The speaker acknowledged the community’s thirst for heavier criminal sentences and stated his commitment to legislative action as he convened the initial discussion among himself, House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, and Reps. Ramon S. Basa and Edmund S. Villagomez, on merging the two bills.
“I promise, as house speaker, to push for an expedited compromise sentencing bill and my office will apply as much pressure as needed to get the bill passed and sent to the senate for review.”
The two sentencing bills referenced by the speaker include H.B. 17-198, authored by Basa, Covenant-Saipan, and H.B. 17-236 of Villagomez, Covenant-Saipan.
While both bills are written concisely in three pages or less and share the objective of increasing minimum mandatory sentences, they differ in two distinct ways.
Basa’s bill applies only to crimes against tourists, while Villagomez’s covers both tourists and island residents.
Additionally, Villagomez’s bill limits the scope of the crime scene to within 1,000-feet of tourist sites and recreational areas, while Basa’s proposal includes the whole of the island.
These differences are apparent to the speaker but in his view provide an opportunity as opposed to a problem.
“Both bills have their good points, but combined, they create a great bill.”
For local victims this effort to address the crime problem is more than welcome and not a minute too soon.
“My home was robbed five times in six months,” stated Glenn Policare angrily.
When told that one bill covers crimes against tourists only, he responded that it wouldn’t be fair to ignore the locals.
“I don’t think the politicians want us voters screaming at them if they don’t help us out also.”
Villagomez said this type of comment is exactly why his proposal includes both visitors and islanders.
“I was put in office to protect my voters as well as tourism dollars…I wouldn’t want to sit at a BBQ and try to explain to my neighbors why they are less important to protect than visitors.”
In Basa’s opinion, the argument for locals to be included in the sentencing bill is the right thing to do.
“I agree and support the speaker’s commitment to getting the best sentencing bill passed…he and the public have my pledge to work in collaboration with Villagomez to make it happen.”
The result of Tuesday’s discussion among Cabrera, Camacho, Basa and Villagomez, seems to indicate that all four are serious and willing to work together to find an immediate solution — minus the political bickering and posturing that the public has come to expect.
“Everybody is stepping up to do their part,” stated Villagomez, “because we know there is no place in this issue for pettiness or politics — we’ve got to get a bill done quickly.”
Five-time burglary victim Policare’s response to the pledges: “I’ll believe it when I see it. Until then, I won’t hold my breath.”
Cabrera, R-Saipan, understands the lack of confidence in government among the public and hopes to improve the trust and get a worthy bill passed.
“We have the responsibility to lead,” the speaker commented, “and this is the right issue to prove we can get the island’s business done on a fast-track.”
Asked if he thought the Senate would move as quickly as the House once the bill is passed to their chamber, the speaker was pragmatic yet positive.
“The Senate knows how badly the public wants action on crime and sentencing…the Legislature plays one part in the overall solution and we have no excuses for delay.”
Asked about a realistic timeline of reaching a compromise and getting the bill voted upon and passed, the speaker committed to expedited action in their next session, which may be as early as next week.
Policare’s final comment sums up what many in the frustrated community are saying and thinking with regard to tougher sentencing.
“It’s about time…it sickens me that the court’s like a revolving door — constantly releasing folks so they can come and rob me a sixth time.”
