Maybe a candidate to vote for

Oh, Alana. Mapp obviously got his game plan directly from Florida.

Except for the sugar taxes of course - gotta keep big sugar political contributors happy.

FL pols have become experts at add-on fees and taxes so they can say there is no state income tax.

Sin taxes (yep), outrageous property taxes (yep), fuel taxes (yep), corporate tax shenanigans (yep), periodic hiring freezes (yep), extra government charges for paying with credit cards (yep)

Then add on @ 6% sales tax on all purchases except food.

Don't know about what FL charges per head for cruise ship passengers.

Ironically, one of the best things to happen for FL and its myriad governments was the Gulf oil spill that created a great windfall of cash that has eased advancing taxing tactics.

Thanks, GM.

I realize that but in many ways it's still less expensive to live there and one actually benefits from the taxes that are paid. I'm ready to give it a whirl!
I'll still have my properties here until I decide whether my move is permanent.

I'm looking forward to having my mail and packages delivered to my door and not giving my trash a scenic island tour to dispose of, cheaper and fresher grocery produce, reduced electric bills. It will be strange to pay for water and septic!

We get very little here for our taxes we pay.
Our Islands are a mess.
Mapp is just drilling more holes in an already sinking ship at the detriment to our population. Our Senators aren't much better for going along and increasing VI debt rather than finding ways to decrease it without burdening the taxpayers, even more.

Not a fan of Rick Scott, either, btw.

I'm looking forward to having my mail and packages delivered to my door and not giving my trash a scenic island tour to dispose of, cheaper and fresher grocery produce, reduced electric bills. It will be strange to pay for water and septic!

When I'm in NC my trash goes on it's own tour to the drop-off and I don't pay for water and septic (except for the power to run it). Ironically mangoes are cheaper in the store but I can't get them from the neighbor next store or at the stand by the post office.

On STX I do pay for water (and still have to filter the rust out of it) and sewer and my trash only gets a 100yd tour to the dumpster.

All depends on where you live.

But all these new fee proposals, starting to sound like taxylvania all over again! Phewy

....

But all these new fee proposals, starting to sound like taxylvania all over again! Phewy

😀

I was just about to post that I may as well move back to Pennsylvania.

I personally think Mapp is going for the nickle and dime taxes so he can hire more cronies to administer them.

I wonder if he's considered how far cigarette sales will drop once they are no longer a big bargain for tourists.

Janelle, as a candidate, should have exercised a bit more tact in her response. Saying "please don't insult my intelligence or ability to think freely" doesn't come across very well. If I lived on STT I might consider not voting for her as well.

Ms. Sarauw works in the Lt. Governor's Office as a chief researcher
and director of special projects and has held that position since Mapp was annointed. Given the propensity of this administration to "cherry pick" supporters of Mapp for positions in his administration, it's good to be aware.

I'm completely opposed to gambling in the VI.
It doesn't attract tourism, provides low paying jobs and causes huge problems that affects the locals who can't afford to be gambling.
It can destroy lives.

Anyone can talk about what they wish to do but they should have plans already formulated about tackling the issues and the problems.
That is true for all candidates.
That is what's missing from the majority of platforms of candidates running for Senate seats.

I did ask the candidate a specific question, however. Let's see if we get a response.

Alana, I agree with you 100%. I want to see detailed plans - not just hear complaints. And the plans need to identify how they will be funded.

I also want someone to please explain how there are purportedly funds in an account for roads that are not being spent. I think they're GARVEE funds that O'Reilly pushed for.

And what has happened to the Centennial Commission money? They received $500,000 from feds, and aren't they still getting money from license plates? So far they only have an Executive Director and a website. Where are the sponsors and revenue projections? Who's been invited? Who's agreed to come? What are the goals for next hundred years?

I would also like to see candidates and senators supporting nonprofit organizations with transparency. Many of the things they claim to fix are goals of an established nonprofit. My Brothers Workshop and Marine Vocational Program are just 2 that seem to have viable programs that offer solutions for young people. Most of the senators say they want to offer solutions for "youths" but don't seem to be aware of the programs that are trying to address the problems the senators/candidates claim they can solve.

I want to see a list of the senate supported charities that they funded with $1.5 million. If anybody has seen it, please provide link. In the mean time, I'm trying to track it down.