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From today's Avis:
Link to online petition to reduce amount of senators in USVI:
www.petition2congress.com/6256/reducing-amount-senators-in-united-states-virgin-islands/
Petition also available at Milgie's Grocery, Sallys Fancy.
As an aside, consider this my "Ciao!" to the board. Several of my posts have been removed, while those personally attacking me or pushing their own agendas (totally off the theme of this board btw) are allowed . The most recent agenda post being a thinly disguised ' birthday celebration'
Enjoyed the real VI themed topics about native flora and fauna, and just everyday small talk. The art of non offensive small talk really is a lost art. Thought Terry was very funny, dntw8up insightful , trw unique, and Sloop Jones interesting. The board helped locate a lost dog's owner, as well. Was glad to help with that. But, like a bad boyfriend, the bad and drama outweighs the good. Laatah.
Posted : March 14, 2012 9:53 pm
Just my opinion.
I think that it would be a mistake to reduce the number of senators. The goal should be to reduce the cost of the Legislative Branch of government. We should also reduce the cost of the Executive Branch of government. The main problem in the VI is that our representatives have gotten too full of themselves. They pay themselves as if they were the government of New York or California.
We need to organize our government like the smaller states are organized. With a population of 110,000 we should be looking at what the smaller states are doing to reduce expenses.
Many states have part-time legislatures. They do no get paid a salary. They are expected to have real jobs to support themselves and to drive their own vehicles not have government provided ones.
Check out this website.
http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/legislatures/full-and-part-time-legislatures.aspx
Check out what state legislatures are getting paid. Look at Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/legisdata/2009-legislator-compensation-data.aspx
These legislatures do not provide large staffs of fancy offices or lots of perks like lavish retirement packages. This is the description from Wyoming.
"Wyoming remains one of the few states having a true part-time citizen legislature. While this may keep Wyoming legislators in closer touch with their constituents, it also means that they do not enjoy the same accommodations provided to full-time legislators in larger states. For example, legislators in Wyoming do not have individual staff. As noted below, staff services for Wyoming legislators are provided by a small permanent central staff agency (the LSO) and by temporary session staff. Office accommodations are similarly austere. Except for a few officers of the House and Senate, members of the legislature are not provided offices in the Capitol nor do they maintain full-time offices in their districts. While in session, the "office" of a typical Wyoming legislator consists of the legislator's desk on the floor of the House or Senate and one or two file cabinet drawers in a committee meeting room. Except for the relatively short periods of time they meet each year in Cheyenne for the annual legislative session, Wyoming legislators can be contacted at home or at their places of business. "
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/leginfo/guide98.htm
Posted : March 15, 2012 1:01 am
Bye, mm - good luck in your future endeavors
Posted : March 15, 2012 1:26 am
We already voted in a referendum to reduce the number of legislators several years ago. They have ignored that and will surely ignore a petition.
Posted : March 15, 2012 11:40 am
First the number should be 5!
Second the same people in power will need to vote on reduction and that has failed in the past.
There needs to be a constitution change to force the issue and take the decision out of the senators hands.
But good luch trying. Is there a similar prtition in STT?
billd
Posted : March 15, 2012 12:38 pm
Will try later to link the article, but today's Daily News indicates that they will not change the number of legislators as that requires a change to the Organic Act, but will ask for a referendum on how they are elected. Ronald Russell wants a "random numbered seat" option and Chucky Hansen wants everyone to be elected at-large.
Posted : March 17, 2012 8:30 pm
This Group in Office has done such a wonderful job, It is time to change the Organic Act (not the first time either) and go back to Municipal Gov with numbered districts and residence required (No At Large Seats). Check the voter registration with official identification (living people would be a plus). The four USVI are not one size fits all ( service the specific needs for each island). Crime is out of control. demand action not lip service or spin reporting. As far as Hovensa, hold them to the fire, they should take bag, baggage and ALL REFINERY equipment buildings, housing, fencing and plumbing with them. Turn pristine property back to the United States owned Territory, Send Down Islander packing. With hard work in these areas the Territory has a chance to turn it's local economy around. Just my 2 cents!
Posted : March 17, 2012 9:05 pm
As promised.
Posted : March 17, 2012 10:27 pm
Ronald Russell wants a "random numbered seat" option and Chucky Hansen wants everyone to be elected at-large.
Of course they do. They'd lose their "jobs" otherwise.
Posted : March 18, 2012 12:26 pm
