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November 6, 2003
Senator Russell Urges Cooperative Working Relationship in Legislative Branch
Senator Russell urges cooperation, compromise and mutual respect among his Legislative colleagues during the budget mark up process.
Commenting on the discussion that took place prior to the ending of the Wednesday, November 5, 2003 meeting between the majority and minority factions of the legislature, Senator Russell stated, "We are all equally elected representatives of the people of the Virgin Islands and irrespective of minority and majority status, respect is the key in working together to achieve our common goal –– the betterment of the Virgin Islands."
Senator Russell noted that during his election campaign, he stated several times that the Virgin Islands has become a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. "Leading these islands today, and in the future, requires leaders who are able to put aside issues of ancestry and origin and concentrate on the real issue –– putting these islands back on the fiscal track", stated the Senator.
"I will continue to work with all my colleagues in an atmosphere of cooperation and compromise", stated Senator Russell, "but I will not allow myself to be disrespected nor will I stand silent while any of my colleagues are being disrespected". "It is illogical to think the 15 members of the Legislature will all agree on a subject, the legislature is a deliberative body, with compromise at its core, but when a meeting disintegrates to the lowest level, I will exercise my right to excuse myself from that negativity".
"I look forward to continuing to work with all members of the legislature toward the completion of a balanced 2004 budget", concluded Senator Russell.