ISLAND leaders from both sides of the political fence have reacted to Delegate Madeleine Bordallo’s Congressional Address which she delivered Tuesday night in the Guam Legislature’s session hall.
Bordallo’s 18-page speech addressed a broad range of issues affecting Guam in Washington D.C.
Bordallo said fiscal conservatives in D.C. have halted the progress of war reparations. “Fiscal conservatives objected to the legislation on the basis of its costs and they objected to the rationale that the United States should pay this cost in 2012,” Bordallo said.
Sen. Tina Muña-Barnes said if fiscal conservatives in Congress wanted Guam to depend less on the federal government, Guam should be allowed to grow its economy through the expansion of the Russia visa waiver program and the approval of a visa waiver program for China.
Bordallo also said she supported the bottle bill law, which was sponsored by Barnes.
“I thank the congresswoman for recognizing that federal cooperation is vital to the success of the bottle bill law, and I welcome her assistance in ensuring that our environmental stewardship translates into a national standard on all military installations. In addition, I join Congresswoman Bordallo in her recognition and appreciation for our 24-7 first responders, our village mayors and vice mayors. I look forward to working with the congresswoman on these and other issues on behalf of our island family,” the lawmaker said.
Disappointing
For his part, Sen. Tony Ada said Bordallo’s address was thorough, but felt she should have addressed the Earned Income Tax Credit. Ada also said her comments on Compact Impact funds were disappointing.
“I thought her speech was very thorough. But I was disappointed on the part about the Compact Impact reimbursement. If we’re able to keep pursuing the Compacts, the federal government will realize the impact it has cost us today and in the future,” he said.
Ada also said it was important for the delegate to pursue the “Buy Local” concept. “She needs to bring back that aspect so that the commissaries will procure local products and sell them. At one time, they were required to sell local produce, now they’re not. We need to keep our local products moving.”
Ada said the EITC should have been thoroughly addressed by Bordallo. “There’s approximately $40 to $50 million that Guam pays out for EITC. We only get $14 to $16 million from the federal government. That doesn’t even cover the entire costs. She didn’t really expand on this. I hope she’ll move forward and try to resolve this issue.”
Sen. Judi Guthertz said Bordallo’s address was a very realistic assessment of the dynamics in Washington at this time.
“She gave us a good preview of what many of us suspected about the financial circumstances in Washington. I was very pleased with her insight about the buildup and her support of the newly established Guam First Commission. Now we can move ahead.”
New day
Sen. Rory Respicio also said he was heartened by Bordallo’s assurance that a new day is coming – one that brings a positive outlook and renewed energy.
Respicio said Bordallo’s address was very comprehensive and touched on the long list of federal-territorial issues that are pressing for the community.
“Bordallo acknowledged that the initial military buildup plans were unrealistic, and the stalled buildup is by no means a result of the actions or reactions of the Legislature,” Respicio said. “But she assures us that a new day is coming to progress with the buildup. She also recognized today’s long-overdue empaneling of the Guam First Commission and how this will be the vehicle to speak with one voice.”
Respicio also praised Bordallo quoting her former running mate, Gov. Carl Gutierrez: “Let us now set aside past disagreements and try to help our people. Let us use our energies to be positive. Forget about the anger and the conflict of the past. I say let’s clear the slate, start all over and let’s all try to do what’s best for our people – all our people!” She ended, “and I agree with him.”
“I agree that our community rises above party lines when it comes to the issues involving our federal-territorial relations. While in any family, village or community, there has always been a time where rifts are made between people or groups, but the roots of our culture have survived all of our history – and the root of forgiveness is no exception,” Respicio said.
“I congratulate the congresswoman and commend her for her frankness in initiating these family discussions and to start the healing within our community,” Respicio added.
