A few thoughts

Tina Sablan and Ed Propst have recently written excellent letters that basically says it all. Unfortunately, the Legislature and Executive Branch fail to take heed of the changing times. I—like many of my Chamorro and non-Chamorro friends—am fed up with the daily foolishness of our government. The will, mandate, and desires of the CNMI people are turned aside for the greed of a few. When the full spectrum of voters—from Ed Propst and Don Cohen to Greg Cruz—are in agreement, it is ever so evident that the ruling body of the CNMI has lost the respect of the general public. I hear negative sentiments regarding our politicians everyday at work and out in the community. No one seems to have anything positive to say. And for good reason.

And now…a few thoughts:

– When Tina Sablan’s critics in the Legislature tell her she should “roll up her sleeves” and work on the issues, well, I’m wondering where these critics were when Tina was meeting with the people of the CNMI in public forums. She respects the will of the people and goes out to gather their opinions. And she fights against those bills that are glaringly harmful to the citizens. Compromise? How can a person of good conscience compromise on legislation that is either bad…or more bad. Thank goodness there is a “Lone Ranger” in the House.

– Lt. Governor Villagomez should at least step down while he is being investigated. The fact that the Governor has not forced this makes many people believe the Governor is, in fact, covering up something. One would think this is “fourth world” political shenanigans, not a democracy.

– While some of the legislators feel that impeachment is not indicated since there is no “proof” of wrongdoing, this just makes an even more compelling argument for transparency within the government. If they have nothing to hide, let the Governor and Lt. Governor allow an independent federal auditor to go through their “books.” I’m sure they would find the overwhelming data to fulfill the criteria for impeachment. Of course, politicians would not allow this because there is so much hidden behind “closed doors.” In fact, why is it that the Legislature and Executive Branch are not part of the Open Government Act? We all know why. I look forward to seeing the mandate of the people when the Open Government initiative goes on the ballot. Let our government be transparent and put an end to the corruption. Impeachment? Sure…open the books and let the games begin.

– CUC has long been the “corrupt politicians bank.” History makes it painfully clear the need to privatize the CUC. Even now, there is a very shady deal with a firm from England to provide power when we have offers of relatively “free” power in our own backyard. Who is benefiting from the Aggreko deal? If this deal, as well as many other dubious CUC contracts, were made transparent, it is likely that the pervasive corruption would quickly wither away and the honest and economically reasonable and feasible decisions would be made for the benefit of the people of the CNMI, not just for a few greedy rich politicians who care little about the citizens of these lovely islands.

– The government keeps claiming that they are bankrupt. They are not. A review of legislation shows poor judgment, outright waste of public money, and preferential treatment for certain “family members, et al.” If honesty, transparency, common sense, objective fiduciary responsibility (i.e., no sole-sourcing to your family members or friends), making and staying within the budget (if there were a budget!), reducing “the fat” within the government…ahh, the list goes on…then the public coffers would not be bankrupt and people wouldn’t be forced to live in the Dark Ages. We could start by taking away the gas credit cards, phones, discretionary funds, cars, and other freebies enjoyed by the politicians and start to repay the Retirement Fund, improve the schools, have public utilities that work, and a host of other public improvements. These are the priorities. Ending wasteful politicians’ discretionary funds alone could go a long way toward solving the so-called “government bankruptcy problem.” Nope. Not bankrupt, just foolish and greedy.

– Would I vote for those currently in office? Yes….maybe two or three of them. My vote would be cast only for those with a proven record of honesty and who care about the rights and future of the citizens of the CNMI. Would I vote for a governor who is a 28-year-old freshman representative, instead of voting for any of the “good ol’ boy” politicians? Since I do care about our future and I want someone who has demonstrated honesty, transparency, and a willingness to roll up her sleeves and go out to listen to the people…a resounding YES! In a heartbeat. Isn’t it time for a real change?