Jan. 26, 2009 — The nation's spirit of service was evident Monday as members of the 28th Legislature spoke before the League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands during the group's biennial luncheon, held at Palms Court Harbourview Hotel.
Many of the lawmakers had just returned from a firsthand view of President Barak Obama's inaugural ceremonies, and their conversation before the formal remark was buoyant with hope.
Sen. Terrence "Postive" Nelson said he was still "living that experience — unbelievable!"
League President Abigail Cyntje laid out the League's concerns with the new Senate. The League has been an influential voice for good government since 1968, when the local branch of the national organization was formed.
After wishing the new senators success, the youthful president got right to the point, putting out a call for "greater fiscal discipline, passing only those appropriations for which real revenue exists." In that context, Cyntje congratulated the new Senate on enacting the revised Fiscal Year 2009 budget at its first session.
"On behalf of the voters," Cyntje issued a plea the League has uttered many times before. Namely that the Senate operate ethically, use sound fiscal judgment, show government accountability and transparency, and eliminate waste in government.
Specifically, Cyntje asked for a forward-looking approach to a V.I. energy plan that acknowledges the growing global concern over costs of oil. She asked the body to consider enacting legislation that provides incentives for renewable energy and mandate conservation methods across all government agencies.
Unlimited growth is an ongoing issue with the League.
"We urge the Legislature to consider the adverse impacts on the environment before ratifying Coastal Zone Management permits," Cyntje said. This plea was met with resounding applause from the upbeat audience, which included League members and a smattering of St. Croix members and AARP representatives.
Taking up the League's plea for accountability and transparency, Senate President Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, who was absent from the 27th Legislature in his losing gubernatorial bid, announced a "more accountable" Senate body.
Donastorg, a seven-term senator, praised the League for its "outspoken passion for the protection of the environment." He pledged to "green" the government, starting with energy initiatives at the Legislature, and moving on the rest of the government offices.
Then he hit on another kind of green: senators' salaries.
"My first legislation will be to repeal Act 6905, which raised the salaries of senators the governor, lieutenant governor and others," Donastorg said. "I voted against it then, and I will make good on my promise to repeal the legislation." (See "Post-Election Senate Passes Bold Pay Raises for Senators, Governor, Lieutenant Governor.")
Donastorg also addressed the failing economy, and said he "hoped to hear a stimulus plan from Gov. John deJongh Jr. in his State of the Territory address tonight."
Several of the new senators took the invitation from the League to try their new wings. Freshman Sen. Nellie Rivera-O'Reilly approached the lectern with enthusiasm. And she wasn't shy about making her positions known.
"I say Sen. Donastorg opened the door on repealing the Act 6905, and I will kick it further open," she said. "I will support him on that."
O'Reilly said she learned a lot about her fellow Crucians when she put out a call for hiring staff members: "We advertised and we got 70 responses. It's very difficult narrowing them down, but those EDC (Economic Development Commission) companies who say there is no skilled labor force here are wrong. We have a pool of talent here!"
Sen. Louis Hill had words that were a balm to the League's ears. Long an advocate for protecting the environment, Hill assured the group that he is committed to reintroducing his Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The legislation has successfully wound its way through the committee process, but, Hill said, "time ran out before the full body could act on it."
He got a resounding round of applause when he said "mandatory recycling can no longer be delayed." He looks forward to its enactment "in the very near future."
Hill, chairman of the newly formed Committee on Appropriations and Budget, also presented an idea for the Senate to pull in the purse strings.
"Leading by example," Hill said, "I hope the Senate President will join me in reducing the Senate budget. We want to be fiscally responsible in hard economic times, and I think reducing the budget will serve as an example to other government offices."
St. Croix freshman Sen. Wayne James, internationally recognized designer and a superb storyteller, advanced some novel ideas for tourism.
"There's nothing to do in Frederiksted," James said, smiling widely. "We should market that. There's loads of people who want just that, to do nothing. There's a market for that. Deer crossing Strand Street in the afternoon, a hen with her chicks following her across the street — people will pay for that."
Warming to the subject, James said, "We always say summer is the slow season because it's hot here." He continued, "It's hot in New York, too, and uncomfortable. But, we have the trade winds; it's 82 degrees with a pleasant breeze. Take what you have and use it."
Also giving brief remarks were Sens. Craig Barshinger, Nelson, Michael Thurland, Neville James, Patrick Simeon Sprauve and Samuel Sanes.
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