by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Less than two weeks remain until the general election. And today before the business community, both Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Margaret Metcalfe went up against each other for the first time during the Rotary Club of Guam's congressional forum.

It was the seasoned politician against the savvy businesswoman, with Bordallo opening with, "I have a strong career in public service that includes serving five terms in the Guam Legislature, two terms as first lady, two terms as lieutenant governor and as your delegate to Congress for the last twelve years - six terms." Metcalfe introduced herself by saying, "Politics is about making promises to get elected, I am not a politician. I am a successful businesswoman. Where you when you make a commitment, you keep it or lose your job."

Going head-to-head for the first time, Democrat Bordallo and Republican Metcalfe answered questions on ISIS, veteran affairs and Compact impact. Metcalfe says the Compacts of Free Association continues to threaten our culture, economy and way of life, noting, "Attention and pressure needs to be brought to Congress to secure the funding provided for the Compact - we need to find ways to work with these other island nations to secure cooperation in caring for their citizens here on Guam financially by garnering federal funding we have failed to fight for."

Bordallo says she was successful in having an offset provision in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act so that if GovGuam purchases the navy and waste water system, the cost of the purchase can be offset with unreimbursed Compact impact costs. "My provision to use unreimbursed Compact costs as an offset for matching federal grants was included in both the House and Senate Omnibus Territory bills," she explained "These are real solutions that meet the budget rules in the House and the Administration and offer us real relief."

As for military buildup, both candidates say they support it "thoroughly" and "wholeheartedly". Bordallo said, "However, I do not support a buildup at all costs - the buildup must be done right and must take into account the concerns of our community." Her opponent said, "I strongly feel that all possible options need to be reviewed to allow for the least invasive of plans."

The next scheduled meeting of both congressional candidates is at the University of Guam's Congressional Debate set for October 29. Metcalfe promised, "I will provide clear communication and basis for any proposed legislation it short and terms effects, I will encourage and invite your thoughts and input before mandates are imposed."

Bordallo stated, "I am running because Guam is in a position in Congress where leadership, seniority and relationships I have nurtured and make all the difference and achieving and building the progress we have made over the years."