I GUESS it did not come as much surprise to me that the Republican party, all save but one member, voted to raise taxes yet again. While generally I think of myself as a Democrat, I must say that I am for the most open minded and try to see political issues on a case by case basis rather than just towing the party line. I do not understand how it is that the Republicans think raising taxes is going to solve our problems.
Jesse Lujan, who has proven to be a maverick senator over the two or three terms he has served, has again surprised me by his departure from his party in voting against raising taxes. If only more of our political figures were free thinkers and did what they thought best for the people rather than doing what they think will please fellow party members. It does take courage to stand for what is right because that usually means standing alone. Partisan politics is a destructive force and makes progress all but impossible.
I believe any thinking person can figure out why raising taxes on our island is not a solution to our debt problem. If we hope to see Guam in a better financial place in the near future, we need to address the issue of spending. Fiscal responsibility is sorely lacking in our administration as well as in most government agencies.
Bill 74 represents the largest tax hike in at least a decade and is precisely what the people do not need. When people are already financially strained by a foundering economy, you do not increase taxes! Senator Lujan is a bipartisan player, a role which many of our other senators should aspire to.
Let’s start thinking instead of following or reacting and get something positive accomplished!

NESTOR GOGUE
Agat, Guam