RAY Souza, who used to work for the governor’s office and who is an advocate for people with disabilities, posed the question on Newstalk K-57 (Feb. 16 2-6 slot), “Are Democrats trying to be Republicans?” This in reference to Sen. Rory Respicio’s query which appeared in the Marianas Variety – Guam Edition Page 3, Feb 16, that said, “I am mystified that the Chamber has been so quiet about this very important issue (government deficit).”
Sen. Respicio goes on to say, “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.”
Actually, former Chamber Chair Monty McDowell was pretty vocal about it before the elections and now into the new year on various media outlets. In fact, McDowell went so far as to say, in one morning show, not so complimentary things about the way the administration conducted itself in the runup to the elections.
Another former chair of the Chamber, Lee P. Webber, has consistently pointed out the perils of deficit accumulation during his tenure there and I believe continues to do so in an even-handed manner through the media. So it is not entirely accurate that there has been no outcry from business leaders on an individual basis.
Now at a collective level, I would hope the new Chamber president and officers will present a unified stand on the government deficit, approaching the $1 billion mark and Guam getting the last place — as usual — in rankings among insular areas as far as the ‘Performeter’ goes, which is an analysis of GovGuam’s overall financial health and performance.
This, despite Guam being the most economically advanced. Which means despite the territorial status Guam has enjoyed (or I prefer abused by the elitists Democrats and Republicans alike), other ‘nation-states’ nearby and around us are still in better fiscal health than Guam which is a terrible indictment on the natives, since it is the natives that run-amok — the island. (Natives to mean at least 25 percent Chamorro.)
As union leader Matt Rector said on K-57 (Feb. 13, 2-6 slot), folks tend to pigeonhole us when they say, “Oh, if it is a Democrat, he or she must be for more spending.” Or in this case, Mr. Souza ribbing Sen. Respicio, as Sen. Calvo did as well when he said, “I applaud his (Rory’s) fiscal conservatism.” Like as if reduced spending is the sole domain of Republicans. That is what the perception is so GOP politicians benefit former that moniker. And that is exactly what Democrats must pursue, fiscal prudence and no more leakage from exemptions even if it might not be popular with big business on Guam.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam