The facts

Four years ago Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola pleaded for our vote of confidence, stating that he is focused and determined to improve the livelihood of the people of Rota. After four years in office, residents say: “It’s very hard living on Rota due to everything going up and our salaries are still the same, the cost of living here is you need to be a director or well-connected to the government.” “Gas price is too high and stores are to expensive. We need to improve our port of entry.” “Life is a struggle on Rota.” “The high cost of power and prices of our commodities are just too damn ridiculous, at times we think about moving away from our beautiful island but then again we say ‘Oh, let’s just see the next year how will it turn out…but then same old, same old $#!%.” Shortages, shortages, shortages!
He said he had plans and vision to bring our lives back in order—a community man who lends a helping hand, known for his charisma and a man of great compassion. A person of great compassion has a mind wishing to protect all human beings from suffering. Yet, over political views as people exercised their right to choose freely and he terminated them from employment without cause!

He described himself as a person with courage, truthfulness, and dignity and respect toward his fellow men, with a balanced temperament as his distinguishable trait. He ran on the slogan “Common cause for common good.” In his inaugural pledge over four years ago to the people of Rota, he offered an open and accountable leadership and expected all department and agencies to open their doors and be all out in providing the best services the people deserves. What happened to our healthcare and the safety of our people?

He said he will work on improving the island economy through sound practices that will promote and encourage foreign and local investments. And his ultimate goal was to meet the level of revenue generated by private sector. Where are the improvements and investors?

He also called for understanding and patience, saying that progress will not materialize overnight. it’s been over four years and nothing has materialized Mr. Mayor!

And yet he wants a second term? We all need second thoughts! How much more can one stand to live in poverty? Rota is at poverty level! He had three good years of the people’s patience and understanding. It’s he who does not understand the very need of this community! Risking the lives of the innocent by neglecting emergency needs. How much can we trust him with our lives? Never once did he admit his failure as a citizen, nor as a leader. Where is the good of the cause? Bob Marley said, “and you say you care, but the people keep suffering.” Metka, stand down now! The people have heard enough dead promises! How much longer can one suffer to say this it, enough already? You have lost the confidence of your people.

Garren M. Quitugua 
Igua, Rota