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Additional actions that Governor Inos can take
Governor Inos is doing the right thing by writing to the White House seeking discussions with Mr. Obama on worker immigration and military proposals for Pagan and Tinian. This action is politically courageous because it will bring more attention to the needs and concerns of Chamorros and residents of the NMI.
Governor Inos may also want to consider taking additional steps such as sending a similar letter to appropriate Members of Congress such as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to express his concerns over these issues and how they relate to the U.S.-NMI relationship.
The governor may also want to consider writing to the Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work as well as the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus so that they are made formally aware of what is taking place in the NMI.
The last consideration would be to have Governor Inos either fly to Washington as one possible follow-on action or hire a lobby shop to meet with select Members of Congress as well as key leaders in the Pentagon.
Despite the fact that the NMI is small and remotely located, the people of the NMI have the right to disapprove of existing military proposals as well as initiate efforts to achieve their desires on immigration.
Success may be achieved if Governor Inos can generate more unity of effort with NMI lawmakers and Congressman Sablan to take one unified position on these two issues. I wish him luck because he is demonstrating courage and staying focused.
Rick Perez
Hanover, NH
