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Compromise sought in Tatachug dispute
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Posted on May 17 2000
House Committee on Education Chair Brigida Ichihara is urging members of the Board of Education and Rota leaders to reach a compromise on the long-standing dispute over the proposed Tatachug facilities instead of fighting over the projects.
Ms. Ichihara expressed high hopes that the warring parties will somehow zero in on an agreement which would be beneficial to all concerned, especially the children of Rota.
Some months earlier, the Education Committee approved a legislation seeking to expedite the proposed educational facilities at Tatachug, Rota subject to certain conditions.
“We already passed it. Of course if the conditions are not met, then the projects must not proceed. I know BOE is still opposed to the project. But that was the best way we can approach that bill,” she said.
“I am still hoping and praying that they can dialogue because we all need to communicate and understand one another so that they can move on.
“They cannot continue to keep fighting. One has to give in — either stop the relocation or just stay where they’re at or do the relocation and work together,” the congresswoman suggested.
BOE members last week were locked in a heated argument over the proposed facilities, mainly objecting on Tatachug as the construction site. Tatachug is far away from two of Rota’s high schools.
Rota leaders are planning to erect three separate facilities on the said site namely a JROTC building, a vocational education building, and a public library.
Board members feel that Rota leaders are curtailing the agency’s function as an autonomous government agency by pushing through with the project without prior approval from the board.
On the other hand, Rota leaders are intent to build the education facilities which will benefit not only public school students on Rota but also the whole community since the proposed library is targeted to serve all residents of Rota.
BOE members are worried that overseeing the maintenance of the facilities would be difficult for the Public School System if it were to be constructed away from the school campuses.
The proposed site is also reportedly beside a poorly-managed dump site. (MM)
