>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT THOSE OF WTJX, BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.

>> ON THIS EPISODE OF COMES WITH THE TERRITORY, WE SIT DOWN WITH JULIA, FROM THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO TALK ABOUT PULLING THE TERRITORY´S FINANCIAL CHALLENGES.

NOT THE GAS STATIONS ARE A17:00:28 HASSLE.

17:00:29 THEY ARE AGAINST THE LAW.

17:00:30 WHILE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE DOING ABOUT THIS VEXING ISSUE.

NUBIAN ALL TRANSPARENCY,17:00:39 THERE17:00:40 IS A DELAYED COST.

17:00:41 >> A DELAYED COST OF $2 MILLION ADDING TO THE STADIUM PROJECT.

WE WILL DISCUSS THE RECENT17:00:44 DEVELOPMENT.

17:00:45 > >> I WANT TO SAY A SPECIAL HELLO TO MY FRIENDS IN THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL PARTY17:00:54 LEADER.

OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE17:00:57 INCOMING IMPACTS ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

17:01:00 WE´LL EXPLAIN.

> >> LATER, WE ANALYZE THE17:01:03 ISSUES AND MORE.

COMES WITH THE TERRITORY STARTS NOW.

> >> WELCOME TO COMES WITH THE17:01:40 TERRITORY.

17:01:41 MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET PLAYS A17:01:42 CRITICAL ROLE IN ENSURING THE17:01:43 GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN17:01:44 ISLANDS RUNS OFFICIALLY.

17:01:45 MANAGING PUBLIC FUNDS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS ACROSS THE TERRITORY.

WE HAVE STRUGGLED WITH ISSUES17:01:51 LIKE INEFFICIENCY, OVERSPENDING17:01:52 AND STAFFING SHORTAGES.

WITH A NEW LEADER AT THE HELM, THERE IS A COMMITMENT TO17:01:55 RESTORED TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

HERE´S MORE.

>> I SEE WITH MY VISION COMING FORWARD, TO OPTIMIST THE BUDGET COMING FORWARD.

17:02:11 THREE, ACCOUNTABILITY,17:02:12 EFFICIENCY AND HAVING A GOVERNMENT THAT CAN -- >> HE WANTED TO REVAMP THE OFFICE OF BUDGET IN SEPTEMBER17:02:21 ANNOUNCING HIS NOMINATION.

17:02:22 FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF FORMER DIRECTOR JENNIFER O´NEIL IN JUNE.

HE DESCRIBED REIMER AS AN EXECUTIVE WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS DIRECTOR IN 2018 AND HAD SENIOR FINANCIAL ROLES DURING THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY.

>> THAT BRINGS US TO THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TEAM.

>> THEY SHARED THE GOVERNOR´S SUPPORT WITH REIMER RECEIVING APPROVAL ON NOVEMBER 19th.

>> I WENT TO LEAD WITH INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY AND RESULTS.

MY EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ALLOW ME TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS THAT I´M NOW FACING IN THE TERRITORY.

>> UNSPENT GRANTS AND AN UNDERSTAFFED OFFICE OF BUDGET.

DURING HIS LATEST SESSION, SENATORS MOST THEIR CONFIDENCE WITH HIS ABILITY TO COVER THESE ISSUES.

>> WHATEVER CHANGES YOU MAY REQUIRE OR NEED, THE LEGISLATIVE BODY IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU IN THAT ENDEAVOR.

>> THIS IS OUR AREA OF USE.

WE´VE BEEN DOING THIS WORK FOR SOME TIME.

IT IS GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK IN THE GOVERNMENT ONCE AGAIN.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU MOVING FORWARD AS THE DIRECTOR OF OMB.

>> I AM JOINED BY JULIO RHYMER AS DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO THE17:04:03 OFFICE.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY´S17:04:07 FINANCES?

17:04:08 >> THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY17:04:09 FINANCES ARE PRETTY MUCH17:04:10 STABLE.

WITH JUST THE NEW ACQUISITION ON THE LINE OF CREDIT, THAT PUTS US IN A DIFFERENT PLACE MOVING FORWARD UNTIL WE CAN BRING MORE PROJECTS17:04:28 THAT WE17:04:29 HAVE ON BOARD.

17:04:30 ALL OF THESE CONSTRUCTION17:04:31 PROJECTS WE ARE DOING, THE17:04:32 BUILDING OF SCHOOLS, THE17:04:33 BUILDING OF HOMES, ET CETERA.

17:04:34 ONCE WE GET THERE WITH THE LINE17:04:35 OF CREDIT, WE CAN GET TO THE17:04:36 FINISH LINE.

WHAT WE ARE SEEING NOW, ARE THE BILLION-DOLLAR BIDS I WENT OUT.

THAT WILL BE DRIVING THE17:04:40 ECONOMY GOING FORWARD.

>> YOU TALK ABOUT THIS DURING THE CONFIRMATION HEARING.

YOUR PRIORITIES.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE SHORT TERM?

17:04:47 >> SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES ARE17:04:48 STAFFING.

MY OFFICE ONLY HAS 60 EMPLOYEES.

TO DATE, I HAVE HIRED AN ADDITIONAL FIVE WHICH ARE HERE17:05:00 FOR SIX WEEKS.

I EXPECT TO HIRE AN ADDITIONAL17:05:02 10 PRETTY QUICKLY.

17:05:03 WHAT HAS HAPPENED OVER THE17:05:04 YEARS, WE HAVE HAD EMPLOYEES17:05:05 LEAVING THE DEPARTMENT WE HAVE17:05:06 TO REBUILD THE TEAM FROM THIS POINT GOING FORWARD SO THAT IT CAN BE MORE EFFICIENT AS A UNIFORMED17:05:15 FORCE.

17:05:16 >> YOU WANT TO SEE OTHER17:05:17 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES BE MORE17:05:18 EFFICIENT.

17:05:19 HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ADDRESS17:05:20 THAT?

17:05:21 >> HAVING THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY BE MORE EFFICIENT IS DIFFERENT.

FEDERAL GRANTS.

FEDERAL GRANTS ARE MEANT TO BE USED IN A TIMEFRAME.

YOU SUBMIT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT A SPENDING PLAN.

THE CHALLENGE YOU HAVE THERE, WE NEVER FOLLOW THE SPENDING17:05:37 PLANS.

I WILL BE PART OF MY CHALLENGE17:05:39 GOING FORWARD.

MY COMPLIANCE TEAM THAT FORCES THESE AGENCIES TO ACTUALLY COMPLY WITH THEIR OWN SPENDING17:05:44 PLAN WILL BE DIFFERENT.

AS A WHOLE, TO HAVE THEM BE MORE EFFICIENT, WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE APARTMENT AS A WHOLE.

HEY, BUDGET.

HERE´S WHAT OUR ACTUAL NEEDS17:05:56 ARE.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE PAST WHAT AND YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYEE THAT IS NOT PERFORMING.

INSTEAD OF GETTING RID OF THAT17:06:05 EMPLOYEE, WE ADD MORE17:06:06 EMPLOYEES.

17:06:07 WE JUST ADD MORE X ANSWERS17:06:08 VERSUS SAYING, WHEN YOU CAN MANAGE THE EMPLOYEE OR TRAIN THEM TO GET TO THAT SPACE WHERE THEY CAN FULFILL THAT FUNCTION INSTEAD OF HAVING THREE PEOPLE DO ONE PERSON´S JOB.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU SPOKE ABOUT THAT WAS KIND OF UNIQUE, PERFORMANCE-BASED17:06:21 BUDGETING.

SPEAK TO ME ON A WAY TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO LINK THAT TO17:06:34 THE FUNDING FOR VARIOUS17:06:35 DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES?

>> THE BUDGETING IS BASED ON THE BUDGET I HAVE PROVIDED FOR YOU, THE GOALS THAT WE HAVE SET FOR OURSELVES.

WE MEASURE IT ON KPI TO17:06:47 JUDGE17:06:48 YOUR PERFORMANCE.

17:06:49 I WILL COME OVER A SERIES OF17:06:50 YEARS.

HE WILL NOT HAPPEN IN 2025 BUT17:06:52 2026 AND 2027.

WE HAVE TO TRAIN THE ACTION17:06:56 DEPARTMENTS.

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A BUDGET17:06:58 PROPERLY.

HERE´S HOW WE17:07:01 GET THERE.

17:07:02 HERE IS HOW YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR17:07:03 GOALS.

17:07:04 WE HAVE SEEN MANY SITUATIONS WHERE AGENCIES HAVE THE END-OF- THE-YEAR AND THERE IS A CONTRACT OUTSTANDING FOR A VENDOR SOMEWHERE THAT HAS NOT BEEN PAID IN 6-8 MONTHS.

THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE PAY OUR VENDORS ON TIME WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME ALLOWED IN THE FISCAL17:07:25 YEAR.

17:07:26 WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO CARRY17:07:27 THOSE DEBTS YEAR OVER YEAR OVER YEAR OVER YEAR AND THAT IS WHAT IS TREATING THE STRUCTURE ALSO.

>> SIMPLIFYING THE BUDGET PROCESS IS WHAT I´M GETTING.

FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW WHAT A KPI IS, WHAT IS THAT?

>> KEY PERFORMANCE INITIATOR.

HERE IS THE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.

THREE ITEMS I WILL TELL YOU, HERE ARE THE THINGS I´M GOING TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THESE TASKS.

I HAVE A CHECKBOX.

HERE ARE THE KEY PERFORMANCE17:07:54 INDICATORS.

FOR EXAMPLE, YOU WANT TO RAISE REVENUE BY 10%,17:07:59 THAT IS A17:08:00 PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.

17:08:01 IF YOU DON´T GET THERE, YOU DON´T MEET THE INDICATOR.

SIMPLE THINGS LIKE THAT, WE WANT TO HOLD THEM17:08:07 ACCOUNTABLE.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE SPOKE ABOUT, THE FEDERAL GRANTS.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS MAJOR.

THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION, PEOPLE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT HOW THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS ARE GOING17:08:22 TO BE SPENT.

WHAT IS ONE WAY THAT IMMEDIATELY YOU ARE WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO ADDRESS THAT?

>> IT GOES BACK TO THE SPENDING PLAN AND HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

THE MAJOR ISSUE WE HAVE WITH FEDERAL GRANTS, THEY ACTUALLY SPEND THE MONEY ON THE LOCAL SITE AND GET REIMBURSED.

A LOT OF TIMES THE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS TAKES BETWEEN 48 AND 72 HOURS.

YOU ARE 6-8 WEEKS BEHIND WHICH IS PROBLEMATIC.

SOMETIMES THAT IS PAYROLL.

FOUR PAYROLL CYCLES17:08:53 HAVE NOT DRAWN THEIR FUNDS IN A TIMELY.

WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED THE PROCESS.

FOR THOSE AGENCIES THAT ARE NOT DRAWING THEIR FUNDS ON TIME, WE RESTRICT ALL OF THE FUNDS.

THAT WILL FORCE YOU TO DRAW YOUR FUNDS TIMELY.

BY RESTRICTING YOUR OTHER FUNDS OUTSIDE OF PAYROLL, WE RESTRICT17:09:16 THAT ACCESS.

HERE IT IS, HE WILL FORCE YOU TO ACTUALLY COMPLY MOVING FORWARD SO YOU ARE ACTUALLY NOT SPENDING GENERAL FUND MONEY.

>> THAT IS GOING, I AM ASSUMING THAT IS A ROLE THAT THIS AGENCY, YOU WANT TO CREATE A NEW OFFSET MANAGEMENT AGENT.

IS THAT THE ROLE THAT WAS17:09:39 PLAYED?

>> THE COMPLIANCE UNIT WHICH IS THE UNIT THAT ACTUALLY MANAGES A GRANT AND MONITOR AS A GRANT.

THE COMPLIANCE WITHIN THE SAME UNIT MONITORS FOR COMPLIANCE , COMPLIANCE OF THE ACTUAL17:09:59 SPENDING PLAN.

THEY FOLLOW THE SPENDING PLAN AND THEN THE ASSET MANAGEMENT17:10:02 PIECE.

17:10:03 THIS IS THE THIRD COMPONENT THAT LOOKS AT THE ASSET OF THE GOVERNMENT THAT ARE BOUGHT WITH17:10:06 FEDERAL FUNDS.

RIGHT NOW, AS I SEE IT, THERE ARE CHALLENGES WITHIN DEPARTMENTS OF FIXED ACCENT MANAGEMENT.

THEY ACQUIRED THESE ASSETS BUT HAVE THE TIME YOU DON´T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE.

I WILL BE FIXED GOING FORWARD PRETTY QUICKLY ONCE IT IS UP AND RUNNING.

17:10:24 >> OKAY.

17:10:25 WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE17:10:26 TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WHEN IT17:10:27 COMES TO CUTTING COSTS?

17:10:28 >> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH CUTTING COST IS THAT WE HAVE SITUATIONS WHERE WE ARE NOT17:10:34 BEING EFFICIENT.

THE EFFICIENCIES HAVE TO HAPPEN WHICH MEANS YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE COMPETITIVE17:10:43 BIDDING.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING FEDERAL GRANTS IN THE FULL CAPACITY.

IN SOME CASES, WHAT WE FOUND IN THE FIRST SIX WEEKS, SOME ARE SPENDING 80% OF THE CAPACITY OF THE GRANT INSTEAD OF 400%.

WE ARE LEAVING FUNDS ON THE17:10:57 TABLE.

WE ARE WORKING TO ACTUALLY FIX17:11:00 THAT.

17:11:01 HERE IT IS, HERE IS WHAT ELSE YOU QUALIFY FOR TO CHARGE THIS17:11:03 GRANT VERSUS CHARGING THE GENERAL FUND.

THE GENERAL FUND WILL ACTUALLY HAVE MONEY FOR ACTUAL SERVICES17:11:11 WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

>> THIS WILL NOT HURT THE SERVICES THAT THESE DEPARTMENTS ARE PROVIDING?

>> THEY WILL BE ABLE TO USE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THOSE17:11:20 SERVICES.

>> YOU KNOW, WE SPOKE ABOUT17:11:27 YOUR VACANCIES.

17:11:28 YOU HAVE A FAIRLY YOUNG17:11:29 DEPARTMENT.

17:11:30 A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE17:11:31 LEFT.

17:11:32 ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU SPOKE ABOUT DURING YOUR CONFIRMATION HEARING WAS ABOUT17:11:35 MENTORSHIP.

17:11:36 SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THAT.

>> THIS TIME AROUND, TWO OF MY STAFF, I´M NOT ONLY THE DIRECTOR, I AM THE MENTOR, THE GUIDER, THE PERSON WHERE YOU CAN WALK IN AND HAVE A CONVERSATION.

NOTHING TO DO WITH JUST OMB.

WITHIN MY FIRST FULL STAFF MEETING, I BROUGHT IN MY BOARD MEMBER TO SAY, TEACH THEM ABOUT17:11:59 HOMEOWNERSHIP.

17:12:00 THIS IS WHAT THEY CAN DO.

17:12:01 THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY HAVE FOR17:12:02 HOMEOWNERSHIP.

THEN I AM ACTUALLY SCHEDULING A17:12:07 MEETING WITH A FINANCIAL17:12:08 ADVISER TO WALK THEM THROUGH FINANCIAL ADVISER AND LOOK AT RETIREMENT AND17:12:13 INVESTING.

17:12:14 THAT IS THE OTHER SIDE OF17:12:15 THINGS.

17:12:16 TO GUIDE THEM AND MAKE THEM17:12:17 WELL-ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS.

17:12:18 VERSUS, I AM JUST THE OMB OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT --I WANT THEM TO BE MORE IN THE NEXT 1017:12:29 YEARS.

17:12:30 >> TRAINING THE NEXT17:12:31 GENERATION.

17:12:32 >> HOW HAS YOUR WORK IN THE17:12:33 PRIVATE SECTOR HELPED TO SHAPE WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT?

>> FOR ME, I HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR MULTIPLE TIMES.

COMING BACK TO GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO FORCE THAT VERY17:12:46 DIFFERENT OUTLOOK ON THINGS.

YOU LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

LOOK AT IT LIKE IT IS YOUR PERSONAL MONEY VERSUS THAT IT IS SOMEBODY ELSE´S MONEY.

PEOPLE TRY TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS THE GOVERNMENT, THEY DON´T REALIZE THAT WE ARE THE17:12:58 GOVERNMENT.

17:12:59 IF YOU OPERATE IT LIKE IT IS MINE, YOU WILL GO FAR.

THAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF MY TEAM.

>> YOU ARE BACK AT HOME AT OMB AFTER THE HARDSHIP IN 2017.

TELL ME, FROM SEEING IT DONE IN 2017 AND COMING BACK IN NOW, WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES THAT YOU ARE SEEING?

>> IN 2017, THE MASS WAS VERY DIFFERENT WITH ACQUISITION OF THE FUNDS THEN.

LET´S TRY AND GET MONEY INTO17:13:27 THE TERRITORY.

17:13:28 APPLYING TO FEMA.

THE RECOVERY PORTION AND NOW AS I COME BACK, THIS IS NOW MITIGATION.

WHICH NOW WE WILL MITIGATE AGAINST FUTURE STORMS AND HOW17:13:41 TO BUILD PROPERLY.

NOW WE HAVE THE VAST AMOUNTS OF FEDERAL RESOURCES.

HOW DO WE USE IT GOING FORWARD?

TO ACTUALLY BUILD THE17:13:49 TERRITORY.

AND UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPTION WITH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THE TABLE TO FIX ROADS, SCHOOLS, HOUSING, SEWAGE, WASTEWATER.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIVING YOU THIS.

MY JOB THIS TIME AROUND IS TO REALLY SAY, HOW DO WE FIX IT?

AND HOW DO WE STAY WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THESE GRANTS?

>> AND YOU KNOW, WHAT PROGRESS CAN WE SEE FROM DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES NOW THAT YOU ARE HEADING OMB?

>> MY EXPECTATION OVER THE NEXT YEAR IS FOR YOU TO SEE THINGS SUCH AS DEPARTMENT EDUCATION STARTING TO ENTER THE17:14:28 FIDUCIARY.

THEN YOU SAW THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DOING THE SAME THING17:14:35 FOR THIS.

COMPONENTS THAT HAVE17:14:38 FIDUCIARIES.

TRYING TO PUSH IT TO THE POINT WHERE WE DON´T HAVE HIGH RISK GRANTS AND WE HAVE THESE ISSUES.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LOOKS AT US AS A MODEL INSTEAD OF THE OPPOSITE WHICH IS BASICALLY THE PROBLEM IN THE SITUATION.

THEY LOOK AT US, OH WELL, YOU GIVE THEM 400 MILLION OR $1 BILLION AND THEY CAN SPEND AND IF THEY DO SPEND IT, THEY DON´T17:15:01 END IT CORRECTLY.

MY GOAL IS TO MAKE THE MODEL IN TERMS OF GOING INTO THE FEDERAL17:15:05 GRANTS GOING FORWARD.

>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR COMING IN AND SITTING HERE AND TALKING WITH ME.

ABOUT LOCAL FINANCES AND WE ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE WHAT IS COMING UP FOR THE DEPARTMENT OVER THE NEXT YEAR.

>> COMING UP, WE WILL HEAR FROM THIS WEEK´S PANEL.

> >> FIRST, LET´S LOOK AT THE TOPICS UP FOR DISCUSSION.

>> OPERATORS AT GAS STATIONS ARE NOT ONLY A PROBLEM FOR MOTORISTS BUT THEY ARE AGAINST17:15:39 THE LAW.

17:15:40 THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CODE SAYS17:15:41 THAT ALL GASOLINE STATIONS IN17:15:42 THE TERRITORY SHALL PROVIDE A17:15:43 FUNCTIONING AIR HOSE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC DURING REGULAR17:15:49 BUSINESS HOURS.

17:15:50 SOME GAS STATIONS ACROSS THE17:15:51 TERRITORY ARE NOT COMPLYING WITH THIS LAW.

LEAVING MOTORISTS SCRAMBLING.

ACCORDING TO A WTJX REPORT PUBLISHED LAST MONTH.

>> AFTER FALLING INTO A POTHOLE AND GETTING A NEW TIRE, AND REPLACING IT WITH A SPARE AND THE SPARE NEEDED AIR.

THERE WAS A PLASTIC COVER COVERING THE ACTUAL AIR DEVICE AND I WAS OUT OF ORDER.

I WENT TO THE FOLLOWING GAS STATION AND THERE WAS A HOSE AND IT WAS NOT OPERABLE.

IT WAS NOT UNTIL I WENT TO THE PUMA GAS STATION I WAS FURTHER EAST, THAT PUMP WAS ACTUALLY17:16:30 WORKING.

>> ON NOVEMBER 18th AND 19th, WTJX CHECKED GAS STATIONS LISTED ON THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING FUEL PRICE SURVEY.

17:16:37 REVEALING 16 LOCATIONS WITH BROKEN AIR BOMBS OR NONE AT ALL.

ONE ON ST. CROIX, ONE ON ST. THOMAS AND ONE ON ST. JOHN.

THE DEPARTMENT TRIES TO TEST AIR PUMPS ANNUALLY AT THE END OF THE YEAR UNLESS A COMPLAINT IS FILED.

SINCE THE WTJX REPORT, SOME GAS STATIONS HAVE REPAIRED THEIR AIR PUMPS TO COMPLY WITH THE17:16:59 LAW.

17:17:00 OTHERS STILL HAVE17:17:01 NONFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT.

ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSIONER, NATALIE HODGE, SHE PLANS TO GO AFTER NONCOMPLIANT GAS17:17:15 STATIONS.

THEY WILL BE ISSUED A NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND FINES WILL BE IMPOSED FOR EACH INSTANCE OF17:17:19 NONCOMPLIANCE.

17:17:20 > >> WITH DECADES OF DELAYS AND MANY HURDLES, THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT THAT WAS TO BE COMPLETED THIS MONTH HAS HIT ANOTHER COSTLY17:17:35 SNAG.

>> ALL THE MONEY IS THERE.

WE ARE WAITING FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO GET THEIR STUFF17:17:39 TOGETHER.

17:17:40 NOT ON OUR PART.

THERE IS A17:17:43 DELAYED COST AND DELAYED CONTRACT COST THAT THEY ARE ASSESSING FOR ABOUT $217:17:53 MILLION.

WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO FINISH THIS.

WE JUST WANT TO GET IT DONE.

>> THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT THAT SPANS MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIONS MARKED A KEY MOMENT IN NOVEMBER 2013 WHEN JOHN JUNIOR SIGNED A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PROJECT FOR THE PROJECT.

HE HELD ONTO THE PROJECT FOR MORE THAN A YEAR CITING DESIGN FLAWS.

GOVERNOR BRIAN REQUESTED AN ADDITIONAL $8.

2 MILLION FROM THE LEGISLATURE TO PUSH THE17:18:23 PROJECT FORWARD.

>> WITHOUT QUESTION, OUR ADMINISTRATION REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE RENOVATION OF THE STADIUM IN FREDERICKSBURG.

AND WE ANTICIPATE THAT THE LONG- AWAITED COMPLETION WILL HAPPEN WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

>> WAS HALTED AGAIN LATER THAT YEAR PENDING FEMA APPROVALS.

LATER THAT MONTH ANNOUNCING THE17:18:54 NECESSARY PARENTS.

IN FEBRUARY 2023, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RELEASE CONSTRUCTION IMAGES OF THE SITE AND PROMISE CHANGES IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE YEAR.

THAT DEADLINE PASSED.

ANOTHER DAY WAS ANNOUNCED IN17:19:13 NOVEMBER, 2023.

17:19:14 OFFICIALS REQUESTED MORE MONEY17:19:15 TO COVER NEW COSTS.

17:19:16 >> THE $5 MILLION BEING REQUESTED WILL COVER THE COST OF ADD-ONS AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROJECT17:19:23 SITE.

THE PROJECT SCHEDULE PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR HAS THE17:19:28 EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE WITH THE ADDITIONAL ITEMS IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 2024.

HOWEVER, THIS MAY CHANGE ONCE ORDERS ARE PLACED FOR17:19:41 FABRICATED ITEMS.

17:19:42 >> THERE ARE QUESTIONS ABOUT17:19:43 THE CURRENT STATE OF THE STADIUM PROJECT.

GOVERNOR BRIAN EXPLAINED THE $2 MILLION WORTH OF PENALTIES IN THE LATE CONTRACT COST.

>> IF YOU REMEMBER THEY ACTUALLY STOPPED THE JOB FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND A HALF.

DURING THAT TIME, COSTS KEEP17:20:01 GOING.

17:20:02 WHETHER YOU RENT IT, THE PRICE THE MATERIAL GETS HIGHER.

THERE IS A MOBILIZATION COST.

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IS DELAYED BY ANY REASON.

IT IS NOT IN MOST CONTRACTS.

IN THIS CONTRACT IN PARTICULAR, OF COURSE, THOSE ARE NEGOTIABLE.

WE ARE WORKING HARD TO GET IT17:20:27 COMPLETED.

17:20:28 I´VE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF17:20:29 CALLS AND TEXTS LATELY ABOUT MANY OF YOU WORRYING ABOUT THE ELECTION AND HOW THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE GOING TO FAIR WITH THE REPUBLICAN AND HOW SUNDAY.

>> HE ADDRESSED PUBLICANS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF A DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENCY WAS A REPUBLICAN17:20:51 CONTROLLED CONGRESS.

HE IS TAKING STEPS TO PROTECT THE TERRITORY´S17:20:56 INTEREST.

17:20:57 >> I WILL BE TRAVELING TO THE MAINLAND TO ME WITH THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AS WELL AS OFFICIALS ON THE BUY-IN AND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION´S.

THESE CONVERSATIONS ARE17:21:05 CRITICAL BECAUSE THEY ENSURE17:21:06 THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REMAINS A STRONG PARTNER FOR17:21:09 US.

>> THE GOVERNMENT FOCUSES ON STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS.

THEY ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF A TRUMP17:21:20 ADMINISTRATION.

17:21:21 >> WE DID A LOT FOR THE TRUMP17:21:22 CAMPAIGN.

17:21:23 HE HAS TREATED THOSE WHO HAVE17:21:24 HELPED HIM VERY WELL.

>> THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HELPED HIS CAMPAIGN BY MOVING THE CAULK IS IN FEBRUARY.

>> WE MOVED IT FORWARD MOVING AHEAD OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO HELP PRESIDENT TRUMP GET MOMENTUM GOING INTO THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRIAL --PRIMARY.

HE FELT THE VIDEO17:21:51 THANKING US17:21:52 FOR OUR SUPPORT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR THAT CAUCUS.

TO WE REALLY LOVE WHERE YOU ARE IN LOVE THE PEOPLE.

I THINK WE´LL DO SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL.

IT IS CALLED MAKE AMERICA GREAT17:22:04 AGAIN.

17:22:05 WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AND17:22:06 WE WILL MAKE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS17:22:07 GREAT.

17:22:08 IT WILL NOT BE THAT TOUGH17:22:09 BECAUSE YOU ARE STARTING WITH SOMETHING THAT IS VERY SPECIAL.

THE MOST SPECIAL THING OF ALL17:22:15 IS YOUR PEOPLE.

>> THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS STANDS TO ASSIST GOVERNOR BRIAN.

GIVEN THE INTEREST DURING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

>> THE ADMINISTRATION VIEWS THE17:22:27 VIRGIN ISLANDS VERY POSITIVELY PAIRED AND EVIDENT BY THE KIND WORDS THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS FOR US.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO USE OUR ACCESS TO WASHINGTON TO FURTHER THE INTEREST OF THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE RUM COVER OVERRATE, HE WOULD LISTEN TO THE IDEA AND WOULD SPEAK TO LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS FIRST.

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT WE WOULD NEED TO SPEAK WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION IF WE ARE MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO WASHINGTON.

>> JOINING ME TO ANALYZE THESE ISSUES, THE MANAGING ATTORNEY OF, WHAT´S THE LEGAL?

>>: MOST OF 134.

0 A. M. WELCOME TO THE SHOW, EVERYONE.

AFTER WE GO OVER THE TOPICS OF THE DAY, I WANT TO GO OVER THE17:23:30 DISCUSSION FROM EARLIER.

17:23:31 ATTORNEY WALKER, WHAT SPOKE OUT TO YOU THE MOST?

>> HIS INTENTION OF17:23:40 WORKING17:23:41 WITH ALL OF THE OTHER17:23:42 DEPARTMENTS REGARDING THE17:23:43 BUDGET.

17:23:44 THERE SEEMS TO BE A TIME DURING17:23:45 THE LAST COUPLE BUDGET HEARINGS17:23:46 WITH REGARD TO THE VARIOUS17:23:47 AGENCIES.

WHEN YOU HAVE A LEADER THAT IS WORKING WITH ALL OF THESE DEPARTMENTS, IT MAKES A BETTER BUDGET PRESENTATION.

WE ARE THE DEPARTMENT GOING TO THE LEGISLATURE SAYING THAT I AM NOT SATISFIED.

THAT IS STRANGE.

YOU ARE THE ADMINISTRATION.

YOU´RE SUPPOSED TO, AND17:24:06 UNIFIED.

THERE IS A LASTING UNITY AMONG17:24:10 THE CABINET.

WE WILL SEE A CHANGE WITH THAT.

>> TELL ME YOUR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE DISCUSSIONS.

>> WHAT I THOUGHT WAS MOST17:24:23 INTERESTING, THREE IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR EFFICIENCY17:24:26 SPECIFICALLY.

17:24:27 HELPING ORGANIZATIONS TO17:24:28 DEVELOP THE SPENDING PLAN THEN MAXIMIZE FEDERAL FUNDS AND MANAGING EXISTING STAFF AND NOT JUST HIRING NEW STAFF.

I THINK IT IS A GOOD POINT.

WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE PAYING STAFF SO WE CAN17:24:41 RETAIN BETTER TALENT.

17:24:42 AND ALSO DOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS WE TALKED ABOUT SO THEY KNOW HOW TO PRIORITIZE17:24:50 THESE NEEDS.

>> TELL ME, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT HIS PLANS ON LINKING FUNDING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF HOLDING THE AGENCIES17:25:01 ACCOUNTABLE?

>> THAT IS COMMENDABLE.

IT IS NECESSARY.

HE DID A FEW STENTS IN THE17:25:12 PRIVATE SECTOR.

THAT IS HOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATES.

YOU DON´T GET MONEY, SPEND THE MONEY AND THEN COME BACK FOR MORE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH THE MONEY IN THE FIRST PLACE.

ONE MIGHT TAKE AWAY FROM THIS IS AROUND THE MECHANICAL OPERATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT.

HIS PLANS FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND I HEARD HIM MENTION SUCCESSION17:25:43 PLANNING.

IN 10 YEARS FOR SOMEONE TO STEP17:25:45 INTO HIS POSITION.

I THINK THAT´S VERY IMPORTANT.

SOME OF US ARE ON THE POINT WHERE RETIREMENT IS ON17:25:57 THE17:25:58 HORIZON.

17:25:59 WE HAVE TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK17:26:00 I WILL WILL STEP INTO OUR SHOES AS WE MOVE ON TO RETIREMENT AND DO OTHER THINGS IN THESE17:26:04 POSITIONS.

THAT´S VERY IMPORTANT.

BECAUSE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEEDS ITS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE TO COME BACK AND MAKE SURE THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CAN COMPETE ON A GLOBAL SCALE WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER THINGS FOR US TO GET THE ADVANTAGE.

IF YOU WANT TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO ANOTHER COMMUNITY ISSUE.

GAS STATIONS NOT COMPLYING WITH THE LAW TO KEEP THEIR AIR HOSES WORKING FOR THE MAN WHO WAS IN THE NEW STORY GOING FROM GAS STATION TO GAS STATION AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE IS MY HUSBAND, ANDREW DOUGLAS.

THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT I AM PERSONALLY FAMILIAR WITH.

LET´S GET INTO IT.

MR. THOMAS, YOU ARE BOTH SAYING TOMMY AND´S.

YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE PUDDLE TURNED CRATER THAT ANDRE HIT ON THE ROAD.

NOW,17:27:05 TELL ME, EXPERIENCING NECK, GOING TO THE GAS STATION,17:27:07 NOT FINDING ANY ERROR.

17:27:08 GOING FROM PLACE TO PLACE.

17:27:09 IS THIS SOMETHING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS IS NOT ONLY CHECKING IT TWICE ANNUALLY BY CAN YOU GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT IS HAPPENING?

>> THERE ARE LAYERS TO THIS ISSUE.

THE CRATER ITSELF IS AN ISSUE.

THE STATE OF OUR ROADS THAT ARE MAKING THE AIR PUMP SUCH A UTILITY NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED.

HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE TIME TODAY.

ALSO, WHY IS THIS EVEN UP FOR DISCUSSION?

BECAUSE BUSINESSES ARE HAVING17:27:42 TROUBLE MAINTAINING THESE, DO THEY NOT HAVE THE FUNDS?

DO THEY NOT HAVE REPAIR PEOPLE17:27:45 COMING IN?

I DON´T THINK THEY ARE MALICIOUSLY NOT PROVIDING AIR17:27:49 FOR PEOPLE.

17:27:50 RIGHT?

17:27:51 IT IS ALSO AN ENFORCEMENT17:27:52 ISSUE.

HOW MUCH VACANCY DO THEY HAVE?

ARE AIR PUMPS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST WHEN THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT PRICING AND CONTROL AND THINGS LIKE THIS.

THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, AND IT WAS SO IMPORTANT THAT A LOT NEEDED TO BE DRAFTED ABOUT IT AND THIS IS A PRIORITY, SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT STEP IN AND PROVIDE AIR TO MOTORIST AS17:28:18 WELL?

17:28:19 SHOULD WE LEAVE IT TO THE17:28:20 PRIVATE SECTOR?

17:28:21 >> I WANT TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS17:28:22 ON THIS.

17:28:23 WE DID HAVE THAT ARTICLE THAT17:28:24 DID COME OUT ON THE NEWSFEED.

17:28:25 WE WENT OUT AND WE TESTED THESE AIR PROMS AND WE SAW SOME BUSINESSES SAY THAT THEIR PALMS WERE DAMAGED.

THAT WAS MINUSCULE TO THE AMOUNT THAT WE FOUND NOT WORKING.

AND SOME OF THEM NOT EVEN KNOWING THAT THIS WAS A LOT.

TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS.

>> GOING TO THE GAS STATION AND THE LOW-PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WENT TO TWO GAS STATIONS AND BOTH OF THEM, THE PUMPS WERE NOT WORKING.

I THINK, IT IS AN ENFORCEMENT ISSUE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE NEED TO ASCERTAIN FROM THESE GAS STATIONS, WHY THEIR PALMS ARE NOT OPERATING.

IS THERE A NEED FOR SOMEONE OR SOME GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE SKILLED IN REPAIRING THESE17:29:12 PUMPS?

GOING BACK 20 OR 30 YEARS AGO WHEN PUMPS ARE ALL OVER ST. THOMAS AT EACH GAS STATION.

NOW IT IS FAR AND FEW BETWEEN WHERE I KNOW PEOPLE THAT DRIVE AROUND WITH THOSE SMALL AND PORTABLE ONES JUST IN CASE THEY NEED TO BUMP UP A TIRE.

I REALLY DON´T17:29:36 KNOW WHAT THIS17:29:37 IS.

LIKE I SAID BEFORE, IT WAS LITERALLY AVAILABLE MANY YEARS17:29:46 AGO.

NOW IT IS LIKE, WAIT, WHY CAN WE NOT GET FREE AIR AT A GAS STATION?

YEAH, IT USUALLY REQUIRES YOU TO RUN THE PUMP AND THE COMPRESSOR.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT IS SOMETHING THAT MOTORISTS ARE17:30:00 PRONE TO.

MANY OF THESE GAS STATIONS ALSO SELL SNACKS.

17:30:07 YOU NEVER KNOW.

I MIGHT BE PART OF THE17:30:09 MARKETING.

COME IN AND GET FREE AIR AND IF YOU GET HUNGRY, YOU CAN GET SOMETHING TO EAT.

>> THIS IS HAPPENING ON ST. 17:30:20 CROIX AS WELL.

17:30:21 WITH THE CONDITION OF OUR17:30:22 ROADS.

17:30:23 IT MIGHT SEEM LIKE SOMETHING17:30:24 THAT IS SMALL.

17:30:25 WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT AIR17:30:26 HOSES?

THESE THINGS IMPACT PEOPLE´S EVERYDAY LIVES.

WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE?

YOU THINK THAT LEGISLATION NEEDS TO GO BACK AND SHARPEN UP17:30:36 THE LAW?

>> MY POSITION IS A LITTLE17:30:38 DIFFERENT.

17:30:39 MY POSITION IS THAT GOVERNMENT CAN´T DO EVERYTHING.

I´M NOT SURE WHY THERE WAS AN AIR PUMP LAW.

I APPRECIATE THE AIR PUMP ON ST. CROIX.

17:30:50 I´M A LADY.

I HAVE ONE OF THOSE PUMPS THAT MR. THOMAS REFERRED TO FOR THIS REASON.

WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT THE LICENSING PROVIDED ABOUT THE17:31:06 ENFORCEMENT?

17:31:07 THEY DO IT ANNUALLY UNLESS17:31:08 SOMEONE COMPLAINS.

17:31:09 I THINK AS SOMEONE WHO HAS GONE17:31:10 TO THREE OR FOUR GAS STATIONS17:31:11 IN THE PAST COULD NOT FIND ONE BUT I NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT17:31:16 IT.

SO, I THINK THAT WE NEED TO TAKE SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

OF ALL OF THE ISSUES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THE AIR PUMP IS A LITTLE BIT LOW ON MY LIST.

WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN TO YOU, IT IS AN INCONVENIENCE.

I THINK WE CAN TAKE A LITTLE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AND NOT RELY ON GOVERNMENT FOR THIS ISSUE.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY, HIS EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT, IT WAS ONE OF THOSE SMALL AIR COMPRESSORS TO GO INSIDE OF THE17:31:48 VEHICLES.

17:31:49 THEY DID SAY THAT THEY ARE DOING THIS ONCE A YEAR.

DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THEY SHOULD BE DOING MORE17:31:57 FREQUENTLY.

17:31:58 >> GIVEN THEIR CURRENT17:31:59 CAPACITY, NO.

17:32:00 THEY HAVE OTHER PRIORITIES.

THE CONCERN THAT I HAVE, ON ACCOUNT OF HOW THEY SAW THE ISSUE.

YOU ALL WENT OUT AND SAW THE ISSUE IS ACTUALLY MUCH WORSE WHICH IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY HAVE BAD DATA.

IF THEY ARE TO BE THE OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS RUNNING, DO THEY EVEN KNOW THE SCOPE OF THE ISSUES FOR THE THINGS THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ENFORCING?

AIR PUMPS OR PRICE GOUGING, THINGS LIKE THAT.

WE ALL HAVE OUR OPINIONS ON WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT.

NO, IF THEY ARE NOT ENFORCING THE AIR PUMP EVERY YEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE COLLECTING BETTER DATA, THAT IS A GOOD TRADE-OFF.

>> WITH THE CONDITIONS OF HOW BAD OUR ROADS ARE, MR. THOMAS, DO YOU THINK NOW THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS AND THAT PEOPLE ARE AWARE, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT RESIDENTS WILL BE MORE VOCAL ABOUT?

>> GETTING AIR, I DON´T KNOW,17:32:59 ATTORNEY WALKER.

17:33:00 THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS HIGH ON THE TOTEM POLE WHEN IT COMES TO THE LEVEL OF17:33:09 IMPORTANCE.

17:33:10 YOU CAN ASK SOMEONE, FIX A POTHOLE OR GET AIR, IT WILL BE17:33:12 FIXED UPON ROLE.

17:33:13 RIGHT?

17:33:14 I DON´T KNOW HOW FREQUENTLY THEY DO SOME OF THESE OTHER17:33:19 THINGS.

I KNOW THAT I USED TO SEE THEM GO OUT AND MEET HER THE PUMPS AND MAKE SURE THAT A GALLON WAS ACTUALLY A GALLON FROM THE17:33:25 PUMPS.

17:33:26 IF THEY ARE DOING THAT ON A17:33:27 REGULAR BASIS, CHECKING THE AIR17:33:28 PUMP COULD BE INCLUDED IN17:33:29 MAKING SURE YOU ARE GETTING WHAT YOU PAY FOR AT THE PUMP.

>> I WANT TO SHIFT OUR FOCUS TO17:33:38 THE STADIUM PROJECT.

17:33:39 ONE OF THE MOST DRAWNOUT AND17:33:40 COSTLY PROJECTS IN THE17:33:41 TERRITORY.

THEY RECENTLY17:33:44 TACKED ON17:33:45 PENALTIES.

17:33:46 ATTORNEY WALKER, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE MESSAGES?

YOU HAD THE ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR WHICH WAS CLEARLY AN ISSUE.

I THINK TO SOME EXTENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY ON THIS ONE.

IT´S NOT JUST THIS PROJECT.

CONSTRUCTION LAW IS ACTUALLY A VERY SPECIALIZED FIELD FOR WHICH THERE ARE ONLY A17:34:08 NUMBER17:34:09 OF FIRMS AND ATTORNEYS THAT REALLY KNOW HOW TO NEGOTIATE A17:34:11 CONTRACT.

17:34:12 AND ANTICIPATE ALL OF THESE ISSUES AND TO MANAGE IT.

WE JUST DON´T HAVE THAT CAPACITY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

FOR YEARS, WE HAVE HAD THESE CAPITAL PROJECTS17:34:29 AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNDER BID AND IT CREATES A PROBLEM AND NOW WE ARE DOWN THE ROAD AND WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO17:34:34 FUND A PROJECT.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE17:34:36 THAT SPECIALIZED SKILL.

WE NEGOTIATE THE PROPER CONTRACTS AND WE HOLD THE CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE.

THINGS LIKE POLLY JOSEPH WHICH IS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL WE REALIZE WE NEED TO MAXIMIZE THE SPEED OF PROCUREMENT.

>> WE ARE SIX YEARS INTO17:35:06 THE17:35:07 ADMINISTRATION.

17:35:08 THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED TO THE17:35:09 PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION FOR17:35:10 SOME OF THE DELAYS.

17:35:11 YOU THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS THE17:35:12 RIGHT TO PUT SOME OF THAT BLAME17:35:13 ON THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION?

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE AT THIS POINT?

>> IN TERMS OF RUNNING THE17:35:22 PROJECT, YES.

AS YOU MENTIONED, THE PREVIOUS17:35:27 ADMINISTRATION FOR THE17:35:28 CONSTRUCTION OF POLLY JOSEPH AND THE OTHER START.

IF YOU KNOW RESTARTING IS NOT AN EASY TASK.

FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THEY HAVE SWITCHED CONTRACTORS AND THAT MEANS A WHOLE SET OF PAPERWORK AND IS ATTORNEY WALKER SAID, WE DON´T HAVE ANYBODY THAT REALLY SPECIALIZES IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT.

IT IS CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT BECAUSE THERE IS USUALLY A MILESTONE SET FOR CERTAIN THINGS TO TAKE PLACE.

I KNOW THAT THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM PROJECT IS ONE WHERE WE ARE IN CONTROL AS A TERRITORY.

THAT IS ON THE YOUNG ADMINISTRATION.

WE ARE IN THE SECOND TERM OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A DECADE, GOING ON TWO DECADES WHERE17:36:23 WE17:36:24 ARE TRYING TO REBUILD THE17:36:25 STADIUM.

IT´S NOT A GOOD LOOK FOR US.

I WAS LISTENING TO A TALK SHOW EARLIER THIS YEAR.

THE FORMER SENATOR WAS SAYING WHEN IT COMES TO THE LEAD TEAMS, THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES.

ARE WE GOING TO BRING THIS TO CLOSURE?

WE HAVE PLENTY OF THESE PROJECTS TO GET STARTED WELL AFTER POLLY JOSEPH AND SOME OF THEM ARE COMPLETED.

WE HAVE TO GET WORKING ON THIS.

>> I WANT TO GO BACK TO YOU.

WE REMEMBER THE POLLY JOSEPH17:37:04 STADIUM BEFORE.

IT WAS TORN DOWN.

WHAT EFFECT DO THE DELAYS ARE17:37:09 ON THIS?

DO YOU THINK THAT IS OUR LAST HOPE ON SEEING THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COME TO17:37:17 FRUITION?

17:37:18 >> DEFINITELY.

OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS BEEN AN17:37:23 EYESORE.

17:37:24 WITH THE AMOUNT OF DIRT.

17:37:25 STUFF STARTED GROWING ON THE DIRT AND THEN THERE WERE THINGS LEFT OVER.

IT IS REALLY UNSIGHTLY.

THIS IS A PROJECT FOR THE17:37:34 TERRITORY.

A PROJECT FOR ST. CROIX .

I THINK WHAT HAS HAPPENED, BOTH OF AS BEING FROM ST. CROIX, WHO17:37:45 KNEW?

17:37:46 NOT ME, NOT THE GOVERNOR.

WE KEEP SINKING MONEY INTO IT INSTEAD OF JUST SAYING, ARE WE STILL GOING TO DO THIS?

17:37:55 NUMBER ONE.

IF WE ARE, WILL WE START FROM17:37:57 SCRATCH?

17:37:58 WE ARE THROWING MONEY AFTER IT BECAUSE NOBODY WANTS TO SAY NO.

>> WHAT ARE SOME LESSONS THAT YOU THINK WE CAN LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE THAT IS MORE THAN 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING?

>> I THINK IT GOES BACK TO WHAT ATTORNEY WILL WALKER WAS17:38:17 SAYING.

THE GOVERNMENT CAN´T17:38:20 DO17:38:21 EVERYTHING.

WITH A PUBLIC AND PRIVATE17:38:25 PARTNERSHIP.

TO FILL THE FUNCTION.

EVEN IF THE FUNDING GOES THROUGH GOVERNMENT.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT HOW INFRASTRUCTURE IS MANAGED17:38:38 ACROSS THE TERRITORY.

ST. THOMAS IS ALWAYS A THE17:38:40 FOREFRONT.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE DISPARITIES, THAT IS WHERE IT STARTS.

THE PEOPLE OF FREDERICKSBURG DO NOT DESERVE TO BE SERVED.

WHAT IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET THE FUNCTION17:38:53 FUNCTIONAL.

I DON´T THINK IT IS 10 YEARS AND $35 MILLION AND NOT HAVING A BALLPARK THAT CAN BE USED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OR17:39:03 RECREATION.

>> BEFORE WE GO ON, ONE LAST TOPIC I WANT TO ASK YOU.

YOU TALKED ABOUT PREVIOUS PROJECTS THAT HAVE STARTED AFTER THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM.

WE SEE THE HAVEN SITE MALL, THE HOTEL GETTING READY.

THAT MIGHT BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM IS17:39:26 EVER COMPLETED.

WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR THE17:39:28 POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM?

17:39:29 >> GOOD QUESTION.

17:39:30 I AM HOPING IT IS FINISHED17:39:31 BEFORE THIS CURRENT17:39:32 ADMINISTRATION LEAVES OFFICE.

17:39:33 THEY HAVE TWO MORE YEARS.

THAT WOULD BE 2026.

JANUARY OF 2027.

IF I WERE TO BE PUT IN CHARGE OF THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM PROJECT FIVE YEARS AGO, I WOULD HAVE PUMPED THE BRAKES AND DONE A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WHERE YOU HAVE A PRIVATE DEVELOPER OR A PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO BUILD IN CERTAIN TIMELINES.

FOR THE DELIVERABLES AND THEN TURN IT OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TRYING TO DO IT.

IT IS CLEAR, WE HAVE17:40:12 NOT BEEN17:40:13 SUCCESSFUL IN DOING THAT.

YOU MENTIONED HAVEN SITE.

GRS HAS SOLD THE PROPERTY TO A PRIVATE DEVELOPER.

THEY HAVE USED THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO PART OF THE17:40:29 HOTEL.

17:40:30 ROLLING BACK EVERYTHING TO MAP17:40:31 IT OUT BEFORE THEY START17:40:32 POURING CONCRETE.

THEY HAVE TIMELINES THAT THEY AGREE WITH GRS FOR WHEN CERTAIN THINGS WILL BE DONE.

THEY ARE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

TIME IS MONEY.

THEY HAVE INCENTIVE.

WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS RUNNING THINGS AND THERE ARE CHANGES IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND OUTLOOKS ON DIFFERENT PRIORITIES17:40:56 CHANGING.

17:40:57 THAT IS THE STADIUM.

17:40:58 THERE IS A LOT OF THE PROJECT17:40:59 TO HAVE THE GOVERNMENT RUN WITH17:41:00 THE EXPERTISE IN THE PROJECT.

THEN YOU NEED TO GET SOMEONE WHO DOES17:41:05 STADIUM DEVELOPMENT.

17:41:06 >> ATTORNEY WALKER, BEFORE WE MOVE ON, I WANT TO GET YOUR17:41:08 OPINION.

17:41:09 DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING THAT IS A PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WHEN IT COMES TO THE POLLY JOSEPH17:41:17 STADIUM?

17:41:18 >> INITIATIVE QUICKLY COME17:41:19 BACK.

LET´S GO BACK TO WHEN THIS STARTED.

NOW WE DON´T HEAR ANYTHING.

YOU DON´T HEAR ANYTHING ANYMORE.

I´M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE STILL17:41:34 IN BUSINESS.

17:41:35 I DON´T KNOW.

17:41:36 I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT17:41:37 THEM.

17:41:38 WHAT THIS MEANS, THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN MISMANAGED FOR OVER A17:41:44 DECADE.

17:41:45 WHEN YOU´RE DEALING WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS, THERE IS NO INCENTIVE TO SPEED THIS ALONG.

THE CONTRACT WILL GET WHAT THEY GET OUT OF IT.

WE SHOULD´VE PIVOTED EARLIER.

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO PIVOT17:41:59 NOW.

17:42:00 LET´S LOOK AT THIS DIFFERENTLY17:42:01 AND GET IT DONE.

17:42:02 IT IS AN EYESORE.

IT IS TOO BEAUTIFUL TO HAVE THIS SITTING THERE AS LONG AS IT HAS BEEN SITTING THERE.

17:42:12 >> DEFINITELY.

17:42:13 LET´S SWITCH GEARS AND TALK17:42:14 ABOUT THE CHANGE IN WASHINGTON AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IS WASHINGTON ADVOCATING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE TAX AND LOCAL REPUBLICAN LEADERS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT USING THEIR17:42:24 CONNECTIONS THROUGH WASHINGTON17:42:25 TO HELP THE TERRITORIES?

17:42:26 I WANT TO ASK YOU, SHOULD THE GOVERNOR BE REACHING OUT TO THE OLD GOP FOR HELP?

>> I WILL GO QUICK.

SHORT ANSWER, NO.

SIMPLY BECAUSE AT HIS LEVEL AS A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE TERRITORY, THE BUCK STOPS WITH HIM.

17:42:46 OKAY?

HE HAS LOBBYISTS IN D. C. AND17:42:50 PEOPLE THAT REPRESENT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AND17:42:55 THE GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION WHICH HAS A LOT MORE LEVERAGE THAN THE LOCAL GOP AND THE LOCAL GP HAS CANDIDATES THAT WHEN THEY ARE IN OFFICE LOCALLY, I THINK HE STARTED OUT DOING THE17:43:13 RIGHT17:43:14 THING.

17:43:15 WITH THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION THAT BIDEN HAS IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND ALSO LAYING DOWN SOME FEELERS WITH THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

17:43:25 RIGHT?

17:43:26 IT IS GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS BECAUSE THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION IS BASED ON PREVIOUS THINGS THAT17:43:35 THIS RETURNING TO OFFICE17:43:36 PRESIDENT HAS DONE.

THEY CAN BE SOMEWHAT17:43:38 UNPREDICTABLE.

WE NEED TO REPAIR OURSELVES FOR THAT.

WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THAT FOR OVER 40 YEARS.

IT HAS NOT HAPPENED.

AT ONE POINT, WE WERE IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND IN THE DIFFERENT HOUSES OF CONGRESS.

WE WERE NOT ABLE TO GET IT17:44:00 DONE.

WE HAD TO RELY ON SOME17:44:02 LOBBYING.

AND THE OTHER TERRITORIES.

AND TO GET THE NEW MESSAGE ACROSS LEADERSHIP.

>> I WANT TO GO TO YOU.

YOU HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE IN THE17:44:18 DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE HAD17:44:19 PREVIOUSLY AS WELL.

DO YOU AGREE WITH MR. THOMAS?

DOES THE GOVERNOR NEED TO REACH OUT TO THE LOCAL GOP AND TAKE THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER?

>> I DON´T THINK YOU NEED TO REACH OUT BUT I DO THINK THEY NEED TO SPEAK TO EACH OTHER.

WHAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DON´T17:44:41 REALIZE, WE ALWAYS HAD17:44:42 LOBBYISTS ON THE REPUBLICAN17:44:43 SIDE.

17:44:44 GIVING THE GENERAL FINANCE17:44:45 AUTHORITY.

17:44:46 FROM THE BEGINNING, WE HAD THE LOBBYISTS SAYING THAT WHEN IT BEGAN, HE BEGAN UNDER TRUMP.

WE CAME IN AND WE STARTED OFF WITH A TRUMP PRESIDENT WE WERE STILL LOBBYING BACK THEN.

WE WERE ABLE TO CAPTURE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DISASTER RELIEF UNDER THE TRUMP17:45:04 ADMINISTRATION.

I KNOW PEOPLE ARE APPREHENSIVE AND CONCERNED.

WE FUNCTION WELL UNDER TRUMP.

WE PROBABLY HAVE TO PIVOT IT.

WE PROBABLY HAVE TO RE- STRATEGIZE OUR LOBBYING.

>> I WANT TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS.

>> I THINK IN DEALING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THERE ARE THREE LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT COURT IS AS CONSERVATIVE AS IT IS.

WE STILL HAVE OUR CONGRESSWOMAN WHO HAS BEEN GREAT AT17:45:34 COMPROMISING.

17:45:35 SHE SAID WHITE MODERATELY.

SHE HAS BEEN ADVOCATING CONSISTENTLY OVER TIME.

I DON´T THINK THAT WILL CHANGE MONTHS.

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT WILL AFFECT HOUSING AND BENEFITS AND IMMIGRATION SITUATIONS AND IF17:45:58 THERE WILL BE MASS17:45:59 DEPORTATIONS.

17:46:00 I DON´T THINK THAT IS SOMETHING17:46:01 THAT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH CAN17:46:02 REALLY STOP OR IMPACT.

17:46:03 NOW WHEN IT COMES TO THE LOCAL GOP, GENERALLY SPEAKING, OKAY, LET´S THROW ALL OF OUR TOOLS17:46:11 AT IT AND SEE WHAT WORKS BEST.

THE LOCAL GOP DOES NOT17:46:14 REPRESENT THE AVERAGE VERSION17:46:15 ISLANDER OR INTEREST.

IF WE ARE PUTTING THEM AT THE FRONT OF THE LOBBYING GAME, I WOULD RATHER THEY STOOD OUT IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE GENERAL BEST CONSENSUS OF THE PEOPLE AT17:46:29 HEART.

17:46:30 >> GOVERNOR BRIAN TALKED ABOUT HOW THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MIGHT BENEFIT IF YOU MAKE AFTER SOMEONE AT ONE OF HIS RALLIES ISLAND BRIDGE FOR THE PEOPLE THINGS OF EARTH WILL BE OKAY.

ME WE FOLLOW WHAT PUERTO RICO17:46:55 GETS.

THE PRESIDENT IS GOING TO BE VERY NICE TO PUERTO RICO IN17:46:58 THIS ADMINISTRATION.

BECAUSE OF THE INSULT THAT WAS SAID BY A COMEDIAN THAT WAS ON HIS TEAM, SO TO SPEAK.

THIS CAME OUT AND DEFENDED THE PRESIDENT ON THE ISSUES.

WE WILL BE MEETING WITH HER TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS GO IS GOING17:47:20 TO BE ASKING FOR.

HOPEFULLY WE CAN GO BEYOND THE17:47:28 MEAL.

I WANT TO ASK YOU, WHAT DO YOU17:47:30 THINK ABOUT THE GOVERNOR´S17:47:31 LOGIC?

17:47:32 WHY DOES HE THINK THAT TRUMP WILL BE NICE TO PUERTO RICO17:47:35 BECAUSE OF THIS?

17:47:36 >> I DON´T KNOW.

WE WILL SEE.

THERE ARE TWO PARTS OF THIS.

TRUMP IS ANTI-LATIN AMERICAN17:47:44 AND HISPANIC.

HE HAS BEEN OPEN ABOUT THIS.

HE HAS LUMPED PUERTO RICANS IN THE MASS DEPORTATIONS.

IT DOES NOT RUN EFFICIENTLY OR VERTICALLY AND THEY HAVE THEIR OWN ISSUES.

THEY CAN USE WHATEVER AVENUES17:48:07 THEY CAN.

I HOPE THEY CARVE OUT A VISION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS THAT IS ADVOCATED AS SUCH.

>> I THINK HE IS STRATEGIZING AND HE IS THINKING ABOUT THE FACTS AND BEING CREATIVE.

MY TAKE ON TRUMP IS THAT HE DOES THINGS FOR PERSONAL17:48:25 REASONS.

I LIKE YOU, LET ME GIVE YOU17:48:30 THIS.

17:48:31 WHAT STOOD OUT WAS THE17:48:32 RELATIONSHIP WITH PUERTO RICO17:48:33 AND PUERTO RICO´S LEADERSHIP.

TO THE EXTENT THAT PUERTO RICO´S LEADERSHIP HAS A17:48:38 RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUMP, I17:48:39 THINK WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE17:48:40 OF THIS.

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CHALLENGE IS?

I DON´T THINK TRUMP HAS THE ABILITY TO SEE EYE TO EYE ON A17:48:52 LOT OF THINGS.

WHAT OTHER CHALLENGES DO YOU THINK ARE GOING TO BE POPULAR WITH LOBBYISTS IN THE TERRITORY?

>> THIS INCOMING PRESIDENT IS KNOWN TO BE PETULANT.

I DON´T KNOW THE WORD.

GIVEN THAT HE WAS ONE OF THE IMPEACHMENT MANAGERS DURING HIS SECOND IMPEACHMENT, THE PERSONALITY OF DONALD J. TRUMP, HE HAS A SCORECARD.

HE MENTIONED HIMSELF.

I THINK THAT WE MAY FACE SOME17:49:31 DIFFICULTIES.

17:49:32 HER STRATEGIC MOVE IS TO GET17:49:33 WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN CONGRESS AND GET HER INITIATIVES PASSED ON TO17:49:43 THE OTHER THINGS THAT17:49:44 THEY ARE DOING.

17:49:45 RIGHT?

17:49:46 I DON´T THINK SHE IS GOING TO17:49:47 BE ABLE TO WALK INTO THE OVAL OFFICE AND THE DOWN AND HAVE A PINA COLADA WITH THE PRESIDENT.

THE WAY SHE MIGHT´VE BEEN ABLE TO DO WITH VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS IN OFFICE OR THE CURRENT PRESIDENT, JOE BIDEN.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

AS I SAID BEFORE, DONALD TRUMP IS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE.

AS WAS MENTIONED, IF YOU WILL ARE WITH HIM ON HIS GOOD SIDE IT BRINGS UP THE ISSUE OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY AT THE SAME TIME.

THOSE WHO STAND ON INTEGRITY ARE GOING TO GET WHAT YOU THINK IS IMPORTANT.

I THINK SHE HAS HER JOB CUT OUT17:50:38 FOR HER.

17:50:39 I KNOW SHE IS A REALLY SMART17:50:40 PERSON.

17:50:41 I´M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE HOW17:50:42 SHE NAVIGATES THIS PARTICULAR17:50:43 ADMINISTRATION.

AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS MINIMUM.

EVEN IN THE HOUSE OF17:50:50 REPRESENTATIVES IN 2026.

>> BEFORE WE WRAP UP, LET´S FOCUS ON MAJOR POLITICAL17:50:54 DEVELOPMENTS MAKING HEADLINES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

PRESIDENT BIDEN RECENTLY PARDONED HIS SON, HUNTER BIDEN DESPITE PREVIOUSLY SAYING THAT HE WOULD NOT MEDDLE WITH THE17:51:07 JUSTICE SYSTEM.

17:51:08 HERE´S WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID17:51:09 IN THE PAST.

>> IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY THAT THE PRESIDENT WILL END UP PARDONING HIS SON?

>> NO.

>> YOUR SON HUNTER IS ON TRIAL.

I KNOW YOU CANNOT SPEAK ABOUT AN ONGOING FEDERAL PROSECUTION.

LET ME ASK YOU, WILL YOU ACCEPT THE JURY´S OUTCOME NO MATTER WHAT IT IS?

17:51:34 >> YES.

>> ARE RULED OUT A PARDON FOR17:51:36 YOUR SON?

>> YES.

>> I WILL ABIDE BY THE JURY´S DECISION AND I WILL ABIDE BY THE AND I WILL NOT PARDON HIM.

>> IN A RECENT STATEMENT,17:51:50 HE SAID THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT´S DECISION.

HE WAS PROSECUTED FOR BEING HIS SON.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PRESIDENT PARDONING HIS SON?

>> IF I WAS PRESENT IN ANY OF MY CHILDREN WERE FACING THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AS17:52:11 HIS SONS, I WOULD DO THE SAME THING.

YOU KNOW, HE IS IN A CATCH-2217:52:18 SITUATION.

DURING CAMPAIGN SEASON, IF HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO PARDON HIS17:52:24 SON.

17:52:25 THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN RUN BY REPUBLICANS OFF THE CHARGE.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CHARGES BY HIS SON FACED AND YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE COMMENTS WITHIN17:52:37 THAT CIRCLE.

SOME OF THE CHARGES THAT HE WAS UP AGAINST WERE CHARGES THAT TRADITIONALLY, PEOPLE DON´T END UP SERVING TIME IN JAIL FOR.

RIGHT?

HE HAD THE BOOK THROWN AT HIM.

SO WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRESIDENT PARDONING HIS SON, IT IS NOT POLITICAL.

17:52:58 I WILL SAY THIS.

17:52:59 I SAW SOMETHING EARLIER BEFORE COMING TO THE PROGRAM.

SOME DEMOCRATS ARE REALLY UPSET WITH WHAT HE DID.

I DON´T THINK THAT FEDERAL CHARGES WOULD´VE BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST ONE OF DONALD TRUMP´S17:53:16 CHILDREN.

I THINK THERE WAS AN ACTUAL17:53:21 INDICTMENT.

17:53:22 THAT WOULD´VE SHOWN FROM DAY17:53:23 ONE.

IT IS WHAT IT IS.

POLITICAL MEMORIES ARE SHORT.

SIX MONTHS AT THEIR DISCRETION.

I WOULD´VE DONE WHAT HE DID.

17:53:36 SIMPLE.

17:53:37 >> NATHANIEL, I SEE YOU SHAKING17:53:38 YOUR HEAD.

17:53:39 YOU THINK THAT BIDEN WAS SELFISH FOR ONLY PARDONING HIS17:53:42 SON?

ARE THERE OTHER PEOPLE, SPECIFICALLY PEOPLE OF COLOR WHO ARE IN JAIL FOR THE SAME CHARGES?

>> PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO BE SELFISH WITH THE POWER THAT17:53:57 THEY HOLD.

WHETHER IT IS RIGHT OR NOT, IT17:53:59 IS A TACTIC.

I EXPECT TO SEE MORE PARDONS17:54:01 COMING OUT OF THIS17:54:02 ADMINISTRATION.

17:54:03 HE WILL NEVER RUN FOR OFFICE17:54:04 AGAIN AND HAS NOTHING TO LOSE.

17:54:05 WE CAN BE JUDGMENTAL ABOUT17:54:06 THIS.

I AM OPTIMISTIC THAT WE WILL ALSO SEE SOME REPARATIVE AND RESTORATIVE PARDONS IN THE FUTURE AS WELL.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON17:54:13 THIS PARDON?

WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME THING?

17:54:18 >> IT DEPENDS.

IN REGARDS TO HUNTER BIDEN, THEY MADE HIM A PLEA DEAL.

THEY PROSECUTED HIM FOR FILLING OUT MORE FALSE INFORMATION.

THEY DON´T EVEN DO THAT TO17:54:32 BLACK PEOPLE.

17:54:33 YOU HAVE THOSE THINGS THAT WERE UNUSUAL WHICH LEADS ME TO CONCLUDE THAT HE WAS TARGETED.

HE WAS AN ADDICT.

YOU JUST PROSECUTED IN ATTIC AND MADE A BIG DEAL OUT OF PROSECUTING AN ADDICT.

THAT IS ANOTHER ISSUE.

JOE BIDEN OWES NO ONE NOTHING17:54:52 AT THIS POINT.

17:54:53 THE DEMOCRATS PUT THEM OUT TO PASTURE AND WENT WITH A CON -- CANDIDATE THAT LOST.

WE KNOW THAT WHEN TRUMP GOES INTO OFFICE, HE WILL PARDON EVERYONE FROM JANUARY 6.

BY THEN PARDONING HIS SON, I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.

IF HE IS AVAILABLE BY THE SECRET SERVICE, I WILL BUY HIM17:55:23 A DRINK.

I´M GLAD HE WAS PARDONED AND I17:55:25 SUPPORT YOU 100%.

17:55:26 >> OKAY.

DO YOU THINK THIS WILL SET A PRECEDENT FOR UPCOMING PRESIDENTS TO PARDON FAMILY17:55:32 MEMBERS?

>> I AM LESS CONCERNED ABOUT HUNTER BEING PARDONED THAN THOSE WHO STORMED THE CAPITAL.

>> I´M HAPPY FOR HUNTER AND I THINK THERE WILL BE MORE17:55:46 PARDONS.

>> DO YOU THINK THIS IS GOING TO AFFECT THE PUBLIC TRUST OR TARNISH THE LEGACY OF THE BIDEN17:55:56 ADMINISTRATION?

>> IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK.

DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO BE LOYAL.

THIS WILL BE THE PRESIDENCY THAT WAS LOST BETWEEN BIDEN AND HARRIS TRYING TO RUN AND THE MATH WE JUST OVER THE17:56:12 LAST17:56:13 YEAR.

17:56:14 REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO TALK17:56:15 ABOUT IT FOR THE NEXT SIX17:56:16 MONTHS UNTIL WE MOVE ON TO17:56:17 SOMETHING ELSE.

17:56:18 THIS WILL NOT TARNISH HIS17:56:19 LEGACY IN THE HISTORY BOOKS FOR17:56:20 WHAT GOES DOWN.

17:56:21 HE MIGHT BE A FOOTNOTE OR17:56:22 SOMETHING THAT IS GIGGLED17:56:23 ABOUT.

17:56:24 I THINK THE SUPREME COURT HAS17:56:25 SET A PRECEDENT THAT HAS REALLY17:56:26 INFLATED THE POWER THAT THE17:56:27 PRESIDENT HOLDS.

THAT DOES WORRY ME.

ESPECIALLY WITH ANOTHER DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENCY AND LEE PLANS TO PARDON.

THEY HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS17:56:38 ABOUT THAT.

I DON´T THINK IT WILL TARNISH THE BIDEN PRESIDENCY IN A WAY THAT MATTERS.

>> VERY STRONG AND VERY INFORMATIVE INSIGHTS FROM ALL17:56:50 OF YOU.

17:56:51 I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THAT IS ALL THE SHOW WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY.

BE SURE TO TUNE IN NEXT SUNDAY AT 1:00 P. M. FOR A WHOLE NEW EPISODE OF WITH17:56:57 THE TERRITORY.

IN THE MEANTIME, FOR YOUR NEWS UPDATES, AND INTO THE NEWS TEAM ON KPBS.

FROM ALL OF US HERE ON WTJX , TAKE CARE.

> >> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.