Run Wayne Run
Guest Commentary by Krista Schluderman
Dear CIF,
Are we getting what we voted for? Forget that question, how about are we getting what we are paying for? I have been doing my best to reach our STX Senator Wayne James. My luck with an informative response to any emails or phone calls has not been fruitful. My visit to his office has produced an even more disappointing result as there was NO ONE in the office.
Does the Senator spend all his budget on travel, whether it is for him or his staff? Does he need to travel with an entourage? Does he do anything for and/or by himself with such an entourage? I was able to catch his closing statement on the government access channel in regards to the Cruzan Rum deal, and then it was all clear to me what this senator is about.
He stated that “we could have gotten more from Cruzan… but what we got is good enough”. My oh my, this is someone I voted for, as shameful as that is to admit. Is this why Mr.James does not care to answer valid questions personally? Is what we get from him really “good enough?” I believe it is time to scrutinize Mr. Wayne James, and evaluate his personal objectives vs. civil obligations as a sworn-in senator.
Following is a synopsis of Ms. Schulderman’s unsuccessful attempts to reach Sen. Wayne James.
CALLS TO OFFICE:
10/14/09, 8:19am, left message, no call returned.
10/14/09, 10:23am, left message, no call returned.
10/15/09, 10:15am, left message, no call returned.
10/16/09, 9:39am, left message, no call returned.
10/16/09, 9:39am, left message, no call returned.
10/26/09, 10:37am, left message, no call returned.
EMAILS:
10/14/09
Good Morning Mr. James,
I am a constituent on St Croix with an issue that I hope you can help me with. I have been eagerly waiting for my tax refund check, as I have been in dire need of the money.
Could you clear up the concern that runs through my head in regards as to why I have not received my return yet?
I am concerned that i am not receiving my money because there is no money in the coffer to send. Why is there no money? Is it because so many people owe money to the IRB? Is it because so many people who owe the money, yet are still collecting a paycheck from the government, therefore they will get paid first even though they owe?
I look forward to a timely response.
I am a constituent on St Croix with an issue that I hope you can help me with. I have been eagerly waiting for my tax refund check, as I have been in dire need of the money.
Could you clear up the concern that runs through my head in regards as to why I have not received my return yet?
I am concerned that i am not receiving my money because there is no money in the coffer to send. Why is there no money? Is it because so many people owe money to the IRB? Is it because so many people who owe the money, yet are still collecting a paycheck from the government, therefore they will get paid first even though they owe?
I look forward to a timely response.
10/15/09
Mr. Wayne James,
WAPA has just arrived to cut off my current, as I do not have the money to pay the bill.
Why is it that a government agency such as WAPA can demand money I owe them, but I can NOT get the money nor can I demand that the money I am owed be paid to me? I have been waiting for six months for my tax refund, yet if I am four weeks late with WAPA, I get cut-off?
Is this because so many people owe taxes, who may even be people collecting a paycheck from the very government who plays both sides of the coin?
As with my previous letter, I eagerly await your timely response. My definition of “timely” may vary from yours, so please consider what would be timely to me, not you. I voted for you, and did so in a timely manner, as it was crucial to do so if I wanted you to be a Senator.
WAPA has just arrived to cut off my current, as I do not have the money to pay the bill.
Why is it that a government agency such as WAPA can demand money I owe them, but I can NOT get the money nor can I demand that the money I am owed be paid to me? I have been waiting for six months for my tax refund, yet if I am four weeks late with WAPA, I get cut-off?
Is this because so many people owe taxes, who may even be people collecting a paycheck from the very government who plays both sides of the coin?
As with my previous letter, I eagerly await your timely response. My definition of “timely” may vary from yours, so please consider what would be timely to me, not you. I voted for you, and did so in a timely manner, as it was crucial to do so if I wanted you to be a Senator.
10/16/09
Mr. James,
Yesterday and the day before I posed questions to you that I thought you would easily be able to answer. I see now that I could have been wrong by assuming you would be able to answer those questions, or, maybe you are able but have no desire to do so.
Today’s question: I have a few antiques that I fear I must sell in order to pay my rent this month. It seems to be the right thing to do, as my landlords are expecting payment so that they can turn around and make payments to their debts. As I can not expect them to wait for me to honor their debts, I am in the position to part with beloved items. I might not be in this position if I were to receive my tax refund check. Do you believe in the sale of items to pay debts owed?
I kid you not, I am waiting for an answer, and if I must, I will ask for an answer each day until I receive one. I have verified that I have the correct email for you, and have been told that you check your email many times throughout the day.
NO RESPONSE…
10/17/09:
Mr. Wayne James,
Aahhh, good morning once again.
It seems that you may not have the time to respond in writing to any of my emails. Would it suit you better if I were to attend one of your committee hearings, whereby you could just reply to me in person? I would like to make this as easy as possible for you, so I can be flexible. I would be willing to take time off from work to come see you, even if it means I lose pay for the hours I may spend waiting to visit with you.
I look forward, once again, to your timely response.
Aahhh, good morning once again.
It seems that you may not have the time to respond in writing to any of my emails. Would it suit you better if I were to attend one of your committee hearings, whereby you could just reply to me in person? I would like to make this as easy as possible for you, so I can be flexible. I would be willing to take time off from work to come see you, even if it means I lose pay for the hours I may spend waiting to visit with you.
I look forward, once again, to your timely response.
RESPONSE! :
10/17/09
Dear Ms. Schlderman:
Thank you for your e-mails.
As you know, I have just completed a series of public hearings on education and am today on my way to Havana, Cuba for a conference on historic architecture. I will be back in the territory on October 26. In the meantime, however, please contact Mrs. Hortense M. Rowe at (340) 712-2216.
Thank you for your time and attention,
Wayne A.G. James
Thank you for your e-mails.
As you know, I have just completed a series of public hearings on education and am today on my way to Havana, Cuba for a conference on historic architecture. I will be back in the territory on October 26. In the meantime, however, please contact Mrs. Hortense M. Rowe at (340) 712-2216.
Thank you for your time and attention,
Wayne A.G. James
10/18/09
Dear Mr. James,
Good Morning. Unfortunately, I will not be contacting Mrs. Rowe. I am waiting for your replies to questions I asked you, not Mrs. Rowe. I voted for you, not Mrs. Rowe.
Due to the response I have received from you, today’s questions are thus:
The trip you are taking to Cuba, is this a trip paid for by our government? More precisely, I suppose, is this trip you are taking funded by tax dollars I contribute yet can not obtain a refund for when I have over-contributed? The Biennial Conference takes place over three days, Oct 20, 21, 22. I can understand that you may not be available for reply during those three days, but there are 2 days before and 4 days after that it seems you should be available to a constituent, yes?
So, will you not be able to reply to me on what I consider to be important and valuable questions before the 27th?
I eagerly await your timely response.
Regards,
Good Morning. Unfortunately, I will not be contacting Mrs. Rowe. I am waiting for your replies to questions I asked you, not Mrs. Rowe. I voted for you, not Mrs. Rowe.
Due to the response I have received from you, today’s questions are thus:
The trip you are taking to Cuba, is this a trip paid for by our government? More precisely, I suppose, is this trip you are taking funded by tax dollars I contribute yet can not obtain a refund for when I have over-contributed? The Biennial Conference takes place over three days, Oct 20, 21, 22. I can understand that you may not be available for reply during those three days, but there are 2 days before and 4 days after that it seems you should be available to a constituent, yes?
So, will you not be able to reply to me on what I consider to be important and valuable questions before the 27th?
I eagerly await your timely response.
Regards,
NO RESPONSE…
10/20/09
Mr. James,
I am waiting, and will obviously have to continue to do so, as you have not responded in over a week with a proper answer to any of my questions.
As I wait today, I will mull over my new question of the day for you…
Regards,
I am waiting, and will obviously have to continue to do so, as you have not responded in over a week with a proper answer to any of my questions.
As I wait today, I will mull over my new question of the day for you…
Regards,
RESPONSE!
10/21/09 5:42PM
Dear Ms. Schulderman:
Please check your e-mails. As I indicated to you in a previous e-mail, I am in CUBA, where there is VERY limited access to internet. Please discuss the matter with Mrs. Hortense Rowe, who is quite capable of addressing your questions in my absence.
Thank you,
Wayne James
Please check your e-mails. As I indicated to you in a previous e-mail, I am in CUBA, where there is VERY limited access to internet. Please discuss the matter with Mrs. Hortense Rowe, who is quite capable of addressing your questions in my absence.
Thank you,
Wayne James
10/21/09 5:44PM
Dear Ms. Schulderman:
Here is the e-mail which I sent to you prior to departing for Cuba.
Thank you,
Wayne James
Here is the e-mail which I sent to you prior to departing for Cuba.
Thank you,
Wayne James
10/23/09
Mr. James,
I appreciate the value you place in your COS Mrs. Rowe, but I really don’t want her answers, I want yours. Can she really answer questions about owing taxes? The IRB can not even tell me when checks will be cut again, so I do not see any point to asking her that question. The question I want an answer to from you is: Do YOU think that the IRB is not capable of refunding taxes because there are people working in our government, collecting a check yet not paying taxes?
Give me YOUR answer please.
Eagerly awaiting your response,
I appreciate the value you place in your COS Mrs. Rowe, but I really don’t want her answers, I want yours. Can she really answer questions about owing taxes? The IRB can not even tell me when checks will be cut again, so I do not see any point to asking her that question. The question I want an answer to from you is: Do YOU think that the IRB is not capable of refunding taxes because there are people working in our government, collecting a check yet not paying taxes?
Give me YOUR answer please.
Eagerly awaiting your response,
NO RESPONSE…
mista james is traveling with the taxpayer money. when you have a senator putting a wood floor in his office at a 10,000 dollar cost .you know how many summer students could be working with him or others for that amount..
thinks good…country running good…
Come to think about it, what HAS Wayne James done since being elected? Look like all he is doing is travelling all over the place and looking pretty for the camera.
Ms Schluderman, when Senator James was unresponsive, did you seek the help of another Senator? I am sure you would have gotten a call back from Senator O’Reilly.
Why the dogmatic pursuit of Wayne James?
Louis Hill has certainly run for cover. His absence speaks volumes. He is showing all of us that he works at “the pleasure of the Governor” and not the people of the Virgin Islands. What has our “President” of the Senate done lately. It appears he doesn’t have the time to do his Senatorial job. Much too busy developing his business interests in Dominica.
Much to busy developing beach front property at the Legislature.
Wayne went to Denmark now Cuba on our dime and time. Interesting the letter read on the senate floor made NO MENTION of any educational benefits we were gaining from his attending an architecture meeting showing his personal collection of photos. It’s all about Wayne and how he can further his personal ‘education’. While owing a $100,000+ in back taxes. Shameful. He needs to go STX voters. No matter how many press releases and Channel 8 broadcasts, there is no justification in the trips he took. VI residents got nothing out of his trips. If he wants to do something for education, he should start with getting the school buildings fixed and de-molded.
the only person getting benefit of his traveling is himself. well well the time is getting close,soon we going to see senators and others in politics tapping our shoulder (we better buy ice hot by the bulk) now is the time when they know we. people eat and drink from them and vote against them.
I agree I think Senator Wayne James has not done anything . I have not seen this senator since election, What has he done for Saint Croix , other than promote himself ?
Even worse where is Senator Hill?…. is he still senate President ? .Why dont we see them trying to remove him from presidency…I dont hear him at all .. What is he doing ?
Hill is probably at his other job…….in Dominica from where he hails!
http://cruciansinfocus.com/2009/07/29/conflict-of-interest
Maybe he needs to give up pretending to be a $95,000 senator in the USVI and move back home.
de Wolf grew up in Detroit. Maybe his style is better sported in America
wow, this is interesting… Does anyone have a link to anything that James has done for the island besides spend a hell of a lot of our tax dollars? Tax dollars that he is supposed to be contributing to? How does he get a check? Does he have an IRB affiliate who puts his papers to deh bottom of the pile? Is his chief of staff ROWE the same Rowe who owes money to deh storage facility every year as we can read it in deh paper? Did James ever answer any of the questions asked? Is James REALLY putting in hardwood floors for 10K? What else are we gonna find out about this guy?
Do we have any other Senators collecting a paycheck while still owing an outrageous tax debt? I’ll be dogmatic where it is due, and I do plan to receive a valid answer to a valid question from the person best suited to answer. Capische?
I’m with Proof – why didn’t Ms. Schluderman call on one of the other Senators. I don’t defend Mr. James dismal performance. Her tirade however, seems strangely pointed.
Wayne James is a poor choice to represent the people of the Virgin Islands. Hopefully the Voters will correct that in 2010.
George Bush was a poor choice TWICE. People make mistakes.
I Capiche(understand) that you let your anger get in the way of your goal. If you want to prove a point about Wayne James then keep calling, the more non-responsive he is the worse he will look.
If you really want help you will direct your cries to more responsive and sympathetic ears. How did you determine Wayne James the best person to answer a question concerning your tax return? Did you try Claudette Watson-Anderson, the Director of IRB? How responsive was she?
Capiche?
I really have to take a laugh at all of the above comments relating to Senator Wayne James,early in his term I watched him in the senate and all I got from him was giving us a history lesson! As someone mentioned that he hasn’t done anything YET!.IT IS FOR THAT SAME REASON THAT WE NEED TO REALLY LOOK AT PERSONS THAT WE PUT IN THE SENATE. Remember 2010 is around the corner maybe it would have been better if we had kept big suit surville in ( sorry for his name being mispelled)
It seems a few people really have it out for Senator James for some reason. What is the real story here?
Wayne got caught……..it is only a matter of time for the other’s on what THEY spend money on……Alvin on the inaugural, $6,500 and receipts to support $2,000…..hummmm. Why did we, the taxpayers have to pay for his trip out of our money?
Wayne has had trips to Denmark and now Cuba in the ‘name of education’. PERSONAL GAIN for his own portfolio and not for the VI….I hope he leaves here and gets back into dress designs in Saudi Arabia…….for men only.
Please, June, NEVER wish for Juan ‘steak and lobster’ and fat suit’ Serville EVER again!!! Let him flip burgers and get fatter still at McD’s and not eat at the expense of the taxpayers here.
That’s right, Grief. In the last election, Serville ended up getting voted out in the primary! If Wayne James is not careful, the same thing could happen to him.
I think the only senators on Stx that deserve to be re-elected are Nellie and Positive( if he runs for the senate). I strongly believe Positive should not make the run for governor , and should stay as a senator . For the Stt district i think Shawn Malone , and Donastorg are the only two deserve their seats back