Before We Go Back On Break … Let’s Talk About This Election
So before we return to our justifiably interrupted break, we’d like to respond to the calls for some comment from candidates concerning the whirlwind of controversy surrounding the backwash from the general election.
And before we’re accused of tripping into the vineyard of sour grapes we’ll stipulate that our position is not based on the belief that if every one of the outstanding votes, be they paper, absentee or provisional, was counted that we would take a seat in the Legislature.
That being said, we’ve got some grave concerns about what we’ve observed since last Tuesday – and you should too.
Bear in mind that even the state of Florida has managed to count its outstanding votes, and declare a victory for President Barack Obama. Can we really believe that there hasn’t been enough time to make that determination in the Virgin Islands?
The problems started even before Election Day. The sample ballot distributed was not the same ballot as the one voters saw at the polls. As early as 9 a.m., callers to local radio were reporting that paper ballots were not available, or that poll workers did not seem knowledgeable about the process.
Since that time, information has been inconsistent about even the number of non-machine ballots waiting to be counted; the security of those ballots; and the accuracy of the counts that have proceeded.
Atty. General Vincent Frazer has launched an investigation based on the number of complaints – but since news reports have already quoted him as saying the investigation will examine “unfounded” complaints about the election, we’re not holding out much hope for that one; a few candidates have said they too will challenge the results; and some of our bloggers are calling for a new election.
We agree with our bloggers. This election should be recalled. And nothing should be certified before the Federal Audit scheduled to begin November 19.
When we reported on the upcoming audit on October 27 (link below), we questioned then why it wasn’t happening until after this election. And based on the turmoil the circumstances this election has caused, we believe more than ever that should have been the case.
The scope of the audit can easily be extended to cover the most recent election and if there is any hope of returning any credibility to this tarnished process, we believe this is it.
It is curious that most of the candidates who should have a keen interest in the resolution of this issue have not spoken out. Aside from Lawrence “Recon” Olive, we haven’t heard a word. The margins for many of them could be dramatically affected by the results of the 3000+ uncounted ballots. So why has there been no louder outcry?
Freeze the process. Delay certification. Extend the scope of the Federal Audit.
And then we’ll see what happens.
We’re going back on break now. But we’ll be watching.
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Here is the article……
They are so proud of themselves for the increase…..check out who voted for it…….
http://stcroixsource.com/content/news/local-news/2012/11/21/senate-increases-tobacco-excise-taxes-thanksgiving-bill
The $2million is still there for the taking by the 30th legislature. We are being lied to again.
A budget shortfall is a joke and White’s explanation of some of the money going for ‘friends and family’ to ‘travel’ for the senators inaugural is being self serving when the money is being borrowed. Remember last inaugural how the senators spent money on each island and had a big time celebrating fat Young’s b’day to boot?
If this bunch of miscreants start out of the box spending borrowed money on themselves we are in for one heck of a two year ride.
We are suffering here and the ‘leaders’ act as if they are Marie Antoinette ‘let them eat cake’ mentality.
Can you feel a recall coming on all islands????????
@ 11.58:
True,I’m not in close proximity,but from where I am ? Nah,I don’t see or ‘feel’ anything coming.So wish I did,though.
John Abrahamson is not/has not retired, as Kim Jones and Doug on 93.5 keep ‘reporting’ and telling their audience in error, by the way.
Otherwise everyone would know who the acting supervisor is. He left for an undisclosed amount of time, no memo,
no delegation of authority, and word to staff not to talk to the media or face
disciplinary action.
If JA is MIA and the Daily News reports…no yellow journalism there, as AGAIN Kim and drunk Hansen keep ‘reporting’ or rather ‘pontificating’. At least one media outlet has the guts to call out injustice. I do hope the next time Abrahamson is ‘off island’ it is in a federal penitentiary for a very long time.
…the election controversy goes on…
John Abrahamson is not/has not retired, as Kim Jones and Doug on 93.5 keep ‘reporting’ and telling their audience in error, by the way.
Otherwise everyone would know who the acting supervisor is. He left for an undisclosed amount of time, no memo,
no delegation of authority, and word to staff not to talk to the media or face
disciplinary action.
If JA is MIA and the Daily News reports…no yellow journalism there, as AGAIN Kim and drunk Hansen keep ‘reporting’ or rather ‘pontificating’. At least one media outlet has the guts to call out injustice. I do hope the next time Abrahamson is ‘off island’ it is in a federal penitentiary for a very long time.
…the election controversy goes on…