By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

ACTING Governor Mike W. Cruz yesterday opened the Civilian/Military Task Force meeting by addressing military officials as well as local leaders by stressing that Guam is an equal partner in the expansion of the military on island.
“Today we are taking our place at the table as Americans in partnership with our military friends and partners. Just as Defense Undersecretary Richard Lawless said when he was here, this should not just be good for the nation, but also for the people of Guam,” Cruz said.
Cruz started the meeting held at the Guam National Guard Readiness Center in Barrigada by promoting Guam’s interests in front of an audience of senators, mayors, Cabinet members, concerned citizens, Defense Department officials and the executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, retired Major Gen. David Bice.
“Today is going to be the start of this greater discussion so that we can hear from all sections of our government, from our private sector, and from our people in all walks of life,” Cruz told the task force.
“What we’re doing here is building a better Guam, where both our military and our community can grow and live together,” he added.