Stop twisting the truth

It is very disturbing that a representative would choose to publicly try and convict individuals and businesses in the media without getting his facts straight. Clearly, all the responses that GPSM made to the Engine Selection Committee and the CUC board were not divulged to the Legislature, which would have vindicated GPSM. Yet, Rep. Propst has chosen to paint an unfair picture of GPSM and has soiled the reputations of good standing people. The legislative oversight committees could have invited GPSM to testify at the hearings, but chose not to and accepted the misrepresentations of Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Sirok. If the Public Auditor and the FBI are conducting investigations, why does Mr. Propst continue his own trial in the media of GPSM? I had no idea that doing business in the CNMI would be so vicious.

In the ethics complaint filed by Mr. Propst, he questions Jim Espaldon acting as my attorney. Jim is a friend of many years and a confidant that I trust. He has never been my attorney nor has he represented himself to be an attorney for GPSM. What does his title as senator to do with this is irrelevant. Jim Espaldon was chosen as chief negotiator because he is a valued and trusted friend. Our team of professionals recognized Jim’s professionalism and the team collectively decided that he should represent us as the team’s negotiator. This is what good business people do.

My résumé as a woman, small business owner speaks for itself. I have worked for an engineering firm and a construction company prior to opening my own business. I’ve worked for over 22 years in the construction and waste industries. I’ve personally put together RFP and bid proposals for successfully completed projects in the CNMI, Guam, the Marshall Islands, the FSM, and Alaska. In preparing and planning a project you assemble a team of subject matter experts and professionals to deliver a quality project for clients.

GPSM did exactly that: we teamed with an OEM engine manufacturer, a qualified engineering company, NV5, who was familiar with the issues in the CMNI, and an environmental engineering firm to handle issues with USEPA. The truth is Fairbanks Morse, a company that was started in 1885, was supplying the engine that GPSM was purchasing for the project at a negotiated price and GPSM, along with assistance from Fairbanks Morse and NV5, an engineering company with over 65 years of experience, was assisting GPSM in installing the unit. Fairbanks Morse only makes the engine and there is nothing wrong or illegal with GPSM arranging this legal deal to fulfill the CNMI’s power needs. Where is the fraud in this?

Part of my team is my husband of over 25 years. Robert has a vast knowledge of the construction industry and I highly value his expertise. I trust him to represent me, that’s what husbands and wives do, we trust each other. I consider myself lucky to have such a smart and talented spouse who I can rely on. As a businesswoman, I don’t need to be a subject matter expert in everything, so long as I surround myself with good business professionals. This is good business and that’s what successful businesses do.

It is very apparent that Rep. Propst does not want to accept the explanation in my letter, that I put together a “team,” not partners, for the purchase and installation of the engine—meaning no one was a partner if you understand what “GPSM’s sole responsibility” means. This was stated clearly in the original submission and further clarified on three separate occasions in writing and in videoconferences with the selection committee. You are purposely misquoting the facts, and playing semantics with the word partnership for your political benefit.

Furthermore, I find it strange that a representative would advocate the awarding of a contract to a foreign company in Finland versus a CNMI company using local labor and local businesses and suppliers, all who pay local taxes. Why would you advocate awarding a contract to a foreign company and exempt them from paying almost $1 million in local taxes?

The job of the government is to provide stable infrastructure for its citizens and the community at large. Its common knowledge that the power system is unstable. The water supply is not potable due to saltwater intrusion, a problem that has existed for many years. Yet Mr. Propst calls reverse osmosis a “scheme.” This “scheme” is the same technology being used by local water suppliers on Saipan for bottled water. If this “scheme” of reverse osmosis works for communities around the world, why is it not good enough for the people of Saipan? Should the community continue to suffer because of Mr. Propst’s lack of vision or solutions to improve the quality of life in the CNMI?

It is sad to see a lawmaker make so many false allegations and assumptions and even get the Legislature to follow his lead. He continues to plead for someone else like the OPA, FBI and even the Guam Legislature to do his bidding. Rep. Propst continues to ignore the fact that it was the Selection Committee who chose GPSM and not the board who only ratified the Selection Committee’s recommendations. Who is really wrong: the board or the committee made up of senior management and power plant personnel?

GPSM, my husband, and I are looking forward to the day when the dust settles so that everyone can see the truth in this matter. I truly hope Rep. Ed. Propst will stop twisting the truth to his political advantage and refrain from making disparaging remarks against us, the former members of the CUC board, and our business associates and friends. As I stated before we welcome any formal process to resolve this matter because GPSM won the bid and should be awarded the contract.

Amellia Toelkes
President/owner, GPSM