Who Cares Where the Governor Lives

There have been so many articles in the paper over the last few months about Governor Mapp leasing a "mansion." Frankly, this obsession by the local media is ridiculous.

We are unfortunate in the USVI to have a very high poverty level. Therefore, there is a large percentage of residents that can barely afford to pay any rent, nevertheless a high rent of over $10K per month, as was being done by the Governor. But what people need to understand is that this is our Governor, we elected him to oversee our territory, and we have to trust him to lead. There are many homes on island that lease for similar prices. Though they are typically homes for vacation rentals or high net worth individuals, the local people of the Virgin Islands must realize that we need to give our Governor a place to live that can also be used for proper entertaining.

Mapp has a very difficult job, and it is not met with free time to just relax at his home. It is non-stop. And there are constant visitors to the island that must be entertained and accommodated. So taxpayer money used for living and entertaining is not going overboard. His residence must be secure, comfortable, and appealing to outside guests. Image is important in this world.

I personally know that his residence was not over the top or extravagant. It was suitable for our highest in office without going overboard. And it is very unfortunate that the media has tried to use this against him to make him look like a crook or somebody overusing his office. I would instead encourage the media to embrace such and realize it is important.

One last note: I do not know Mapp personally. This is not a blog written because we are personal friends, or any other reason to benefit me or him. It is my opinion about this issue which I find a waste of time, and purposeful criticism of our Governor who should be getting our support on this, not our criticism. If you have a problem with this, then run for Governor yourself, at which time you should be entitled to similar housing.