Mayor seeks Tinian businesses’ help; shares successes and challenges

Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz sought yesterday the business sector’s help in further improving Tinian’s economy which he said has already seen some strides. These include making payments to an over $2 million debt he inherited from previous administrations, maintenance of tourist sites using old equipment, and forging a closer relationship with the U.S. military, not only to protect the island’s historic sites but also boost local business activities during training such as the ongoing Exercise Geiger Fury by Marine Aircraft Group-12 out of Japan.

Dela Cruz was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Tinian Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting at Fleming Restaurant.

“When we took office we made a commitment to help the economy of Tinian grow. We have demonstrated our commitment to creating a dynamic public-private sector relationship that would improve the quality of all our lives. We are doing that. Now we need your help,” he said in his speech.

The mayor’s speech before the Tinian business chamber was likened by some to a State of the Island Address. Over 40 members and guests were at the meeting.

Phillip Mendiola-Long, president of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, said in a phone interview that overall, the mayor’s message was “positive.”

“He’s got a lot of challenges but he has a grasp of what can and should be done. He is reaching out to the business community. We’ll help as much as we could,” Mendiola-Long said.

He said he will be appearing before a legislative committee to defend Tinian’s fiscal year 2013 budget, which includes request for new equipment and materials for tourism development projects.

Cruz said the only true measure of the island economy is the total business gross revenue receipts. This is why he has asked Tinian Resident Director of Commerce Jose Kiyoshi and Tinian Resident Director of Finance Edward Shai to monitor BGR receipts.

“Please allow them to visit your establishments and develop the database we need to justify an adequate annual central budget for Tinian,” he said.

The mayor said he will be asking the Tinian Legislative Delegation to introduce local legislation that would give the Tinian Municipal Fund “$1 for every visitor who rides on our roads in a tour bus or van, who uses one of our beaches for snorkeling or scuba tours, or who utilizes a scooter or all-terrain-vehicle on our roads.”

Funds collected will help maintain roads connecting historic sites on military leased lands.

Rep. Trenton Conner (R-Tinian) said he would like to know more about this proposal. He, however, said there is already an existing Tinian Local Law 15-12 that charges $5 on car rentals and $2 on scooters for a similar purpose. He said all that’s needed is to implement this law.

Conner also said the Legislature just recently passed a $15 charge on transient visitors or tourists checking in at hotels and similar facilities in the CNMI, and having new fees and charges may not be acceptable so some businesses.

Dela Cruz, in his prepared remarks, said his economic development task force recommended pushing for the long awaited military development of Tinian’s leased lands.

This is why he said he immediately began lobbying with the military leadership in Guam and in the Pacific, beginning with Admiral Beissel, then his replacement, the current Commander Joint Region Marianas, Rear Adm. Paul Bushong.

“In the face of an EIS to create a series of rifle ranges on Tinian, we negotiated a Programmatic Agreement that will protect access to North Field’s National Historic Monument and pay for its proper maintenance. I am pleased to report that we are now working toward an agreement with Naval Facilities Engineering Command that will give us at least $30,000 a year to maintain the National Historic Landmark,” he said.

Dela Cruz also said Tinian’s constant and somewhat expensive lobbying has paid off with the arrival of Marine Air Group-12 and its support group. Some 120 U.S. Marines from MAG-12 are now on Tinian, and some 100 more are expected in the days ahead for Exercise Geiger Fury, the largest military exercise in the CNMI in years.

“They arrived with a ‘buy local’ policy, of which many of you have already benefited. Others of you will shortly be selling coffee, chicken and ribs to the hardworking and hungry Marines at both West Field and North Field. Others still will feel the effect as the Marines begin to enjoy liberty in San Jose Village this weekend,” he added.

The mayor said developing the private sector economy has been problematic. The critical obstacles have been, and continue to be, the high cost of electricity and transportation, both sea and air, he added.

“There is little we can do about the cost of electricity; however we have worked diligently into resolving the problem of transportation. I have written to the Commonwealth Ports authority again, asking for their game plan to complete our now seven-year-old ‘new’ departure terminal, but have had no response. But will continue to push for its completion,” he said.

He also said they have a plan for obtaining roll-on, roll-off ferry boat service.

Dela Cruz said he has also been working closely with Star Marianas Air and the Guam Airport Authority to establish direct flights from Guam to Tinian.

“This will bring Guam players into the Dynasty Hotel and Casino, providing a direct infusion of cash into the Tinian Municipal Fund,” he added.