Iver Stridiron is Legislature's new executive director
Published: January 10, 2013
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ST. THOMAS - While the 30th Legislature is still a few days away from being sworn in, a new executive director already has been hired.
Former senator and former V.I. attorney general Iver Stridiron said he will take the administrative reigns of the 30th Legislature on Feb. 1.
"I'd like to go and be able to help and restore some of the respect that the Legislature has lost in the community," Stridiron said.
He said he values transparency and is coming to the job with the understanding that the senators do, too.
"That's what the members of the Legislature have promised, even while running for office," he said.
Stridiron is replacing Pamela Richards Samuel, who abruptly quit in early December, after writing a scathing letter critical of the practices of the 29th Legislature and saying it lacked professionalism, transparency and respect.
Stridiron said he hopes to put in place needed structures for employee work rules and how the Senate conducts its business.
"The whole objective is that the central staff is providing services to senators and constituents, to make the work of senators seamless and efficient," Stridiron said.
He said he has a fondness for the institution, because he served as an elected senator in the 14th, 16th and 17th Legislatures.
"It's an opportunity to do something a little different," he said Wednesday. "I've been a lawyer for more than 30 years, and I thought it would be a nice change."
After serving his last term in the Senate, Stridiron went into private law practice from 1989 to 1999. He then was chosen by former Gov. Charles Turnbull to serve as V.I. attorney general, which he did from 1999 to 2005.
Stridiron then became legal counsel for the newly established Waste Management Authority.
He will start his new job Feb. 1.
Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone, who is expected to be elected Senate president after the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, said he would be releasing a formal statement Friday and declined to comment.
- Contact Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi.
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