Stop the honeymoon mentality

In times of a downward spiral in government revenue and increasing cost of operations, we need to ask the question of those who put together the revenue estimate and cost budget of this government. In order to understand why the fiscal year 2013 budget is being pegged at $102 million, some explaining is in order. Prior to compiling the budget data information from the budget call submission request, we need to check the governor whether we are just folding up the same scenario of FY 2012 as there appears to be no urgency for drastic actions and sustainable solutions to our current dilemma. In the private sector, the CEO, when faced with sagging profitability, the simplest and fastest way that he tackles this matter is to ask the question and demand those in charge of the resources of the corporation to come up with a proven plan of action or solutions. If the managers who are placed in charge of operations could not turn the course of profitability for the corporation, these employees are given the pick slips. There is no room for failure in a diminishing business environment where profits are at stake. My point is, the governor should man up and do the right thing. We can no longer wait for magical results to happen or for matters to resolve itself, as this has reached a point in time when something must be done. If any appointee could not perform, the governor should dismiss such appointee for unsatisfactory performance and there is no other option. Using the same point, we could not fathom the idea that three Retirement Fund principals are on their way to a conference in Orlando, Florida for lessons about investment.

The government is pretty much a big check-writing machine because we deal almost entirely with payments for goods and services. But if we begin with identifying agencies that produce revenues, we can fully support the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s plea for a united effort in support of the tourism industry in the CNMI. For example, we can start with the Mariana Visitors Authority and the Department of Commerce. Ask the gentlemen or women in these offices a simple question: What plans do you have to earn revenue for the CNMI government? Let’s see what these officials have in mind. We have print and broadcast media that would gladly carry the conversation for all to assimilate and enjoy. Then this would be followed by all other agencies explaining how they will reduce the cost of operation. We only need to hear or read three ideas from each of the governor’s appointees. Can you imagine how many ideas we could draw from these appointees if we get all of them to discuss their areas or work operations? For example, if we have 18 departments and agencies, we could have at least 54 ideas. If a department and agency has a deputy director, you would also add the input of that official. So, let’s start with this. If the governor could not decide on who to remove for poor work performance, the people would man up for him and we would do the job for him in removing the poor performing government official that this government is wasting valuable financial resources on.

Once we finish with the governor’s appointees, we can suggest that the Legislature enact legislation to appropriate funds for a “bounty” program. Thinking that there is no such thing as a free lunch, the government should begin giving incentives by paying people for ideas on how to save this government. If the CNMI government would see fit to pay appointees who are failing, it is ripe for this government to consider making good with people’s suggestion not connected to any government entity. I know of good intentioned and high caliber people who have good ideas to improve the MVA, but these same people are also asking, “Why should I participate when one is being paid well to do this job?” So, as you can see, it works both ways. Maybe this is one way of taking up the Chamber’s recommendation for a united effort to boost the tourism industry.

We need to stop the honeymoon mentality in government and begin the process of timing out those who could not make good on their capacity, at the same time encouraging those that really make the effort to raise the bar of honest work and fruition.

Francisco R. Agulto
Chalan Kanoa, Saipan