Calvo focuses on GovGuam's finances

by Lannie Walker

Guam - A new administration, a new governor, and the promise of a new direction. Today Governor Eddie Calvo addressed the people of Guam directly after his first week in office. In the coming days the island's chief executive says he will be issuing orders to control runaway government spending, adding that he and Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio will be restoring fiscal discipline. 

"To these ends," he said, "I will be ordering all agency heads to identify ways to contain costs, and to bring in more money to the government. These measures will be reported to me within a month, and implemented shortly after. I am holding my Cabinet fully accountable to make this happen."

The governor says non-critical spending and further obligations of cash all will come to a halt except for necessary reasons. He is also ordering all agency heads to identify ways to contain costs and to bring in more money to the government.

"An immediate concern we have is the state of the Guam Memorial Hospital. I will do whatever it takes within my Organic authority to ensure that when you or your loved one go to GMH, you are safe, you are cared for, and you are served. We will be working with the hospital board and the legislative health chairman to ensure that Guam's sole civilian hospital can be relied on for top-quality patient care," he said.

Legislative Health Chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez says he is on the same page as the governor on this particular goal, telling KUAM News, "I've talked to the new governor briefly talked to his administration and told them I am ready to listen to their plan to get the hospital out of the situation they are in today."

And echoing one of the themes in the governor's address, Senator Rodriguez talks about the need for funding in order to mend the hospital many ills. "Finding funding sources that could-stable funding sources we have talked to the administrator there about looking at ways to bring new money into the hospital," he said.

Governor Calvo made it clear his administration is taking a broad approach to the many issues that will determine the islands future.