I expressed my concerns about the organization of the legislature to the President of the 23rd Legislature, Vargrave Richards, who replied to me verbally that it was too late to make any changes. I of course disagreed with him, I think it is never too late to correct mistakes or improve situations that need improvement. I called the Senate President's attention to the fact that his majority group in the 23rd Legislature failed to use good judgement when they failed to share committee leadership with those Senators that were not a part of the "majority." I suggested that there should be subcommittees within the major committees and all Senators would have leadership of a committee or a subcommittee. All Senators would have the opportunity to exercise their oversight responsibility over the three branches of government. It is so unfair and counterproductive the practice of unevenly allocating resources of the legislature between "majority" and "minority" Senators. The Senators are all elected by the citizens to represent them well in the legislature and no Senator should be deprived of the resources needed to adequately carry out their duties.
I trust the organization of the 24th Legislature would take into consideration the suggestions made herein, and would seek to treat all Senators fairly and with respect. The 24th Legislature should not continue the unfair practice of excluding certain Senators from common privileges, practicing tyranny of the majority. I hope the incoming legislature would take into account the expressed concerns of the electorate which was identified as: Elections reform, restructuring of the government, a balance budget, educational reform, improved economy, law enforcement, etc. Any legislative agenda of the 24th Legislature should include those concerns. May God illumine our representatives in Government and may they seek to do His will for the benefit of all.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas