TRAVIS Lee Coffman, who makes a lot of good points in his afternoon show, the “Big Show,” which airs on Newstalk K-57, said that Guam’s elected officials try to outdo one another in adding to Guam’s deficit and debt. And he is right.
But politicians do things that are popular. It is popular to borrow and all those who wanted to borrow won their elections. Profligate government spending is also rewarded. Look at the pay raises for GPSS administrators when “pay-short” days are here, not necessarily pay-less ones. Voters here rewarded borrow-and-spend Republicans and Democrats so while it might not be right it is certainly popular.
Even on Newstalk K-57 itself, Coffman’s colleague Ray Gibson, I think, tries to outdo him by lining up even more guests and getting the audience excited which is also popular. The same popular politicians and their friends who seize the day, so to speak. With their same dodge-and-weave and manufactured answers. (No wonder Felix P. Camacho does not want to come on.)
I just wonder if the pay raises to individuals are a reward for suppressing the GPSS rank-and-file vote. I think the union that has been terrific in fighting for the middle class must start speaking out against these kinds of unmerited pay increases instead of just chalking it up as “Hey, government workers here are underpaid.” While it is true that Guam’s workers, public or private are underpaid, a distinction needs to be made at times; otherwise the union risks losing its middle class support base because for far too long, a few have gotten most of the largesse, public or private, which has led to the current state of disequilibrium. Causing the middle class which is mobile, to not put up with Guam’s lack of regard for fair play. My recommendation would be for teachers to rotate to principal positions.
Most people on Guam are not die-hard Sunshine or Republican nuts (like in the States). They like individuals who are fair, not bullies and fight hard to make life better for them and their kids. Regardless of party affiliation.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam