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Everybody’s fair share
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Posted on Sep 28 2005
A few days ago, a gentleman wrote to the editor apparently upset with the shortsightedness of MPLA in demanding payments from PTI/Verizon for utility lines that cross MPLA-controlled lands.
But you know, I think it’s a great idea and PTI/Verizon should pay up every penny now. Of course, as the gentleman stated, the pass-through of the additional costs to the public will no doubt increase our phone bills, probably just enough to offset the now defunct inter-island toll charges, if not more.
However, upon careful consideration, I must admit that the demand to PTI/Verizon is completely discriminatory. After all, if you are going to charge one agency for crossing your land (either above, on the surface or below), then shouldn’t you charge everybody that crosses your land?
Yes, its true, MPLA has been overly shortsighted in failing to realize the huge potential windfall by charging every agency, person or whatever that crossed its lands. Just about every utility crosses public lands: power, water, cable TV, even public works and road signs.
So let’s be fair and impose non-discriminatory charges on every entity that uses or crosses public lands in any way and be sure to levy the maximum allowed (or any amount you can get away with). MPLA’s coffers will be filled to overflowing in no time at all.
Just one minor detail: The influx of new-found monies won’t last too long, so MPLA should make good use of it while it’s there, perhaps even put it into a private, non-secured bank somewhere. After all, in a short time, all the entities paying in will have to go out of business, which seems to be the primary goal of this group anyway, and we will all get to finally enjoy a much simpler lifestyle. Like maybe a hundred or so years ago, when there was no power, running water, cable TV, telephone or even newspapers like this one for that matter.
Dr. Thomas D. Arkle Jr.
San Jose, Tinian
