Times are tough. Senators B.J. and Tina want the governor to find a way to give 18,000 GovGuam employees, retirees and survivors a shot at cheaper fuel than might be available to the rest of us. That old local playing field just took another tilt. Sounds a lot like a 14th Amendment issue to me, this offering certain folks benefits not available to the general public. You know, the part that talks about equal protection of the law, etc.
It might be well for B.J. and Tina to run this one past the AG before they become too heavily invested; might save them some trouble and embarrassment later on. It’s certainly common for corporations and other businesses to negotiate bulk discounts with fuel suppliers and the like, but a government-sponsored program to provide price breaks for individuals is another story altogether. However, should they decide to press on with this, I have an idea or two that might make it easier for the other 160,000 of us to swallow.
The parameters seem pretty well-defined here: Benefits would accrue to only those affiliated with a single employer (GovGuam) and there don’t seem to be any built-in restrictions. Are senators GovGuam employees? Seems I read in some legal action that they are. If so, what a good deal for them. How about all those $100,000-plus directors and physicians and attorneys and the like? They qualify as well, it seems.
OK. Here’s my suggestion. We all recognize the dedication and loyalty of GovGuam employees, especially when it comes to voting for someone who promises you something for free. I don’t believe that anyone can argue that our men and women in uniform are any less dedicated and loyal, often laying their very lives on the line in defense of the nation and its people.
Senators Cruz and Barnes must recognize this. I therefore propose that they amend their bill to include all military personnel stationed or living on Guam, active duty and retired; all veterans; and of course, survivors. That would be a fine good-faith gesture. Following that, I see no good reason not to include every Guam resident, because after all, our senators were elected to represent all the people, not only those most likely to vote.
Anyway, that’s my take on the whole thing. We really would like to hear from the two senators on this. If they disagree they should tell us so, and why. Step forward and say why our military members aren’t at least as deserving as GovGuam employees.
I’m probably wasting my time here. This one is tailor-made for a swift veto, assuming it makes the first cut.
DAVE DAVIS
Yigo, Guam
