by Sabrina Salas Matanane

PRESS RELEASE - The following is a special message from Governor Calvo...

My fellow Guamanians,

It's been some time since we've released any statements. We've been engaged in the legislative process. Everything is sensitive right now. After months of fighting for your tax refunds and COLA, this bond may very well pass in the legislature.

Before I go any further, I want to name a few of the senators who have spoken most fervently about the need to get to you your tax refunds: Senators Tony Ada, Frank Blas, Jr., Chris Duenas, Sam Mabini, Mana Silva Taijeron and Aline Yamashita. These senators are listening to you, and working for you. They don't send out glorified press releases touting and bragging about their work. But, they are in that session hall standing up and fighting for you like there's no tomorrow.

There've also been a few senators who have tried to move this process forward. I know. I used to serve with them in the legislature.

Sen. Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. is a man of conviction. He campaigned hard to serve the people, and truly has put people before politics. He stands up for what he believes in. He stands up for the people. I believe he'll do the right thing.

Sen. Tina Muna Barnes is displaying the same compassion she's always had for people who are struggling. I believe she'll do the right thing.

Sen. Adolpho Palacios has always been a bipartisan statesman, always willing and able to put his people above his party. I believe he'll do the right thing.

Sen. Judi Guthertz has been asking her colleagues to listen to reason and pay the tax refunds, even if it means a compromise. I believe she'll do the right thing.

This has been such a long and tiring journey. Someone the other day asked me what I'd do if the Democrat leadership just decided to kill the bond bill again. I told him I'd introduce another one. He asked, 'Why would you put yourself through that?' I thought about that. I thought about how tired I am, how exhausted the team is. I thought about my fiscal team, who have been working at Adelup 'til about 12:30 every night since this process began. Then I replied, 'Because the people who are owed their tax refunds and COLA are going through much worse. I'm the Governor. I owe it to them to fight for them, especially if the legislative leadership won't.'

My fellow Guamanians, this entire debate should never be about the leaders who are engaged in the argument. As I listened to the senators in session yesterday, I got the strong feeling the majority of them feel the same way I do. I listened to some argue meaningless maneuvers to delay and place poison pill amendments just to kill the bond. But I listened to more of them speaking from their heart about the suffering you go through.

I ask for your prayers for the senators today. Today might be that day when they vote on this bond bill. Pray for God's guidance and blessings over them. Pray in thanksgiving for those who serve your interests well and already know the right course of action. Pray for understanding, compassion and wisdom for those who may not. The future is truly in their hands.

Sincerely Yours,

Eddie Baza Calvo