Why Run Now?
A successful bid in the Jan. '08 special election will enable me to immediately engage in more direct participation on issues our community is coping with currently and in the years to come. Otherwise, the next window of opportunity won't be until January 2009.
Equally important, the impending military build-up presents a significant opportunity for economic growth; but, it also brings with it challenges that need to be addressed effectively and in a timely manner. I want to engage now, not a year from now.
General Focus Of My Candidacy
The expected Military Buildup presents a significant opportunity for renewed economic growth. To optimize the potential benefits will require that we begin addressing internal issues that will enable us to position ourselves to become a meaningful partner in the massive military undertaking that will occur on our island.
The build-up must be mutually beneficial – to Guam's civilian community and the military. And this can only happen if we collectively subscribe to the following goals:
Maximize the Favorable Economic Impact of the Military Buildup by putting in place infrastructure that can support the anticipated growth. We must we must look at private investors to partner with Guam, and we must aggressively pursue the investment of “military build-up dollars” in the civilian community.
Minimize the Potential Negative Impacts of Accelerated Growth. We must remain diligent in protecting what we have managed to build over the years and what we have come to value in this community.
Protection of Our Environment. The Environment would be inclusive of our natural resources and the settings which define our island community.
Maintaining Community Support. The community must be kept informed of what is happening, and there must be an effective channel of communications where concerns can be registered and addressed.
How effectively we respond early on to the challenges of a fast paced build-up will determine the significance of the partnership role that we will have in the execution of the military build-up plans. We must work to be in a position to "sit at the table" and not be relegated to a seat in the 2nd or 3rd row in the room. After all, this is our island, this is our home. We must strive to achieve a harmonious growth in all sectors of the community.
Equally important, we must continue to give priority to providing for the safety and welfare of our people, providing for the education of our children, and maintaining a quality of life that we deserve.
THE LEGISLATIVE ROLE in this endeavor will require a concerted effort on the part of the Legislature to embark on the following directions:
Review GovGuam Policies and Practices with the purpose of eliminating "red tape".
Promote Public-Private Partnerships.
Resolution of Returned Land Issues affecting 3,000 acres of Ancestral Lands.
Conduct of Oversight Hearings to Identify and Resolve Obstacles Impeding Work-in-Progress.
I'm certain that the other two candidates who are running for the same seat are also "thinking" about the same issues which I have mentioned. However, I believe that the difference between me and them can be summarized as follows: I offer experience, vision, and commitment.