CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Rules Committee of the Legislature voted 6 to 0 to send architect Stacy A. Bourne’s nomination to the full Senate body for approval.
Bourne, originally from St. Louis, Miss., faced generally exploratory questioning from six of the seven members of the committee this morning. Sen. Janet Millen-Young was absent.
Under questioning from Sen. Alicia “Chucky” Hansen of St. Croix, Bourne said she would respect the wishes of the people of St. Thomas-St. John who voted against casino gaming in their district, but somehow still allow Video Lottery Terminals or VLTs.
Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw told Bourne that she was concerned that “older” citizens, including members of her own family, had such a bad gambling problem that they were losing their properties to the bank over the addiction.
Sen. Terrance “Positive” Nelson said his concern was underage gambling, especially in St. Thomas, where VLTs dominate the landscape.
“There should be tighter restrictions on where they can be set up … VLTs,” Nelson said.
Hansen asked Bourne if she knew that as a member of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission she could not participate in local politics and the nominee said “yes.”
Coincidentally, it was Bourne’s birthday today and she thanked the Senators present for wishing her a happy birthday.
On the vote, Sens. Jean Forde, Myron Jackson, Sammuel Sanes, Sarauw and Novelle Francis Jr. voted yes in favor of forwarding Bourne’s nomination to the full Senate body for approval.
The Rules Committee of the 32nd Legislature is Chaired by Francis.
The Senate’s audio on the committee meeting streaming online occasionally went silent during the discussions of the nominee.
The Legislature reduced the number of commissioners on the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission from five members to three in 2015.
The Casino Control Commission is chaired by former St. Croix Sen. Violet Anne Golden.
The St. Croix commissioner already approved by the Senate is former St. Croix Sen. Raymond “Usie” Richards.
Bourne would make up the third and only vacant position on the Commission representing the St. Thomas-St, John district.
