THE value of standards and commitment goes hand in hand. This should be our principle more than ever.
To illustrate this point: On Dec. 22, 2003 a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Central California, killing two and injuring 47. Approximately 500 structures were damaged. About a week later, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit near the city of Bam in Iran. This earthquake killed more than 43,000 and injuring 30,000, and 85 percent of the city’s buildings and infrastructure were either damaged or destroyed. (Structural Engineer, Jan. 2007 edition)
These two earthquakes are similar in magnitude yet have very different outcome. What this demonstrates is the importance of maintaining high standards and commitment. In the case of California where the building code is stringently enforced through deliberate commitment, lives and properties are protected.
Perhaps Iran lacks both, standards and commitment. Are we here in the CNMI in the same boat as Iran is?
Let’s look at ourselves, the community and the government. Do we have the standards that are for the common good? Do we have commitment? Our economy is in bad shape and as much as I hate to say, we have yet to reach the bottom. While the private sector has somewhat adjusted by reduction in work force and or working hours, the public sector appears to be wondering aimlessly. If we do not put certain standards and commitment in place now, a payless payday will be unavoidable.
The legislative body of our public sector needs to roll up its sleeves and face reality. By the way, re-naming streets is of no value to anyone. In fact, it is counter-productive. Now, money has to be spent to change all the street maps, and purchase new street name plates. Is this what we need at this stage of our economy? What standards and commitment does the legislative body have? Changing street names is an example of just how unstable we are in that at any given moment everything and anything can be changed.
The analogy above is applicable to all branches and levels of the community, public as well as private
Standards and commitment are essential to achieve the maximum good for everyone.

EFRAIN F. CAMACHO
Navy Hill, Saipan