I dare you: Take the lead!

When the House of Representatives first passed House Bill 16-83 HD5, better known as the “interim fiscal measures,” I immediately intended to write a letter to the editor. I just never imagined that after reading last Saturday’s Saipan Tribune issue where the Senate voted in favor of the bill without amendments, I was so fuming mad that I was up at 4:30 Sunday morning typing this.

First and foremost, let me make it clear that I don’t mind putting in my share in keeping the CNMI government afloat because I’d rather take this road than face the music the title of which is “R.I.F.”, which means reduction-in-force and can be found in the Personnel Service System Rules & Regulations and is applicable to those of us who are under the civil service employment status. What really bothers me is the fact that those legislators who voted in favor of this bill did not offer any equitable solutions in terms of fairness to the employees. Remember what happened the first time around? Not all legislators followed those who voluntarily had their salary reduced, although I can understand that their salary is constitutionally protected. I am now waiting who among them will voluntarily do so. In the end, I really feel sorry for those in the low bracket earners, whether they are earning $13,000, $15,000, or $16,000 per annum.

I for one would have felt content had the House members included Rep. Tina Sablan’s amendments. Let me state also for the record my opinion that if the legislators were worried, for whatever reason, then something should give. Which brings me to the subject of the four representatives who opposed passage of this bill. What were the legislators thinking in not entertaining Rep. Tina Sablan’s amendments? Those congressmen who voted in favor should have just entertained Rep. Sablan’s amendments and let the senators decide so we, the CNMI voters, will know where you really stand. I can understand the situation of Tinian and Rota elected officials and the exception I like to see is that they still be allowed to lease vehicles. However, if they are currently leasing SUV types, they should check for a cheaper lease like a sedan such as Corolla, Altima, or Mirage. I want to thank Reps. Tina Sablan, Heinz Hofschneider, David Apatang, and Ralph Torres for trying their best in offering amendments, in trying to bring common sense and fairness to the table, and lastly, in opposing the bill in its form. To those who voted for the passage of this House bill, I wish you good luck should you decide to continue your political journeys because I just don’t know how much negative impact you have created with your very own words and action. Pray that your action and words will not haunt you in 2009 and beyond. I guess the only solution to this debate where you and I will definitely agree is if you have the guts to voluntarily take a cut in your salary.

As if it is still not enough for this 16th CNMI Legislature, with the passage of House Bill 16-83 comes another proposal submitted in the Senate to reduce the salary of CNMI justices and judges. The assigned number is Senate Bill 16-26. If the Legislature had been howling left and right in cutting anyone’s salary, why didn’t they take the lead? Like I said, I can understand that these legislators have their salaries constitutionally protected, but why didn’t they just volunteer first before passing House Bill 16-83, especially for those who voted in favor for its passage.

Finally, in hammering home my message, I would like to take these legislators back to January 2008 on the day of their inaugural Mass. Have you really forgotten the message of our Most Reverend Bishop Tomas Camacho? Have you really gone astray? To say that you are concerned because of controversy and delay OR that certain amendments have no room for a legislation is really childish that can be compared to an elementary level response. I would dare say that our Bishop would more embrace the knowledge if this Legislature has indeed proven its best for the benefit of the general public in thinking logic, justifiable reasoning, and fairness. That would have been better than a presentation of public relations tactics, with problems still hovering over our heads that could have been addressed thoughtfully, peacefully, and most important of all, in unity.