My name is Craig Barshinger and I am running as an at-large delegate to the fifth constitutional convention. I ask for one of your at-large votes.
I have lived on St. John for 28 years. I was born in California and lived as a youth in New York and Pennsylvania. I spent my adult life in the Virgin Islands. I went to the University of Delaware where I studied biology and chemistry. I went to graduate school at the University of Aix-Marseille where I studied marine biology. I have worked for DPNR Division of Fish & Wildlife and for the Dept. of Education.
I served as the senator at large in the 26th legislature where I championed grassroots causes such as universal health insurance for employed persons and workplaces free from sexual harassment. Through diplomacy, I broke the impasse between the governor and the senate on the animal cruelty bill, which had languished for four years. This kind of consensus-building is the single most important skill that a delegate to the Constitutional Convention should have. I have been very involved in community activities. I am or have been a member or on the board of thirteen organizations.
In writing our Constitution, we must focus on what we as a people want as our governing document, and replace the "Organic Act" with a Constitution of our own choosing. I believe in the unity of our people. I hope that the foolish talk that accentuates our differences will not cloud the truth of our common purpose: All Virgin Islanders want economic opportunity, fair treatment before the law, good education of our children, and responsive government that fulfills people's needs. We are diverse on the surface, and alike in deep and important ways.
It is important that we build into the Constitution ways of preserving and enhancing Virgin Islands culture. The Virgin Islands is my home, this is my culture, and I want to see it respected and preserved.
A form of municipal government that brings government closer to the people should be built into our Constitution.
Rather than fight for any one provision, however, I will "fight" for compromise, so that at the end of the Constitution-writing process, we have one that Virgin Islanders will be proud to ratify and call our own.
We embark upon a momentous undertaking with the writing of our Constitution. I ask for one of your at-large votes. Additionally, I ask that you send civic-minded persons with a genuine interest in finding the common threads of our dreams and hopes, and weave them into a beautiful tapestry that we will call our Constitution.
I am #4 on the ballot in both districts. For biographical and other information please look at www.barshinger.net .
Thank you.
-Craig Barshinger
