Vote wisely, say former Chamber leaders

As the CNMI gears up for the gubernatorial elections in November 2001, two former presidents of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday urged the public to elect officials who they feel would be able to improve the business climate and streamline government operations.

Joe Ayuyu, owner of McDonald’s, said the biggest challenge the elected leaders will face is how to stabilize the continuous decline in the island’s economy. Any improvement on the economy will only be realized if the elected leader would be serious in repealing anti-business legislation, he said.

“What we need in government is an honest and strong leadership –- someone who can take charge of things and work closely with the federal government,” Mr. Ayuyu said.

Amid the decline in revenues, the next elected leader should not hesitate to streamline government operations, a move which many people would consider unpopular by many people, said Efrain F. Camacho, president of EFC.

“It may be political suicide but if it is the only way for the government to survive, then it should be done,” he said. Businesses have always criticized the high salaries and benefits given by the government thus, directly competing with the private sector in terms of hiring locals for the job.

But the responsibility of saving the CNMI government from bankruptcy does not rest on elected leaders alone. Mr. Camacho, also former head of the Chamber, said the people should also begin changing their attitude by recognizing their responsibilities.

Both business leaders believe that it will take about two years before the island’s economy will show any signs of improvement as the situation is expected to get worse with the continuous increase in prices of oil.

“We are not getting better and what makes it sad is that we seem to believe immediately any sign of increase in tourist arrivals or federal financial grant as a sign of economic relief,” said Mr. Camacho.

In looking for solutions to resolve the economic difficulties confronting the CNMI, the government, the private sector and the whole community should work as a team, according to Mr. Ayuyu.

“If we have to make sacrifices, the people should not be the only ones who should do so. The government should set an example by asking various government agencies to turn off lights in the evening since it is extremely a waste of money,” he said. (LFR)