8.

HEALTH CARE

Ensure that the number one priority for the Legislatures Health Committee is the ongoing crisis at the Juan Luis Hospital. Investigate pressing health care issues that exist on both St. John and St. Thomas. Develop and support needed legislation to implement the Affordable Care Act in the Territory.

9. INDEPENDENT ENTITIES
Although the League recognizes that the V.I. instrumentalities and authorities (e.g. WAPA, GERS, WMA) are legally independent and should not be micromanaged by the Legislature, it nonetheless makes the following recommendations: Provide thorough oversight and promote greater accountability for the independent entities and instrumentalities for the benefit of the community. For example: Strongly encourage the completion of both the Integrated Waste Management Plan and the long awaited Land and Water Use Plan; Seek ways to assist WAPA in becoming more financially efficient

2013 Virgin Islands League of Women Voters

Conclusion: Members of the League, as do all the voters in our community, want value for our limited resources. Let the 30th legislature prove to our community that we will receive effective and efficient government services for our tax dollars.

Biennial Luncheon Democracy is NOT a spectator sport Issues of Concern To Virgin Islanders
Monday, January 28, 2013 Marriott Frenchmans Reef Hotel 12:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
The League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands P. O. Box 302816, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803-2816

League of Women Voters Virgin Islands Board

Kim Bourne-Vanneck Ginny Dargan Clovis Emanuel Helen Gjessing Francine Lang Lisa LaPlace-Knight Norma Levin Gwen Marie Moolenaar Margaret Quetel Denyce Singleton Phyllis Wallace Genevieve Whitaker

Leadership & Committees

Gwen Moolenaar President Phyllis Wallace Vice President Margaret Quetel Treasurer Ginny Dargan Secretary
Planning & Environmental Quality (PEQ) Helen Gjessing, & Erva Denham Co-Chairs Government Structure & Operations (GS&0) Erva Denham, Chair Voter Service Gwen Marie Moolenaar, Chair Quality of Life Francine Lang, Chair Public Relations Genevieve Whitaker, Chair

League of Women Voters District Leadership St. Croix Unit

Tanisha Roka Bailey St. Croix Unit Leader

St. Thomas Unit

Lisa LaPlace Knight St. Thomas Unit Leader

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As we have done for over thirty years, the League of Women Voters again presents its concerns and recommendations to the new legislators of the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the first branch of government, the Legislature must first look at itself. Therefore, the first three issues address the operations of the legislature while the remaining six address broad areas of concern. All nine issues require our legislators attention and action.

5. Government Employees Retirement System (GERS)

The solvency of GERS is in jeopardy. The Legislature must take an active role in promoting its viability.

1. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Carefully review proposed changes to GERS laws to ensure that all recommendations will in fact create long-term viability of the system for the benefit of its 18,000 retirees and employees (future retirees) and thereby mitigate any negative impact on the local economy.

Codify the management of the Legislatures financial resources and procurement procedures. Appropriate funds only when revenues have been identified. Use the revenues of various funds primarily for the purpose for which each fund was created.

6. ENERGY

2. BUDGET BELT-TIGHTENING
As the first branch of government, Senators must lead by example and become more efficient in their use of taxpayers dollars. Carefully scrutinize the Legislatures expenses and that of the Judiciary, earnestly seeking ways and means of reducing operating costs. Seriously consider reducing the size of the Legislature as approved by the electorate by referendum over 10 years ago or reduce senators salaries which are among the highest in the nation.

Take up the mantle of responsibility for oversight of all leases, proposals and contracts related to waste management and alternative energy production on behalf of the community, ensuring that all options have been explored well. Through the budget process, ensure that all departments and independent entities pay their WAPA bills on time. Work closely with the Energy Office to find ways to increase power production through renewable sources of energy rather than foster a reliance on natural gas or fossil fuel. Develop policies that facilitate the ability of homeowners and businesses to generate and sell power.

3. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

7. ENVIRONMENT & TRANSPORTATION

The League wholly supports the recently approved rule that appears to eliminate pre-emption. We encourage the 30th Legislature not only to retain this rule but to codify it. Develop ways of keeping the public informed and updated on the actions of our legislators at all times and at each step in the Legislative process.

4. PUBLIC SAFETY

Review and strengthen existing legislation regarding gun control. Revise laws relating to juvenile delinquency and attendant parental responsibilities so that they mirror laws already in place for third party custodians. Re-establish and fund a local forensic laboratory in order to decrease the time needed for solving crimes. Establish a Police Civilian Review Board

Remove Legislators from the permitting and re-zoning process. Instead, consider creating a board or commission that reports to the Planning Office and makes final zoning decisions. Become actively involved in the revision of the Zoning and Subdivision Code for which funds were provided by the 28th Legislature. Review and strengthen zoning and building laws to prohibit and penalize zoning and earth changes that are taken without proper permits. Craft legislation to create a single tier permitting system. Review and enact safety regulations governing large public transportation vehicles. Consider legislation to regulate the size and weight of large, heavy commercial vehicles. Seek federal funding to support the purchase of more public transportation vehicles that are suitable for the local terrain and meet federal safety standards.