To the Source:
I question the propriety of the recent nomination of Col. Eddy Charles to head the Virgin Islands National Guard. Col. Charles is the defendant in a sexual harassment lawsuit and according to an article published in the St. Thomas Source on Feb. 3, 2005, there appear to have been preliminary findings of inappropriate behavior. Was this nominee thoroughly vetted by the executive staff? If so, and Governor Turnbull allows the nomination to stand, then he will be complicit in the political mess that will surely follow.
Col. Charles apparently does possess the technical qualifications for the post. But indications are that he might be lacking in interpersonal skills. Good governance requires officials whose priority is providing unconditional and unbiased service to the people. Federal statute and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) speak clearly to the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. The goal is zero tolerance.
Although the case against Col. Charles has not been fully adjudicated, as did Bernard Kerik who was nominated by President Bush to succeed Tom Ridge as Secretary of Homeland Security, Col. Charles should withdraw his name from consideration.
Roger Aaron Dunn
St. Thomas

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