Follow up on tax rebate/casino bill

I have received a number of emails from community members, a call from a political leader, and an email from another. I visited with several others, both with opposite votes. Many of the emails brought up various points. The pro-casino representative I visited with said he disagreed with some language/items in the bill but still voted for it. He has concerns regarding revenue and feels this is a solution.
Leaders and those who think of themselves as leaders, please pay attention to what is being said. This bill is being criticized by supporters and proponents. Here is my take.

Please do not work in the shadows and the dark. Stay way from the secret negotiations and self-serving agendas. Work in the light and be transparent. How many of you condemned the corruption of the past administration and in the moment made a thoughtless decision and voted on a bill so full of holes, unintended consequences, unreal exceptions, no time and date deadlines, overlooking critical details, etc., etc., etc. With blinders on and a sense of “pass it now,” the message was delivered—that the people don’t need be part of this process. What is wrong with another public hearing or another ballot initiative? Are the people who voted for you important? (This is how some folks feel.) Remember the 190 million dollar contract. How was that received? DON’T RUSH. Bad bills destroy confidence.

Please acknowledge a mistake and correct it. Do it right. Our people can be very forgiving.

There is no magic lottery ticket to solve our economic/retirement problems in the CNMI. Let us learn from our past mistakes and those from the USA. Economic development takes place with small incremental steps. One massive development is a two-edged sword. Many small and medium businesses can create stability…if utility rates or losing rebates don’t kill them. Can’t our leaders put as much effort into creating a business development that fosters growth as they have in passing the casino bill? Let’s not hop around on one leg. We can’t forget that we still overspend and have too many elected officials. Sorry but there are programs that might need to be cut because we can’t afford it. It’s not always about raising taxes and revenue. Positive business environments take time to develop.

One hundred small businesses that employ 5-20 people each can account for thousands of jobs.

We need an attitude of working to create our financial security and not government handouts. We need to plant gardens, clean up our own trash, not take advantage of our visitors and be friendly. Become educators and entrepreneurs. How about being honest and fair with each other? Be civil.

We have a great tool with our rebate, let’s help businesses who might be willing to come to the Commonwealth and benefit from out tax rate. Can’t we be business friendly instead of “get money from the businesses”? Stop creating laws of the week only to try and fix it next week. We need stability.

Our islands are beautiful and can be a wonderful place. I love Saipan and love living here in spite of our challenges. Many don’t get past the challenges and difficulties. But those who do find paradise, during moments, love and never leave Saipan behind. Let’s work together.

Enough said.

Del Benson
Capital Hill, Saipan