Eugene Farrell (U.S. Virgin Islands)
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Eugene Farrell (independent) ran for election to the U.S. Virgin Islands Senate to represent St. Thomas-St. John. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Farrell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Eugene Farrell was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1990. He earned a graduate degree from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2013. His career experience includes working in public administration as a senior advisor and chief of staff to the governor.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature elections, 2024
General election
General election for U.S. Virgin Islands Senate St. Thomas-St. John District (7 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Virgin Islands Senate St. Thomas-St. John District on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Milton Potter (D) | 12.1 | 4,143 |
| ✔ |  | Alma Francis Heyliger (Independent) | 11.8 | 4,032 |
| ✔ | Dwayne DeGraff (Independent) | 11.0 | 3,764 | |
| ✔ | Marvin Blyden (D) | 10.4 | 3,564 | |
| ✔ |  | Carla Joseph (D) | 10.2 | 3,483 |
| ✔ |  | Avery Lewis (D) | 10.1 | 3,470 |
| ✔ |  | Ray Fonseca (D) | 6.9 | 2,372 |
 | Shenelle Fina Francis (D) | 6.3 | 2,155 | |
Eugene Farrell (Independent)  | 5.2 | 1,798 | ||
| Michael A. Smith (D) | 3.6 | 1,243 | ||
| Derrick Callwood (R) | 3.6 | 1,238 | ||
| Margaret Price (Independent Citizens Movement) | 2.8 | 943 | ||
| Krishna Kilaru (Independent) | 2.6 | 894 | ||
| Collister Fahie (R) | 2.1 | 723 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.3 | 462 | ||
| Total votes: 34,284 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Francis Serieux (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Derrick Callwood and Collister Fahie advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Virgin Islands Senate St. Thomas-St. John District.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Farrell in this election.
2020
See also: U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Education election, 2020
General election
General election for U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Education St. Thomas District (2 seats)
Incumbent Kyza Callwood and Nandi Sekou defeated Eugene Farrell in the general election for U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Education St. Thomas District on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kyza Callwood (D) | 41.0 | 3,988 | |
| ✔ |  | Nandi Sekou (D) | 40.9 | 3,983 |
| Eugene Farrell (Independent) | 17.1 | 1,664 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.0 | 96 | ||
| Total votes: 9,731 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Education St. Thomas District (2 seats)
Incumbent Kyza Callwood and Nandi Sekou defeated incumbent Arah Lockhart and Judith Edwin in the Democratic primary for U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Education St. Thomas District on August 1, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kyza Callwood | 31.7 | 998 | |
| ✔ | | Nandi Sekou | 31.5 | 990 |
 | Arah Lockhart | 24.9 | 785 | |
| Judith Edwin | 11.6 | 365 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 9 | ||
| Total votes: 3,147 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Eugene Farrell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Farrell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Eugene Farrell is a dedicated public servant with over 30 years of leadership experience. He has led the VI Fire Service, served as the chief of staff under Governor Kenneth Mapp, and served in the US Army for 35 years. Eugene’s commitment to public service makes him the ideal candidate to represent the people of St. Thomas and St. John in the 36th Legislature of the US Virgin Islands.
- Eugene D. Farrell’s campaign philosophy is accountability, integrity, and ethical governance. Relying on his extensive background in public service, including over 35 years of military service and significant leadership roles within the local government, Farrell advocates for a legislative process characterized by honesty and transparency. His dedication to ethical governance involves creating rigorous anti-corruption measures, ensuring that all government actions are subject to public scrutiny, and fostering an environment where public officials are held to the highest standards.
- Community involvement is critical to meeting the needs of a community because “they know what they need!” Empowering citizens to have a direct say in legislative processes and decision-making helps them understand the legislative process, government operations, and civic responsibilities, leading to a more informed electorate. This empowerment is transformative. Eugene D. Farrell prioritizes creating avenues for citizen influence through regular public consultations, town hall meetings, and inclusive forums. He aims to enhance public trust, promote democratic values, and ensure policies reflect US Virgin Islander’s diverse needs and aspirations.
- Eugene D. Farrell’s vision for the U.S. Virgin Islands includes fostering sustainable economic development. He advocates for policies that support education and small businesses, stimulate tourism, and attract investment in local infrastructure to create job opportunities and bolster the economy. Additionally, leveraging his experience as a Chief of staff, Farrell is committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency and human services. He plans to ensure that the hospitals are adequately resourced and equipped to service the community. Through economic stimulus, we pay for services needed, thereby contributing to a safer and more prosperous U.S. Virgin Islands.
Eugene D. Farrell's campaign prioritizes economic development by supporting small businesses, promoting tourism, and encouraging investment in infrastructure to create jobs. He aims to enhance emergency response efficiency and ensure adequate funding for emergency services. His commitment to government accountability and integrity focuses on promoting transparency and implementing strict anti-corruption measures. Farrell emphasizes youth education and sports, enhancing educational resources and encouraging youth participation to foster teamwork and healthy lifestyles. For veteran affairs, he advocates improving housing, and healthcare for veterans. Additionally, Farrell is dedicated to community engagement and empowering citizens
I believe in a transparent, accountable government that truly represents the people's needs. My political philosophy centers on the principles of ethical governance, an educated, informed, and involved community that focuses on sustainable development. I will advocate for a participatory democracy where citizens have a direct say in legislative processes and decision-making. I stress the importance of integrity in leadership and is committed to combating corruption and ensuring that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.
integrity, determination and loyalty
As a legislator, I see myself as a servant-leader dedicated to representing the interests of his constituents. A legislator’s office should be a bridge between the government and the people, facilitating open dialogue and collaboration. I see my responsibilities as multifaceted: crafting and enacting laws that promote education, economic growth, public health, and safety; providing oversight to ensure that government operations are transparent and accountable; and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for all citizens. I am committed to being accessible and responsive, regularly engaging with the community to understand their concerns and aspirations. My perception is that a legislator should be a champion for the people, working tirelessly to address their needs and enhance their well-being.
September 11th
Being Mis-understood
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one of collaboration and cooperation, characterized by regular communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to addressing the state's challenges. Maintaining a system of checks and balances is equally important, with the legislature providing oversight to ensure the executive branch operates within the law and implements policies effectively. Open and honest dialogue, including discussions on policy initiatives, budget proposals, and legislative priorities, is crucial for understanding each other's perspectives and finding common ground. The governor and the legislature must respect each other's constitutional roles, with the governor respecting the legislature's authority to make laws and allocate funds and the legislature respecting the governor's role in executing and enforcing laws. The relationship should prioritize problem-solving and practical outcomes over partisan politics, focusing on improving the state's well-being. Both branches should be transparent and accountable to the public, building trust and ensuring their actions reflect the will and needs of the people. By working together within a system of checks and balances, the governor and the state legislature can effectively govern and address the needs of their constituents
Yes, I believe it is highly beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. Collaboration and strong working relationships among legislators are essential for effective governance and achieving meaningful progress. By fostering positive relationships, legislators can share diverse perspectives, knowledge, and expertise, leading to more comprehensive and well-rounded policy decisions. These relationships facilitate constructive dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, which are crucial for passing legislation that addresses the needs of all constituents. Additionally, strong relationships with fellow legislators can help build coalitions and garner support for important initiatives, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective governance. Building these connections also fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, creating a more cohesive and productive legislative environment
Governor Kenn Mapp
I met John, a quadriplegic resident of our district. He shared with me his struggles with using the local library. Despite his passion for reading and learning, John couldn’t access the library due to inadequate wheelchair accessibility and an inoperable elevator. The building lacked ramps and had narrow doorways, making it impossible for him to navigate the space. The library was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More distressingly, the library’s restrooms were not equipped for someone with his needs. As a result, John often had to endure the indignity of not being able to use the restroom, which led to him smelling of urine.
John looked at me and said, “We elected you to take care of us.” John’s story was a stark reminder of the everyday challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and others in our community. His words resonated deeply with me and highlighted our government’s critical need to serve the people. No one should be denied access or subjected to indignities. We must do better, and we can!
A bill placing the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority in state receivership. For far too long, the people of the Virgin Islands have suffered from WAPA’s inconsistent power generation. Receivership offers a comprehensive solution to address its current challenges. It brings transparency, experienced management, financial stability, enhanced service delivery, infrastructure upgrades, restored public trust, regulatory compliance, and economic benefits, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective authority.
Senator Franklin D Johnson
Government Operations, Education, Economic Development and Public Safety
I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Ensuring that government operations and finances are open to public scrutiny builds trust between citizens and their elected officials. Governments should provide easy access to all financial records, including budgets, expenditures, and contracts, and offer regular, comprehensible reports on spending and revenue. Strong oversight mechanisms, such as independent audit agencies and legislative committees, are essential to monitor activities and hold officials accountable. Public officials must adhere to strict ethical standards, with clear consequences for corruption. Encouraging citizen participation in financial decisions and utilizing technology to publish and analyze data further enhances transparency and accountability. By fostering openness, rigorous oversight, and public engagement, we can create a more accountable and transparent government that truly serves the people.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Eugene Farrell did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2024 Elections
Government
External links
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Candidate U.S. Virgin Islands Senate St. Thomas-St. John District |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 10, 2024
Current members of the U.S. Virgin Islands Senate
Leadership
Senators
At-large district
Angel Bolques (D)
St. Croix
Novelle Francis (D)
Hubert Frederick (D)
Kenneth Gittens (D)
Marise James (D)
Franklin Johnson (I)
Clifford Joseph (D)
Kurt Vialet (D)
St. Thomas-St. John
Marvin Blyden (D)
Dwayne DeGraff (I)
Ray Fonseca (D)
Alma Heyliger (I)
Carla Joseph (D)
Avery Lewis (D)
Milton Potter (D)
Democratic Party (12)
Independent (3)
