since 2002. Seven years. No permit, no taxes can be paid to IRB. Around and around the circle. The boardwalk construction in 2003, completed more than a year later, disrupted her business greatly. Bottom line, we have problems within our permit/licensing process. Some of the comments by senators include 'we cannot tolerate anyone not paying what is due to the government'. Gee, do you think the problem is the government?
How very ironic this very legislature continues to ignore the huge debt owed by taxpayers and property owners unearthed by a scathing audit from the Department of the Interior completed in January 2008.
Jill Lange
St. Croix
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