Guam - Like Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Governor Eddie Calvo doesn't see a problem with the Guam U.S.-Asia Security Alliance Group's efforts. Governor Calvo responding directly to concerns from Majority Leader Senator Respicio cautioning elected officials to never use their authority to suppress the free speech of Guamanianans.

The governor saying as far as he's concerned the group is trying to help. He said, "They're trying to clean up the mess certain people helped to create. We should welcome their efforts. They're not asking for any government funds. They're paying for this themselves."

Governor Calvo is concerned about a media release from the office of the legislative majority leader. The release chides private citizens for advocating for the military buildup without speaking with the Guam First Commission, a government body. Governor Calvo cautions elected officials to never use their authority to try to suppress the free speech of Guamanians. His response to this follows, in hopes of avoiding any chilling effect on the people's confidence to speak up and be involved:

"It is far beyond our authority to police what private citizens say, especially when they're talking to elected officials," Governor Calvo said. "This is not some Gestapo government. We derive our responsibilities from the people, and we answer to them, not the other way around. I've seen too often this past year how certain leaders have berated and intimidated people. That's not what public service is about. I can't stand by and allow this kind of behavior any more without standing up for our citizens who are just expressing themselves and trying to help. Elected officials are not above the law, and have no right trying to derail a citizen's constitutional rights. This growing concentration of power in the government needs to stop and be reversed before the people lose any more of their confidence in government."

"As far as I'm concerned, this group of people is trying to help," Governor Calvo said. "They're trying to clean up the mess certain people helped to create. We should welcome their efforts. They're not asking for any government funds. They're paying for this themselves. The Guam First Commission was created so the government could speak with one voice. We certainly have no right to regulate what private citizens say, or to limit anyone's freedom of speech. Actually, the Guam First Commission should embrace this opportunity to partner with these citizens as we push for the buildup to happen with the greatest benefit to our people. If we truly want the buildup to happen, then why would there be any fuss about what they're doing? They get a big ‘thank you' from me and my administration."

"This release seems so disconnected from the realities our people are facing," Governor Calvo said. "We just got news that over 1,000 jobs were lost in construction, and this is mainly due to the buildup slowdown. Now is the time for everyone to push for the buildup, and not to criticize private citizens spending their own money trying to help."

 

Senator Respicio said:

 

It's perfectly fine for business people to raise money and hire a lobbyist, and I stated that in my news release. I'm sorry the Governor missed that part of my message. It's also not my desire to stifle free speech, or tell people how to spend their money. As far as I'm concerned, they can say whatever they want and spend their money in any legal way that they choose. So far, we're saying the same things.

 

Here is where we differ. My concern is that the Governor and the Guam First Commission (GFC) have agreed to pursue the best buildup possible for ALL of the people of Guam. I had many discussions with the Governor on the floor of the Legislature when we were Senators together, and at that time it was his concern as well. He joined me in support of the GFC concept, which is to have our island speak to Washington about the buildup with one, unified voice.

 

 

The GFC is designed to bring all members of our community together, and the Governor has also said that many times as well. Rather than defending one group of businessmen who can easily defend themselves, the Governor and the GFC should be defending our entire community, because that is who we are elected to represent. If the Governor had taken the time to read my news release, he would have noticed that I invited these businessmen to come to the next Guam First Commission meeting, so they can join the rest of us and we can all work together, and speak with one voice.

I do have concerns with special interest groups because they usually pursue benefits for themselves, and why shouldn't they? As the Governor so correctly noted, they are spending their own money. But that doesn't mean they should not be a part of the overall message that Guam sends to Washington.

When the Governor implemented the GFC as an advisory group by executive order, I thought he believed this was the right process. He was always in support of having our island speak with one voice concerning the buildup. I thought he believed it when he said those words. But now he is saying something different.

Yes, businesses can hire lobbyists to promote themselves, and it is their right. But they will likely promote only their own agenda, and it is unlikely to be a benefit for all of the people of Guam. The purpose of the Guam First Commission is to bring all members and voices of our community together, and the Governor has said he believes that. Now why is he saying that is wrong?"

I am concerned that the Governor seems to be contradicting himself. He argued for one voice for Guam but now has no problem with many voices. He says he represents all the people, unless there is a special interest group involved. He needs to understand that special interest groups are by definition a part of the "people."

Finally, I think the Governor should be concerned that Guam's position is being represented by a firm that has been associated with convicted criminals such as Jack Abramoff.