"We're Just Getting Warmed Up"
by Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

My fellow Guamanians,

In the first chapter of Blueprint 2020, Ray and I explained that there are many things we need to improve in the government. From customer service to education planning, healthcare to veterans services and Hagatna redevelopment, there is a long road ahead. In order to make these changes, we explained that we need a strong financial foundation. And in chapter one, we promised to stabilize government finances.

We started on our first day in office. We reversed several outdated and dangerous fiscal policies. We fully disclosed everything we were doing and everything that was previously hidden from the public. We aggressively cut costs and began the process of collecting more revenues. One of the largest components of our fiscal promise was to pay back your tax refunds, and to set us on a course that will end the illegal practice of withholding your tax refunds in the future.

Thanks to the undaunted leadership of Senators Tony Ada, Frank Blas, Jr., Chris Duenas, Sam Mabini, Dennis Rodriguez, Jr., Mana Silva Taijeron and Aline Yamashita, and the compromise spirit of Senators Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Adolpho Palacios and Judi Guthertz, much of that promise may come true before Christmas. We are now working on getting the bonds floated by December.

But, this is just Chapter One, fiscal stabilization, and it's not over yet. The tax refunds are not all. We are cutting the size and cost of government. We are reorganizing government. We are reinventing government so that it works for you. We will be announcing the first in a series of reorganization details either today or tomorrow.

I'm also very proud of my team for their ability to tackle other issues, in other chapters of Blueprint 2020. Our customer service initiative is moving forward. We are looking at the procurement process. We are transforming the culture of government so that it is open, transparent and responsive. We are investing in technology to make it easier for you to get services from your government. We established crisis management and rapid response protocols. We are looking at the redevelopment of Hagatna and the building of the first permanent museum. And we are working on revamping the government's antiquated budget system to a performance-based budget process.

Concurrently, we've been working very hard to bring more money into this economy. Aside from the tax refunds cash infusion in December, and on top of the hundreds of millions in spending and investments by the federal and local government, there is a lot more we are doing. We're pursuing Chinese and Russian tourists so more of you can have better jobs. We launched an affordable housing initiative with Senator Muna Barnes. We are pursuing federal government offsets of debt they owe us with Senator Blas. We are pushing military buildup activity with Senator Guthertz. We are preparing to enter Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Taiwanese markets in the coming days to bring investments to Guam. We are pursuing loans for small businesses to build and grow. We're investing in renewable energy. And we're partnering with UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood on moving this economy forward in a sustainable way.

We are facing poverty head-on by aligning long-term economic development with workforce goals via education planning. And as we get around to completing Chapter One of our promises, we are poised on strong footing to solve the problems in healthcare, public safety and other services. I can guarantee you that this administration will employ the same energy and attention it has placed on fiscal stabilization to addressing the needs of those of you with special needs, those of you who want to buy a home, those of you demanding better services for veterans, foster care and systems of care for children in need, greater respect for cultural and natural resources, stronger protection of life and property, more career opportunities, energy independence, roads and bridges you can count on, a capital you can be proud of, a greater emphasis on athletics, and above all, an education system second-to-none for your children.

This is just the beginning. There are many chapters ahead for the Calvo/Tenorio administration and for you. Everything we do today is about the future we will leave for our children and our grandchildren.

We're just getting warmed up. We'll keep you informed along the way. We'll welcome your suggestions and your demands for change. We'll build a new Guam together. And whether Ray and I get more gray hair along the way, or our emotions heighten from the stress, or we make mistakes that we will own, We will cherish and enjoy every minute serving you.

Thank you, and God bless.