Stanley, stop beating on an old horse

Did the governor cut back on your office budget already, Stanley? Does it have something to do with your current lawsuit to halt the governor from reprogramming and spending of government funds? So you want more than just a new coat of paint for those horrible bile green walls? You want that money back, huh? Can’t blame you, though, those were the good ol’ years, hey, Stanley, when money flowed unchecked, the Legislature got theirs without question and who cared about the budget then? Who cared about the deficit or fiscal responsibility? It was a team effort, remember?!

For those who forget here’s the kicker: weren’t you accused of hiring phantom employees before you skated on a technicality? That cost us taxpayers a pretty penny as long as it lasted. That was real, real close. You figured no one would notice, right Stanley? I remember those hugs and kisses and the huge smile on your face when you profusely thanked everybody for not going to jail. Nice copy.

Stanley, forget the new office paint job or that you can’t even borrow the Legislature’s attorney to press a lawsuit against the governor. And be nice. Instead of doing your minority bloc worse by mud-raking and throwing obstacles in Governor Fitial’s path, look on the good side of things, you been up there long enough.

This guy has potentially two dozen investors professing an interest in the CNMI because of his presence and business acumen. With all the other governors you judiciously harangued during your terms, answer me honestly these two questions:

– Whoever brought in two dozen commitments in only 100 days in office?

– And what’s so wrong in waiting awhile for those two dozen or so investors to makeup their minds?

Only in their dreams, no other governor since the Commonwealth’s inception three decades ago could ever conceive of or come close to amassing a $2 billion plus in potential investments! And that is what the CNMI is looking forward to in 2007! Not even you, Stanley. Time’s up.

Buddy, we understand your headline-grabbing, grandstanding is meant to demonstrate your fiduciary duty to our community. Uh-uh, not this time. In the past, under the other administrations you served with? Righteous, justified and understandable: they were blowing away the CNMI’s monies with no care for tomorrow. I know, I was right there with you—then. What you’re doing today is clearly designed to serve Stanley Torres’ personal interest and not the community as a whole.

You want what you got elected for: the free money.

And Stanley, do something good and for once go pass a real bill? And while you’re at it, one that can finally benefit and not hinder our community?

Holani Smith
via e-mail