By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Rory Respicio, D-Agana Heights, while slamming business leaders’ silence on the government deficit issue, yesterday asked the Guam Chamber of Commerce to join the Democrats in pressing the administration for fiscal reform.
“I am mystified that the Chamber has been so quiet about this very important issue,” Respicio stated in a letter to GCC chairman Stephen Ruder.
“On more than one occasion, I have thought that it would be a perfect time for the business community to say something and yet no comment from an otherwise very vocal group was forthcoming,” Respicio said, noting the government of Guam’s growing deficit that has allegedly hit the $1 billion mark.
Democratic senators have been pushing for budget cuts and the adoption of a spending level that is equivalent to the amount of revenues that can actually be collected.
“The crushing weight of public indebtedness must be addressed as soon as possible. We are already seeing its negative effects on our economy.  Many government vendors are experiencing delays in timely payments,” Respicio said.
“The absence of an outcry from business leaders relative to our incredible fiscal morass leads me to believe that the Chamber may be holding back on purpose,” he added.