♫♫ >>> GOOD DAY.

WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS COMPLETE THE CANDIDATES FORUM, PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH WTJX TV.

IT´S OUR HOPE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS YOU, THE VOTING PUBLIC, WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION YEAR ON WTJX TV, WITH CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICE IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE OR DELEGATES FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

FOR FIRST TIME ALSO, WE ARE INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ELECTION.

ALL CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITIONS WERE INVITED.

NOT ALL RESPONDED OR ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HERE TODAY FOUR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

I AM JEANNINE FRANCIS BROWN.

I WILL SERVE AS YOUR MODERATOR TODAY.

THE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE GUIDELINES OF THE PROGRAM.

NO CANDIDATE HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

THE FIRST RESPONDER FOR EACH QUESTION WILL BE ROTATED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

TIMING OF THE QUESTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT THE PARTICIPANT BY ANOTHER PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL OF 60 SECONDS.

A 45-SECOND FOLLOW-UP MAY BE ALLOWED.

ALL ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE ELSE.

LET´S BEGIN.

I WILL ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE AND TO STATE THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION AND BALLOT NUMBER.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION ENSUES.

LET´S START WITH SENATOR POTTER.

STATE YOUR NAME, BALLOT NUMBER AND POLITICAL AFFILIATION.

>> GREETINGS TO YOU.

MY NAME IS MILTON POTTER.

I´M NUMBER EIGHT ON THE BALLOT.

I´M SEEKING RE-ELECTION.

RUNNING AS A DEMOCRAT.

>> GOOD EVENING.

MY NAME IS MICHAEL SMITH.

I´M A DEMOCRAT.

MY NUMBER FOR BALLOT IS NUMBER 14.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR JOSEPH.

>> GREETINGS, PEOPLE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

MY NAME IS SENATOR CARLA JOSEPH, YOUR SERVANT AND SENATOR.

I´M RUNNING UNDER THE BIG BALLOT AND BIG NUMBER OF LUCKY 13 ON THE BALLOT.

I´M RUNNING UNDER THE BANNER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

DR. KILARU.

>> MY NAME IS DR. KRISHNA KILARU.

I´M AN INTERNAL MEDICINE DOCTOR.

MY BALLOT NUMBER IS NUMBER 7.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S BEGIN.

STARTING WITH SENATOR POTTER.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THAT YOU FEEL JUSTIFY YOUR RE-ELECTION?

90 SECONDS.

>> AS A SECOND-TERM SENATOR IN THE VIRGIN ISLAND LEGISLATURE, THINK WE ACCOMPLISHED A GREAT DEAL.

OF COURSE, AS THE JURISDICTION AS AN ENTITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE DISASTER RECOVERY INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLAN, AS THE PERSON CHAIRING THAT, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THE VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS TO KEEP THEM IN CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WERE DOING WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO WITH RESPECT TO OUR RECOVERY PROCESS.

WE WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS A NUMBER OF BILLS.

WE WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY FUND A $500,000 CARDIAC WING OF THE SCHNEIDER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.

WHEN FOLKS ARE IN TROUBLE, HEART ATTACK, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

WE DON´T HAVE TO FLY OUT OF THE TERRITORY.

YOU ARE ABLE TO NOW GET TREATED HERE, GET STABILIZED AND TREATED HERE IN THE TERRITORY.

HEALTH AS WELL.

IT IS IMPERATIVE WE ARE ABLE TO GET ADEQUATE, STRONG, RELIABLE HEALTH CARE HERE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE WERE ABLE TO PASS $1 MILLION TO RESURFACE THE TRACK, WHICH IS AN INITIATIVE FOR SPORTS TOURISM IN THE TERRITORY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. SMITH?

HERE IS A TWO-PART QUESTION FOR WHICH YOU WILL 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE SEAT IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION OR TRAINING THAT WILL MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A SENATOR?

AND THEN IDENTIFY YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT DEMONSTRATE THOSE SKILLS AND YOUR READINESS FOR THIS POSITION.

PLEASE ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION.

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

ONCE AGAIN, NUMBER 14 ON THE BALLOT.

MANY BANNERS I WEAR PROUDLY.

I GRADUATED 16 YEARS OLD.

I GOT MY ASSOCIATE DEGREE WHEN I WAS 18.

I WENT ON TO INVEST IN MY OWN BUSINESS DOING MICROCOMPUTER WORK.

AFTER THAT, I CAME BACK HOME IN 2000 BECAUSE I WAS AWAY.

I SAW HOW IT WAS IN THE STATES.

I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THROUGH MY EXPERIENCES IN LIFE MAKES ME THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, BECAUSE I COULD RELATE TO MOST OF THE ISSUES THAT PEOPLE FACE ON DAY-TO-DAY LIFE.

CAME BACK HOME.

I STARTED WORKING WITH PRICE MART, DATA ENTRY, CLOSING AND OPENING THE STORE.

MARKETING ALSO WITHIN THE PRICE MART.

FROM PRICE MART, I MOVED ON TO HOME DEPOT.

I GREW FROM A REGULAR MEMBER ASSOCIATE INTO THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR AND DEPARTMENT MANAGER OF DEPARTMENT 27, WHICH IS ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING.

I HAVE MANY ATTRIBUTES TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

>> SENATOR JOSEPH?

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A SENATOR OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS THAT YOU FEEL JUSTIFY YOUR RE-ELECTION?

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU KINDLY FOR THAT QUESTION.

I BELIEVE BEING THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATION WHERE WE HAVE VETTED OVER 20 PIECES OF LEGISLATION AND HAVE ENABLED SEE THOSE LEGISLATIONS BE ENACTED.

ALSO HAVING OVERSIGHT OVER A LOT OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, SPECIFICALLY THE TAXICAB COMMISSION, WHICH IS VERY TROUBLED.

SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO.

ALSO HAVING THE HEARING ON THE TAXICAB COMMISSION AND THE INDUSTRY, WHICH IN ITSELF WAS A CATALYST FOR LEGISLATION THAT ARE GOING TO BE CONSIDERED TOMORROW AND WOULD PASS.

ONE OF THE CROWNING JEWELS OF MY TENURE, WAS CHILD SUPPORT, PATERNITY AND CHILD SUPPORT BILL WHICH MY COLLEAGUE AND I SUCCESSFULLY PASSED.

WHICH RAISED THE DEFAULT FROM $250 TO BRING IN THEIR INFORMATION AND RAISE IT FROM $250 TO $1,000.

WE HAVE A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE IN SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS WHO ARE IN POVERTY.

THAT´S UNACCEPTABLE.

I GREW UP IN PUBLIC HOUSING.

I AM A PRODUCT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.

ALSO, I´M A PUBLIC OF PUBLIC SCHOOL.

I KNOW HOW IT IS TO BE RAISED IN THAT TYPE OF NEIGHBORHOOD.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

THANK YOU.

>> A TWO-PART QUESTION.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE SEAT IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION OR TRAINING THAT WILL MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A SENATOR?

AND THEN IDENTIFY YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT DEMONSTRATE THOSE SKILLS AND YOUR READINESS FOR THIS POSITION.

PLEASE ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION.

90 SECONDS.

>> I GREW UP IN IOWA, HALF THE SIZE OF ST. THOMAS.

I WENT TO MEDICAL SCHOOL IN INDIA.

UPON COMPLETING THAT, I DID RESIDENCY IN NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, ONE OF THE BIGGEST COUNTY HOSPITALS IN LONG ISLAND.

I MOVED HERE ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO.

I WAS WORKING AT SRMC FOR 4 1/2 YEARS.

I HAVE DONE IN-PATIENT AND OUT-PATIENT AND WORKED ON ALL THREE ISLANDS.

I THINK WHAT I HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE IS THAT I HAVE MEDICAL EXPERIENCE.

I´M A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHICH WE NEED IN ORDER TO CREATE GOOD HEALTH CARE POLICY.

I WAS ALSO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION -- THE PHYSICIANS UNION.

I DID FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS.

I´M NUMBER SEVEN ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

I PEOPLE MAY WANT TO KNOW AS A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION FOR YOU YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR.

SO IF ELECTED, ARE YOU GOING TO BE STEPPING DOWN FROM YOUR MEDICAL PRACTICE SO YOU CAN SERVE IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

>> WHAT I´M GOING TO DO IS -- I´M NEVER GOING TO STOP PRACTICING MEDICINE.

I´M GOING TO CUT DOWN THE NUMBER OF DAYS.

I WILL WORK -- I WAS THINKING TWO 12 OR 13-HOUR DAYS TO SEE PATIENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION WILL WE START WITH MR. SMITH.

WE OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ARE SHOCK AND DISMAYED TO HEAR FAR TOO MANY CITIZENS SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT VOTING THIS YEAR.

THEY SEE LITTLE HAPPENING TO ALLEVIATE SUFFERING FROM HIGH FOOD PRICES, INSECURE ENERGY RESOURCES, WAPA, LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CRIME YEAR AFTER YEAR.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL THE CITIZENS ABOUT REASONS FOR VOTING IN NOVEMBER OF 2024?

60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU AGAIN.

MICHAEL SMITH, THE PEOPLE´S REPRESENTATIVE FOR SENATE, NUMBER 14, SOMETHING NEW ON THE SCENE.

NICE QUESTION.

THE REASON FOR VOTING -- I THINK IT WON´T BE VERY TRANSPARENT.

THE BOARD OF ELECTION NEED TO HOLD FOR FUNCTIONS AND AWARENESS OF BRING MOCK ELECTION TO THE SCHOOLS AND DIFFERENT AREAS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO BE INVOLVED AND KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO PASS BILLS AND POLICIES AND LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR ISLAND.

IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A VIRGIN ISLANDER, YOU WANT TO REPRESENT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS THE BEST YOU CAN.

YOU WANT TO KNOW THE REASON AND PURPOSE FOR BEING A VIRGIN ISLANDER.

ONCE THEY GET THAT REASON, I THINK THE PEOPLE WILL BE MORE EMPOWERED TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO FIGHT.

STAND UP FOR SOMETHING OR WE BE FALLING FOR EVERYTHING EVERY DAY.

IF WE WANT CHANGE, WE HAVE TO BECOME THE CHANGE.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW OR DIFFERENT TO ADD TO THAT, TO MR. SMITH´S RESPONSE OR IN OPPOSITION OF HIS RESPONSE?

GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU SO KINDLY.

>> 60 SECONDS.

>> WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION IS THAT IT ALWAYS BEGINS AT HOME.

WE NEED TO ASSURE THAT THE PARENTS WITHIN THE HOME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NEEDED AND TO BE ABLE TO VOTE.

IT BEGINS WITH EDUCATION.

OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.

WE DO NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB ON EDUCATING OUR PARENTS AND BRING BACK PARENT UNIVERSITY AND GET OUR PEOPLE ENGAGED.

THE PARENTS TO KNOW.

NOT ONLY THAT, WE SHOULD EXPAND IT TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE CHILDREN GEARED.

SPECIFICALLY, THE BOYS AND GIRLS PROGRAM.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO LEARN ABOUT CIVICS AND THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE.

WHEN I WAS THE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR A PROGRAM CALLED YOUTH BUILD, WE WOULD INVITE INDIVIDUALS FROM THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO ACTUALLY COME IN.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ANY OTHERS?

GO AHEAD SENATOR POTTER.

>> MANY HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

MUCH OF THE GAINS THAT THIS TERRITORY ACHIEVED IN THE EARLY ´60s AND ´70s OCCURRED BECAUSE VIRGIN ISLANDERS WERE ACTIVE, THEY PARTICIPATED, THEY WERE ENGAGED IN THE ELECTION PROCESS.

I KNOW, I UNDERSTAND FOLKS CAN BE DISCOURAGED WHEN CHANGE TAKES A LONG TIME TO OCCUR.

IN SPITE OF THAT, IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR US TO EDUCATE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE IMPORTANCE OF THEM GETTING ENGAGED, PARTICULARLY OUR MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z AND THOSE YOUNGER WHO SEEM DISCOURAGED.

GETTING INVOLVED, GETTING ENGAGED IS THE ONLY WAY THAT WE´RE GOING TO SEE SOME MEASURABLE LEVEL OF SUCCESS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

WE HAVE SO MANY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR YOU.

A 60-MINUTE PROGRAM DOESN´T ALLOW US TO DISCUSS THEM ALL.

LET´S SEE HOW FAR WE GET.

LET´S LOOK AT MAJOR CONCERNS THAT WE HAVE TAKEN A SURVEY ON.

THERE ARE FOUR MAJOR CONCERN AREAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THAT THE PUBLIC INDICATED FROM A SURVEY.

EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH AND WAPA.

LET´S START WITH WAPA.

STARTING WITH YOU, SENATOR JOSEPH.

WITH RESPECT TO WAPA, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR ISSUES REGARDING WAPA, AND WHAT, IF ANYTHING, CAN THE LEGISLATURE DO ABOUT IT?

60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU, KINDLY, FOR THAT.

I BELIEVE THE LEGISLATURE, WE ACTED.

WE ACTED TO PUT IN PLACE A TURNAROUND COMPANY THAT WOULD COME IN AND TAKE A REALLY DEEP DIVE INTO WAPA´S FINANCIALS AND OPERATIONS.

WE HAVE LEARNED THAT SINCE 2020, THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FINANCIAL AUDIT.

THAT´S UNACCEPTABLE.

ESPECIALLY FOR ME COMING FROM A BACKGROUND WHERE I WORKED FOR THE FEDERAL SIDE, WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

WE WERE AUDITED ANNUALLY.

THAT´S UNACCEPTABLE.

WE ASK FOR THAT COMPANY.

THE LEGISLATURE HAD TO FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL, EVEN OVERRIDING THE GOVERNOR´S VETO TO GET THAT COMPANY.

WE ARE STILL AWAITING FOR THEM TO DO THAT.

THE OTHER SIDE THAT WE CAN DO IS PUT RENEWABLE WIND AND SOLAR IN PLACE.

WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

WE GOTTA MOVE DIFFERENTLY.

PUT THINGS IN PLACE.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU KINDLY.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW OR DIFFERENT TO ADD BASED ON THE RESPONSE YOU JUST HEARD?

>> YES.

>> GO AHEAD, MR. SMITH.

60 SECONDS.

>> YES.

THANK YOU.

AGAIN, MICHAEL A. SMITH, THE PEOPLE´S REPRESENTATIVE FOR SENATE, NUMBER 14 ON YOUR BALLOT.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

GREAT QUESTION.

WAPA ISSUES WE ARE PHASING WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR EVEN BEFORE I WAS BORN.

THAT´S HOW LONG THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON.

I THINK IT´S TIME TO CURTAIL IT WITH APPROPRIATE MONEY MANAGEMENT FIRST AND FOREMOST.

WAPA IS GETTING MANY MONIES, MANY DIFFERENT DOLLAR AMOUNTS FROM DIFFERENT AGENCIES AND DIFFERENT GRANTS.

WE INVEST IN A NEW FACILITY, DIVERSIFY THE ISLAND AND BRING BACK THE NEW WAPA AFTER THE OLD AND THAT WILL HELP ST. JOHN AND THE GENERATION AND WORK OUR WAY UP TO CONTINUE HAVING RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT POWER.

>> THANK YOU.

ANY OTHER -- GO AHEAD.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS IS, NOT JUST WAPA BUT WITH A LOT OF GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IS WHEN YOU HAVE THE BUDGET HEARINGS, SENATORS NEED TO ASK FOR AN FRAUD FIGURES.

THEY NEED TO FIND OUT -- GET A BREAKDOWN, A MONTHLY BREAKDOWN AND FIND OUT WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM.

NOT JUST WHERE IT´S BEING SPEND BUT WHERE IT´S COMING FROM.

THAT´S NOT JUST WAPA.

THAT´S FOR HOSPITALS.

THAT´S FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITIES AS WELL.

THE OTHER THING IS, WHEN IT COMES TO THE BOARDS THAT WE PICK, THE GOVERNOR PICKS THESE BOARD MEMBERS.

BUT THE SENATE APPROVES THEM.

THAT´S THE FIRST -- ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES TO START.

VOTE FOR NUMBER 7, DR. KILARU.

>> THANK YOU.

45 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU SO KINDLY.

I WANT TO MENTION THAT EVEN THOUGH I´M NOT A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE, THAT COMMITTEE WORKS TIRELESSLY.

WE DO RECEIVE ITEMIZED SPENDING AND REVENUE GENERATION FROM EACH OF THE ENTITIES.

THAT´S SOMETHING THAT IS DONE.

I MAKE IT MY BUSINESS TO BE THERE, BECAUSE I REALIZE THAT THAT IS PART OF WHAT WE DO AS SENATORS.

WE DO RECEIVE THOSE INFORMATION.

THE ISSUE IS HOW THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT.

AND CAN THE LEGISLATURE -- THAT´S WHAT WE NEED TO DO.

I´M SURE ONCE WE ASSEMBLED TO DO IT BY YOUR VOTE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO TIGHTEN UP THESE PURSE STRINGS EVEN TIGHTER TO HAVE THE LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ON TO THE NEXT TOPIC OF CRIME.

CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP CONCERNS.

STARTING WITH DR. KILARU.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES TO OUR COMMUNITY AS IT PERTAINS TO CRIME?

I´M SORRY.

LET ME REPEAT THAT.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES REGARDING CRIME TO OUR COMMUNITY, AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

90 SECONDS.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME, ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS IS EDUCATION.

THERE HAS TO BE GOOD EDUCATION TO EVEN PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING.

ALSO, JOBS.

IF SOMEBODY ISN´T EDUCATED, IF THEY CAN´T FIND A JOB, THAT´S WHAT LEADS TO CRIME.

THE THIRD THING IS HAVING -- ACTUALLY MAKING PEOPLE GO TO JAIL.

I´M NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT A 24-YEAR-OLD THAT GOES TO -- THAT COMMITS A CRIME AND PUNISHING THEM.

I´M TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT THAT CLEARLY DID SOMETHING WRONG.

YOU DON´T SEE REPERCUSSIONS FOR THAT.

THAT´S WHY I´M RUNNING.

DR. KILARU, NUMBER 7.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD TO THAT RESPONSE OR IN OPPOSITION TO THAT RESPONSE?

>> I DO.

CRIME IS COMPLICATED.

THERE´S NO BILL YOU CAN PASS IN THE LEGISLATURE THAT´S GOING TO FIX IT.

IT´S A COMPLEX ARRAY OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS.

WHAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON IS -- DETERRING CRIME IS REALLY NOT SO MUCH SEVERITY OF PUNISHMENT, BUT IT´S MORE SO CERTAINTY OF BEING CAUGHT.

I THINK THAT WE NEED MORE POLICE OFFICERS ON THE STREETS SO WE CAN REALLY IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING PROGRAMS SO THAT THERE IS A RELATIONSHIP AND A RAPPORT BETWEEN THE POLICE OFFICERS AND THE FOLKS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE NEED TARGETED POLICING WHERE THE RESOURCES ARE TARGETED IN AREA WHERE CRIMES ARE TAKING PLACE.

OF COURSE, WE NEED TO HAVE CRIMINAL DIVERSION PROGRAMS MORE OF THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY.

IT´S THE ONLY WAY WE WILL PUT A DENT ON CRIME IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. SMITH?

>> YES.

>> 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO TALK ABOUT CRIME.

NUMBER 14 ON YOUR BALLOT.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

IF WE WANT TO EXTINGUISH SOMETHING, WE GO TO THE ROOT OF SITUATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT EDUCATION IS NUMBER ONE.

IT IS WITHIN OUR PEOPLE TO DESTROY FROM LACK OF EDUCATION.

EDUCATION IS THE FIRST STEP.

EVERYTHING IS WITHIN THE HOME.

AFTER EDUCATION, THERE´S IMPLEMENTATION.

AFTER WE GET IMPLEMENTATION, THEM IT´S ACCOUNTABILITY.

ONCE WE FOLLOW THAT GUIDELINE AND THAT ORDER OF THINGS AND LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE´S VOICE AND SATISFYING THEIR NEEDS, WHICH ONE OF MY SLOGANS ARE MEETING THE NEEDS THAT NEEDED TO BE MET.

CRIME EXISTS WHEN PEOPLE´S NEEDS ARE NOT MET AND WHEN THEIR VOICES ARE NOT HEARD.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR POTTER?

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

90 SECONDS.

>> WE HAVE BROKEN SCHOOLS.

WE EXPECT OUR STUDENTS TO BE PRODUCTIVE.

OUR TEACHERS TO DELIVER QUALITY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

SCHOOLS HAVE TO BE REBUILT WITHIN THE NEXT EIGHT TO TEN YEARS.

WE ALSO NEED TO FIND A STRATEGY FOR RECRUITING AND RETAINING QUALITY PERSONNEL TO MAN THE SCHOOL ONCE THE NEW SCHOOLS ARE BUILT.

LAST YEAR AT UVI, WE HAD MAYBE FOUR OR FIVE PERSON WHO GRADUATED FROM THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION.

WE NEED A STRATEGY OF GROWING OUR OWN IN TERMS OF DEVELOPING PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS FROM 11th GRADE TO START A PROGRAM SO THAT BY THE TIME WE HIT 2030, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A MEANS OF STAFFING THESE SCHOOLS BY LOCAL VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

THESE ARE THINGS WE NEED TO DO.

SALARY IS CRUCIAL.

WE NEED TO RAISE THE SALARY OF TEACHERS TO $75,000.

IF WE SAY THAT EDUCATION IS A PRIORITY, WE NEED TO PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD TO SENATOR POTTER´S RESPONSE OR IN OPPOSITION?

>> I DO HAVE SOMETHING.

>> 60 SECONDS.

>> I WANT TO ADD, THOSE ARE FACETS AND COMPONENTS TO LOOKING AT HOW WE ADDRESS EDUCATION.

IT BEGINS IN THE HOME.

WE HAVE SEEN WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION ABOUT TRUANCY, LACK OF ATTENDANCE OF STUDENTS.

THEY ARE LATE.

THEY ARE NOT COMING TO SCHOOL ON TIME.

IT BEGINS RIGHT THERE.

I THINK IT´S IMPORTANT FOR US TO START TO MAKE THAT MOVE TO GO INTO THOSE HOMES, TO SEE WHAT´S HAPPENING AT THE HOME FRONT.

IF THE HOME FRONT IS DETERIORATING, THEN OUR COMMUNITY, THE HEART OF US, ARE GOING TO BE DETERIORATING.

THANK YOU KINDLY.

>> THANK YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH, WE WILL START WITH YOU, MR. SMITH, CITED BY THE VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, HEALTH, MANY LEAVE THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF HEALTH CARE, ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

90 SECONDS.

>> YES.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.

MY NAME IS MICHAEL A. SMITH, PEOPLE´S REPRESENTATIVE FOR SENATE, NUMBER 14 ON YOUR BALLOT.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

MENTAL HEALTH IS ONE OF THE ISSUES HIGHLY THAT WE ARE FACING IN THIS TERRITORY THAT NEEDS TO BE PRIORITIZED.

FOR MANY OF YEARS, WE KNOW MENTAL ILLNESS IS ON THE RISE.

IN HEALTH, OUR FOCUS NEED TO BE ON THOSE MENTAL ISSUES THAT PEOPLE ARE FACING TO HAVE THEM VENT OUT THEIR FEELINGS AND GET WHATEVER IS OUT FOR THEM TO BE A BETTER INDIVIDUAL.

THAT´S ONE OF THE AREAS IN HEALTH.

LIKE THE TEACHERS IN EDUCATION, THE EMPLOYEES ARE FACING NOT GOOD PAY ALSO.

IN ANY FACILITY OR ANY ORGANIZATION, THE TOOLS ARE NEEDED ARE EDUCATION, TRAINING, MORE PROMOTION, MORE ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, MORE MEETINGS NEED TO BE HELD FOR PEOPLE, WHAT´S GOING ON.

THINGS TRANSPIRE NOT ONLY YEARLY, BUT EVERY DAY.

EVERY DAY WE HAVE SOMETHING WE CAN WORK FORWARD TO.

HEALTH REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT.

EVEN THE DISABLES, DISABILITY PEOPLE, HANDICAP.

WE NEED TO PUT COMPETENT PEOPLE OR GET OUR PEOPLE COMPETENT.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD?

>> I SUPPORT WHAT MR. SMITH SAID.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE ISN´T JUST NICE TO HAVE.

IT´S A HUMAN RIGHT.

SOMETHING THAT WE AS HUMAN BEINGS ARE ENTITLED TO.

I BELIEVE THAT JUST LIKE IN EDUCATION, WE ARE GETTING, WE ARE GOING TO GET WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALS.

FEMA HAS PROVIDED US WITH MONEY, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE OUR HOSPITALS.

WE ALSO NEED TO HAVE QUALITY PERSONNEL TO MAN THESE HOSPITALS.

PUTTING OUR EFFORT IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING SPECIALISTS IS SOMETHING THAT WE MUST PRIORITIZE.

IT´S GOING TO COST US MONEY.

IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS, WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES AS A TERRITORY.

I THINK HEALTH CARE IS A PRIORITY, EVEN IF SOMETHING ELSE HAS TO GIVE.

WE NEED TO FOCUS EFFORTS AND RESOURCES TOWARDS PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS HOSPITAL CARE FOR OUR PEOPLE.

IN THE INTERIM BETWEEN WHEN THE HOSPITALS ARE BUILD AND NOW, WE STILL HAVE TO RUN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

>> THANK YOU, SENATOR POTTER.

SENATOR JOSEPH, I SAW YOUR HAND.

60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

I AGREE WITH SENATOR POTTER AND, OF COURSE, WITH CANDIDATE SMITH.

I WANT TO MENTION SOMETHING THAT IS VERY KEY, PREVENTATIVE HEALTH.

IF YOU KNOW YOUR FAMILY HAS A HISTORY OF, SAY, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, YOU NOW HAVE WITHIN YOUR AMMUNITION THINGS TO PREVENT YOURSELF FROM GETTING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AS WELL.

WHETHER IT´S GOOD EXERCISE.

ONE OF THE KEY COMPONENTS IS GOING TO YOUR -- FOR YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP.

WE NEED TO BE VERY PROACTIVE IN THAT.

WE LEARNED RECENTLY AT THE LEGISLATURE THAT WE HAVE A LARGE POPULATION, ABOUT 1,400 PERSONS, WHO DO NOT GO TO GET THEIR ANNUAL CHECKUP.

UNBELIEVABLE.

HOW CAN YOU BE A PERSON WHO IS PAYING INSURANCE AND YOU DON´T GO?

THE PART OF IT IS THAT WE REALLY NEED TO START EDUCATION AND LETTING PEOPLE KNOW.

>> THANK YOU, SENATOR.

DR. KILARU.

>> THERE ARE A COUPLE THINGS I WANT TO ADD TO SUM THIS UP.

THE THING ABOUT THE DOCTORS IS, YOU ARE PAYING FOR THEM.

YOU ARE PAYING EVEN MORE WHEN YOU GET TRAVEL DOCTORS OR TEMPORARY DOCTORS TO COME IN.

DOCTORS END UP PAYING FOR THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY GENERATE MONEY BECAUSE -- LET´S SAY YOU WANT TO FIX MENTAL HEALTH.

BUILD WHATEVER YOU WANT.

IF A PATIENT CAN´T SEE A PSYCHIATRIST AND GET THE MEDICATIONS THEY NEED, THAT´S A DONE DEAL RIGHT THERE.

PART OF THE PROBLEM IS, THEY HAVEN´T RENEGOTIATED THE DOCTORS´ CONTRACTS IN 20 YEARS.

YOU NEED TO HAVE COMPETITIVE PAY IN ORDER TO GET PEOPLE TO COME HERE.

YOU WILL SAVE MONEY.

YOU WILL FLY LESS PEOPLE OUT.

YOU WILL HAVE LESS PEOPLE GOING TO THE STATES TO GET THEIR HEALTH CARE DONE.

IF YOU NEED TO GO THERE FOR SOMETHING THAT´S ONE THING.

BUT AT LEAST THE THINGS THAT WE CAN DO HERE, WE SHOULD DO HERE.

DR. KILARU, NUMBER 7.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION WILL START WITH SENATOR JOSEPH.

IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH AND WAPA THAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED, IT WAS FOUND BY THE AARP THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING FROM BEING CAREGIVERS FOR AGING AND AGED FAMILY MEMBERS RESULTING IN THE ALARMING DRAINING OF THEIR OWN RESOURCES.

MANY SAY THAT THEY WILL SUPPORT THOSE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE SOLUTIONS TO ASSIST FAMILY CAREGIVERS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE POSSIBLE TO HELP FAMILY CAREGIVERS?

>> THANK YOU SO KINDLY FOR THAT QUESTION.

I WANT TO SAY THAT I, TOO, WAS A FAMILY CAREGIVER.

I CARED FOR MY MOTHER FOR 15 YEARS, UNTIL THEY TRANSITIONED.

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.

I´M EMPATHIZING WITH A LOT OF THE PEOPLE.

WHAT WE CAN DO IS LOOK AT SUBSIDIZING.

MEDICAID PROVIDED SOME OF THE SERVICES.

THE LEGISLATURE, WE $3.5 MILLION TO HELP SUPPORT THOSE COSTS.

WE NEED EVERYBODY TO PAY THEIR TAXES.

WE CANNOT BE A COMMUNITY WITHOUT PEOPLE PAYING THEIR TAXES.

THAT´S HOW IT´S DONE.

IF WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY COME IN AND PAY THEIR TAXES, THEN THE GOVERNMENT COULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THE FUNDING THAT IS NECESSARY TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THOSE TYPE OF SERVICES ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS RATHER THAN AS A PART-TIME.

YOU SEE PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER THE AMOUNT OF DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES.

THOSE ARE WHERE THE MONEY SHOULD BE GOING TO WHEN PEOPLE PAY PROPERTY TAXES.

I THINK IF WE WERE ABLE TO GET MORE FUNDING COMING INTO THE GOVERNMENT BY PEOPLE PAYING THEIR TAXES ON TIME, WE COULD DO MORE TO HELP OUR PEOPLE.

ADDITIONALLY, WHEN I CAME -- BECAME A SENATOR, I HIT THE GROUND RUNNING TO LOOK AT PURCHASING A FACILITY.

SENATOR CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD?

>> GO AHEAD.

>> ONE OF THE MOST NEEDED THINGS IS BETTER STAFFED NURSING HOMES AND MORE NURSING HOMES.

IT´S NOT JUST CAUSING RELIEF ON FAMILY MEMBERS TAKING CARE OF ELDERLY OR SICK PATIENTS.

THAT LEADS TO THEM GETTING SICK LESS OFTEN.

THAT LEADS TO THEM BEING ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL LESS OFTEN.

HAVING A NURSING HOME WOULD ALSO MEAN PEOPLE GET DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL TO THE NURSING HOME.

WHEN YOU ARE WAITING IN THE E.R.

AND YOU CAN´T GET A ROOM AND YOU ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WAIT TIME, PART OF THAT MIGHT BE BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEDS OR THEY NEED TO GET ANTIBIOTICS THAT THEY COULD GET IN A NURSING HOME.

THAT WOULD ALSO RELIEVE THAT PRESSURE.

IT WOULD PAY FOR ITSELF.

WE ARE PAYING -- THESE THINGS, WE DON´T HAVE IN OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WE ARE PAYING FOR.

YOU ARE NOT PAYING FOR IT UP FRONT.

YOU PAY FOR IT DOWN THE ROAD.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE -- ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU.

IN REFERENCE TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY AND SUPPLEMENT OUR DEPENDENCE ON TOURISM.

WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR GROWING AND DIVERSIFYING OUR ECONOMY?

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

DR. KILARU, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

60 SECONDS.

>> THE FIRST THING I´M GOING BACK TO IS EDUCATION.

THAT´S YOUR WORKFORCE.

EVEN IF THERE´S SOMEBODY THAT DOESN´T HAVE KIDS OR THEY GRADUATED OR THEY THINK IT DOESN´T AFFECT THEM IT DOES.

WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO HIRE A WORKER SIX YEARS DOWN THE ROAD, THAT´S LITERALLY YOUR HIRING POOL.

THE SECOND THING IS, IF YOU WANT TO ATTRACT OR YOU NEED CERTAIN TYPES OF SKILLED WORKERS THAT WE DON´T HAVE HERE, THAT WOULD TAKE TIME TO TRAIN, AND YOU WANT THEM HERE, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT IF THEY DON´T HAVE A GOOD SCHOOL TO SEND THEIR KID AND THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND THEY THINK THEY HAVE TO GET FLOWN OUT FOR EVERYTHING.

IN ORDER TO -- A LOT OF THESE ISSUES ARE RELATED.

IN ORDER TO FIX A LOT OF THINGS, WE NEED SCHOOLS THAT WORK, WE NEED HOSPITALS THAT WE TRUST.

YOU NEED ELECTRICITY THAT RUNS.

DR. KILARU, NUMBER 7.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD TO THAT RESPONSE?

SENATOR POTTER?

>> IN TERMS OF THE ECONOMY, FOR SURE, I THINK ONE APPROACH WILL BE FOR US TO BRING NEW FOLKS INTO THE SMALL BUSINESS ARENA.

SMALL BUSINESS, WE NEED AN ENGINE THAT FUELS OUR ECONOMY.

I THINK ALLOWING US TO CREATE A SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM WILL TARGET MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z WILL BRING IN NEW REVENUE TO THE TABLE.

I THINK OFFERING THEM FINANCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH OUR BANKING SYSTEM, OFFERING THEM TECHNICAL SUPPORT, I THINK THESE ARE ALL THINGS THAT WE CAN DO TO BRING IN NEW PEOPLE TO THE TABLE WITH THEIR IDEAS.

MILLENNIALS AND YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BRILLIANT IDEAS.

THEY JUST DON´T HAVE THE MEANS AND THE KNOW-HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

I THINK THAT WILL BE A REAL INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO EXPAND OUR TAX BASE BY BRINGING IN NEW REVENUES TO THE EQUATION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME WHEN FOLKS COME IN, THEY SEE NEW, THRIVING BUSINESSES HERE.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR JOSEPH?

60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK WE CAN USE -- I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT -- IS DEFINITELY SPORTS TOURISM AS WELL AS RECREATIONAL TOURISM.

ADVENTURE SPORTS.

TO DIVERSIFY OUR TOURISM INDUSTRY.

ADVENTURE SPORT -- I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON IT.

THAT´S A BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY.

IT CAN TAKE PLACE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE HAVE THE SUN, THE SAND AND THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES TO BRING IN OTHER PEOPLE.

YOUNG PEOPLE, MILLENNIALS, WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

BIG BUCKS FOR EVENTS.

THEY ARE USING TECHNOLOGY TO SHOWCASE THE EVENTS THEY ARE ATTENDING ONLINE.

AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

THAT´S ONE ASPECT.

THE OTHER ASPECT IS TO LOOK AT TECHNOLOGY.

RECENTLY, I WENT TO AN AI CONFERENCE.

THAT´S A HUGE MARKET THAT WE COULD TAP INTO.

OF COURSE, IT NEEDS ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER.

EDUCATION IS A PART OF IT.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

>> MR. SMITH, 60 SECONDS.

>> YES.

THANK YOU.

MICHAEL SMITH, PEOPLE´S REPRESENTATIVE FOR SENATE, NUMBER 14 ON YOUR BALLOT.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

YES, WE NEED TO GENERATE MORE INCOME FOR OUR PEOPLE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BESIDES ONLY TOURISM THAT WE HAVE BEEN GOING ON.

WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY IN AGRICULTURE.

AGRICULTURE IS NEEDED TO SUSTAIN THE ISLAND AND GET OUR ECONOMY AND MONEY COMING IN THE TERRITORY, BUT ALSO YOU COULD SUSTAIN THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WITH SOME OF THE HARVEST THAT COMES OUT.

WE COULD EVEN WORK WITH THE DIFFERENT ENTITIES, RESTAURANTS AND STUFF, DISPOSAL AND THE SOIL AND COMPOST.

ANOTHER WAY TALKING ABOUT THAT IS RECYCLING.

BEAUTIFY OUR ISLAND.

TO HAVE THE PEOPLE ENGAGE AND ACTUALLY GOING OUT THERE, BRINGING STUFF TO GATHER INCOME.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS, WE MAY FINALLY BE GETTING A REAL LAND AND WATER USE PLAN THANKS TO THE WORK OF DPNR.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT STEP IN ACTIVATING THE PLAN THAT WOULD INVOLVE THE LEGISLATURE?

SENATOR POTTER, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> I KNOW THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE CONSULTANTS DID A TREMENDOUS JOB OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AS A COMPREHENSIVE LAND AND WATER USE PLAN.

THE NEXT STEP IS GOING TO BE FOR THE FINAL PRODUCT, ONCE IT´S EVALUATED, FINALIZED.

TO COME TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE FOR THIS BODY TO VOTE IT UP OR DOWN OR POSSIBLY INSTITUTE SOME AMENDMENTS.

I KNOW THAT ONE OF THE CHALLENGES WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE WATER -- LAND AND WATER USE PLAN WOULD TYPICALLY BE GAINING BROAD CONSENSUS ON SPECIFIC ELEMENTS TO THE PLAN.

THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE -- I´M HOPING IT WILL HAPPEN BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.

I DON´T KNOW IF IT´S GOING TO BE REALISTIC TO SEE IT HAPPEN THIS YEAR.

I´M HOPING THAT THE FINAL PRODUCT WILL COME TO THIS BODY, THE LEGISLATURE FOR FINALIZATION.

>> THANK YOU.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD TO THAT RESPONSE OR IN OPPOSITION?

THANK YOU.

MR. SMITH, 60 SECONDS.

>> NO.

I AGREE WITH HIM.

WE ARE THE TERRITORY.

WE GOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF HOME.

THE ENVIRONMENT IS VERY WORTHWHILE.

THE MORE WE EDUCATE OURSELF ABOUT LAND AND WATER USE, USE IT MORE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY TO OUR NEEDS.

>> THANK YOU.

TALK ABOUT HOUSING.

MANY YOUNG FAMILIES ARE LEAVING THE TERRITORY BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE HOUSING MARKET HERE.

OR EVEN FIND AFFORDABLE RENT.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS LACK AFTERED FORABLE HOUSING?

MR. SMITH, 60 SECONDS.

>> YES.

THANK YOU.

ONCE AGAIN, MICHAEL A. SMITH, PEOPLE´S REPRESENTATIVE FOR SENATE.

NUMBER 14 ON THE BALLOT.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

MEETING THE NEEDS THAT NEED TO BE MET.

HOUSING IS A VERY TOP, TOP ISSUE IN THE TERRITORY, PERIOD.

THE PRICES OF RENT IS ESCALATING LIKE EVERY YEAR.

IT SEEMS LIKE THEY DON´T HAVE NO ONE WHO CONTROLS FULLY EXCEPT FOR THE HOUSE OVER THE PROGRAM TO MAKE IT FUNCTION.

WE DO NEED TO CREATE WAYS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR OUR PEOPLE.

OUR PEOPLE DO NEED TO KNOW THE AVENUES THAT THEY NEED TO TAKE SO THEY COULD GET WHAT THEY NEED TO GET.

I WILL START WITH BEING TRANSPARENT AND LETTING PEOPLE KNOW INCENTIVES, HOW WE GO ABOUT TO CREATE MORE HOUSING FACILITIES THAT´S AFFORDABLE.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR JOSEPH.

>> THANK YOU SO KINDLY.

I DO HAVE A BILL THAT I AM WORKING ON REGARDING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

DONE RESEARCH ON THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

WE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE LANDLORDS WHO ARE GUILTY OF DISCRIMINATING BECAUSE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ESPECIALLY WHEN A PERSON HAS A HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER, SECTION 8.

THEY WOULD SAY, NO SECTION 8.

THAT´S A FORM OF DISCRIMINATION.

I HAVE A BILL PENDING.

THAT WILL LOOK AT REDUCING THOSE THINGS.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

THANK YOU KINDLY.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR POTTER, 60 SECONDS.

>> THE ISSUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS ONE ISSUE THAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT, FOR SURE.

IT´S PROBABLY THE SINGLE GREATEST NUMBER OF CALLS I GET IS BECAUSE FOLKS ARE -- CAN´T FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

I THINK WHAT I HAVE FOUND IN THE LAST COUPLE YEARS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN THE SENATE IS THAT THE PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE INSTITUTED -- WE HAVE INSTITUTED SOME TO ASSIST FOLKS AND HELPING THEM WITH DOWN PAYMENT AND THE LIKE.

IT´S NOT KEEPING PACE WITH THE DEMAND.

DEMAND IS SO GREAT.

WE NEED TO RE-ENVISION.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT LAWS.

THEY MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT OUR BANKING FOLKS.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT OUR CONTRACTORS.

WE NEED TO HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT IN OUR TERRITORY WHERE WE REIMAGINE WHAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OUR TERRITORY IS, WHAT IT CAN BE BASED ON THE UNIQUENESS OF OUR TERRITORY.

IT´S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE ARE FACING GLOBALLY.

BUT THERE ARE SPECIFIC THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO HERE IN OUR TERRITORY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

DR. KILARU?

>> I DON´T KNOW A LOT ABOUT HOUSING.

I KNOW MY -- IT´S NOT JUST THAT IT´S EXPENSIVE.

I KNOW MY PATIENTS COMPLAIN ABOUT -- THERE´S MOLD IN HOUSING.

THE ONE THING I WANTED TO SAY IS, IF THE GOVERNMENT IS LOSING AS MUCH MONEY AS THEY ARE LOSING IN HEALTH CARE, IN THE HOSPITALS, IN POWER, IF THEY WEREN´T DOING THAT, IF IT WAS RUNNING MORE EFFICIENTLY, THERE WOULD BE MORE MONEY FREED UP TO SOLVE SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS.

I JUST WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT.

DR. KILARU, NUMBER 7.

>> OUR FINAL QUESTION, I INVITE YOU TO ADDRESS ANY OTHER TOPIC OF CONCERN THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN ALONG WITH YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THE TOPIC.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR A CLOSING STATEMENT STARTING WITH SENATOR POTTER.

>> WITHOUT QUESTION, THE WAPA AUTHORITY IS A VEXING ISSUE THAT´S BECOME AN EMOTIONAL THING FOR US AS A TERRITORY.

EVERYTHING IS AFFECTED BY WAPA.

IT´S IMPERATIVE WE HAVE A RENEWABLE DIVISION OF THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY.

THAT´S THE ONLY WAY THAT WE ARE GOING TO SEE ANY MEANINGFUL CHANGE, ANY MEANINGFUL REDUCTION IN THE COST THAT WE PAY FOR ELECTRICITY.

WE PAY PREMIUM DOLLAR FOR INFERIOR, INCONSISTENT, UNRELIABLE POWER.

ALL IS NOT LOST.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFORM WAPA.

WE HAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AVAILABLE TO US ONCE WE ARE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES THAT WAPA HAS.

WE PASSED A BILL TO REQUIRE THAT THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY CONSULT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.

THE SECRETARY WAS HERE THE OTHER DAY.

SHE SAID, ONCE WAPA ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE, WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE IT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. SMITH, 60 SECONDS.

>> ALL THOSE TOPICS WE TOUCHED ON TONIGHT, AGAIN, MY PEOPLE, GREETINGS.

SOMETHING NEW UPON THE SCENE.

MEETING THE NEEDS THAT NEED TO BE MET.

ALL THE TOPICS TONIGHT WAS PRIORITY AND IS NEEDED TO BE LOOKED AT.

I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

EVERYBODY SPEAKS ABOUT THE YOUTH.

YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE.

I THINK WE NEED TO COME WITH NEW VISIONS TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH AND MAKE THE TRANSITION INTO THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY A SMOOTHER TRANSITION.

I HAVE A NICE IDEA AND A NICE VISION FOR 11 TO 12 GRADERS, BRINGING BACK THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FACED A LOT OF JOB VACANCY ISSUES.

WE CAN DO THAT PROGRAM AND GUARANTEE THEM A SPOT IN GOVERNMENT AS SOON AS THEY GRADUATE.

THAT WAY THEY WITH RETIRE EARLY AND GO TO UVI BECAUSE IT´S FREE IF YOU GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND SUSTAIN A DEGREE IN THAT FIELD AND BE PART TO DRIVING THE ENGINE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR JOSEPH, 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU SO KINDLY.

ONE OF THE TOPICS THAT WE DIDN´T TALK ABOUT AND I´M VERY KEEN ON IS TAXES.

ALL OF THESE CHALLENGES THAT WE TALKED ABOUT, THESE TOPICS, WAPA, CRIME, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, WE ARE IN A FISCAL CRISIS RIGHT NOW WHERE WE ARE SEEING, BASED ON THE PROJECTION FROM THE GOVERNOR´S TEAM, REVENUES GOING DOWN.

THERE´S A PUBLICATION COMING OUT ON SEPTEMBER 28 WHICH LISTS ALL OF THE DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES.

WE HAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THE STREETS THAT ARE NOT COLLECTED.

WE HAVE OVER $13 MILLION IN BOUNCED CHECKS SINCE 2000 TO -- FROM 2020 TO 2024.

UNHEARD OF.

WE HAVE MONEY ON THE STREETS TO DO IT.

TO GET SOME OF THESE ISSUES ADRESSED.

JUST LIKE IN THE BIBLE, IT SAYS, RENDER TO CAESAR WHAT BELONGS TO CAESAR AND WHAT BELONGS TO GOD BELONGS TO GOD.

CARLA JOSEPH, NUMBER 13 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

DR. KILARU, 60 SECONDS.

>> THE REASON I´M RUNNING, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE LOW VOTER TURNOUT BEFORE.

THE REASON THEY HAVEN´T BEEN DOING THAT, THE REASON THEY HAVEN´T BEEN COMING OUT TO VOTE IS BECAUSE THERE ISN´T ANYBODY THAT THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO VOTE FOR.

A COUPLE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT IS THE FIRST THING IS INTEGRITY.

THAT COUNTS.

THAT´S BEEN LACKING.

THE SECOND THING IS, HAVING PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCE IN DIFFERENT FIELDS.

HEALTH CARE, I KNOW.

I DON´T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT FARMING.

I DON´T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT I.T.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS TO BE ABLE TO SOLVE THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE.

IF YOU WANT DIFFERENT, YOU NEED TO VOTE DIFFERENT.

VOTE FOR DR. KILARU, NUMBER 7.

>> THANK YOU.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR A CLOSING STATEMENT STARTING WITH MR. SMITH.

>> YES.

GREAT GLORY AND HONOR.

GLAD TO BE PART OF THIS FUNCTION AND THIS FORUM AMONGST PROFESSIONALS.

ONCE AGAIN, MY PEOPLE, MY NAME IS MICHAEL A. SMITH.

CANDIDATE FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE, SEEKING YOUR VOTE, YOUR HELP TO MAKE A PROSPEROUS, BETTER, EMPOWERING VIRGIN ISLANDS AND VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

I WANT TO GIVE YOU A MESSAGE OF JUST KEEP ENDURING.

STORMS WE FACE.

STORMS COMES AND GOES.

NOBODY KNOWS WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS.

IF WE CAN MAKE A BETTER TOMORROW WITH POSITIVE IDEAS, WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

I WOULD LIKE MY PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT WE CAN NEVER, EVER, EVER SPELL COMMUNITY WITHOUT THE WORD UNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR JOSEPH.

>> THANK YOU.

FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS FOR PUTTING ON THIS FORUM EVERY YEAR.

IT GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY, AND THE VIEWING PUBLIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE CANDIDATES.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF OF WTJX FOR ALL THE WORK THEY DO BEHIND THE SCENES TO MAKE US LOOK GOOD ON TELEVISION AND TO BROADCAST THIS.

I AM YOUR SERVANT AND SENATOR, CARLA JOSEPH.

I CAME UP THROUGH PUBLIC HOUSING, WORKING TIRELESSLY, MANAGING FEDERAL GRANTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE DISADVANTAGED.

I KNOW MY WORK AS A LEGISLATOR.

I HAVE BEEN DOING MY WORK ON YOUR BEHALF.

I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING ON YOUR BEHALF.

MY ACCOUNTABILITY IS INTACT.

I AM ASKING HUMBLY FOR YOUR VOTE, YOUR SUPPORT TO VOTE FOR ME THIS COMING GENERAL ELECTION, CARLA JOSEPH, YOUR SERVANT, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

THANK YOU KINDLY.

>> THANK.

DR. KILARU.

>> THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT I WANT TO TACKLE.

THE FIRST IS DEALING WITH HOSPITALS.

THE NEXT IS HAVING CERTAIN SERVICES LIKE BETTER WOUND CARE TO CERTAIN HEALTH CARE NEEDS THAT WE HAVE.

WE NEED NURSING HOMES.

WE HAVE TO -- WE NEED TO TACKLE HEALTH INSURANCE.

ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE INTERRELATED.

WHEN WE DON´T HAVE AN EFFICIENT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, THAT LEADS TO INCREASED HEALTH CARE COSTS.

THAT MEANS INSURANCE COMPANIES SPEND MORE MONEY.

THAT MEANS OUR PREMIUMS GO UP.

THAT MEANS IT´S MORE DIFFICULT TO GET INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

IF THINGS AREN´T RUNNING EFFICIENTLY, IF WE DON´T HAVE CERTAIN THINGS THAT WE DON´T NEED -- OR IF WE DON´T HAVE CERTAIN THINGS WE NEED, THAT MEANS MEDICARE ENDS UP SPENDING LOTS OF MONEY.

>> SENATOR POTTER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

YOU ARE VERY CONSISTENT.

YOU HAVE A CONSISTENCY AWARD FOR HAVING THIS PROGRAM EVERY YEAR.

IT´S IMPORTANT ONE.

IT´S AN IMPORTANT TO GET TO UNDERSTAND A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES WHO ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

YOU GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY.

YOU ENTRUSTED ME WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK ON YOUR BEHALF FOR THE 34th AND 35th LEGISLATURE.

I´M ASKING YOU TO DO THE SAME IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

I HAVEN´T CHANGED.

WHATYOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET.

YOU WILL SEE ME WORKING HARD, WORKING DILIGENTLY IRRESPECTFUL WHO BRINGS THE BILL.

IF IT MAKES SENSE, IF IT´S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, MILTON POTTER WILL SUPPORT IT.

I BELIEVE IN THIS TERRITORY IN SPITE OF THINGS NOT GOING RIGHT.

I DON´T WANT YOU TO BE DISHEARTENED OR DISCOURAGED.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRULY TRANSFORM THIS TERRITORY.

YES, TO FIX WAPA, TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING ISSUES.

GIVE ME OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE.

MILTON POTTER, NUMBER 8 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM JEANNINE FRANCIS BROWN FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS.

JUST VOTE.

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

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING FOR THIS PROGRAM WAS UNDERWRITTEN BY AARP OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.