How to become involved with local politics

And even though we have close to a population of 100,000, you can get elected with only 6,000 people. Focus on them and don't try to please everyone.

IMO, that's part of the problem. Only about 6,000 people have representation (government workers and retirees).

And even though we have close to a population of 100,000, you can get elected with only 6,000 people. Focus on them and don't try to please everyone.

IMO, that's part of the problem. Only about 6,000 people have representation (government workers and retirees).

As I said, build your constituency and talk to it. Social media can get you to people you might not otherwise reach. Narrow cast rather than broadcast. (think Trump - he's really masterful at this - unfortunately).

If the right 6,000 people know you and vote for you, then do you need others?

The only 6,000 constituency are the government workers. Every other group may have may have at most 100 people.

The only 6,000 constituency are the government workers. Every other group may have may have at most 100 people.

Then you start a social media campaign to grow your constituency. Even in the VI, it can be done.

Start a social media campaign to grow a constituency through FB or Twitter.

Avoid super secret groups though (sorry had to say that).

This is really a great thread and there have been some insightful comments.

For someone who is not in the political scene, seems like long shot, but possible with the right approach.

I would like to clarify that my initial question was meant for anyone who might be interested in getting into local politics not necessarily myself. If it seems impossible, then the ones we need to step up to the plate never will.

We can all agree on one thing, CHANGE is needed. Ushering out the old regime will take time, but it has to happen at some point, might as well be now.

If I did decide to become involved, I would make education my number one priority. I think it should be for every nation and state. Number two would be policing the territory. Number three would be infrastructure. By focusing on these three areas, we could establish a foundation from which to build a solid future. Raising bright leaders, stomping out crime, and offering a first class infrastructure which would create jobs, attract new industries, and put the Virgin Islands in the spotlight. Think Singapore of the Caribbean.

Lofty ideas yes, but not unattainable with cooperation, appropriate use of federal funding, and out of the box thinking.

All the senators have those 3 items on their platform. It's like Groundhog Day. The candidates need to say HOW they plan to implement their proposals so voters can determine feasibility.

But, now that some of the bonds have been downgraded, somethings will have to give.

But, now that some of the bonds have been downgraded, somethings will have to give.

I doubt that will be the trigger... but its a step in the right direction.

the VI government is bloated and needs to be cut, probably in half; salaries for many positions should be reduced on the order of 20-50% (depending on position) to bring them more in line with... reality.

Wapa needs to sold if possible.

GERS needs a complete re-structure.

These things are going to be painful for those individuals involved (as already mentioned, they are likely the majority of voters that actually show up at the polls).

I believe we are going to have to hit some actual tangible "hard times" and a bond downgrade is not it... not for that block of voters.

Once a population learns it can vote itself money, they don't vote for LESS money; not without a serious motivating force...

The only 6,000 constituency are the government workers. Every other group may have may have at most 100 people.

constituency = a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

1) Puerto Ricans
2) White people
3) LGBT
4) people that own their own house
5) people that live on food stamps
6) and so on

All are examples of a constituency.

Reduce the number of Senators from 15 to 7 for a population 110,000.
No more than 3 terms can be served consecutively.
After 3 terms must wait out 2 terms to be eligible to run again.
Reduce lifetime benefits.
Reduce salaries.
Our Senators are the highest paid, 2nd only to California where each senator is responsible for vastly higher population numbers than here.
It's a travesty.

Reduce the number of Senators from 15 to 7 for a population 110,000.
No more than 3 terms can be served consecutively.
After 3 terms must wait out 2 terms to be eligible to run again.
Reduce lifetime benefits.
Reduce salaries.
Our Senators are the highest paid, 2nd only to California where each senator is responsible for vastly higher population numbers than here.
It's a travesty.

I think VI Senators' jobs are more similar to small county or small city commissioners than to state senators (at least in FL).

FL senators do not work full-time. the assumption is they have other full-time employment. Commissioners, on the other hand, are full-time employees and command salaries within range of the VI senators.

#Spartygrad95-2018

You've got my vote!