IN the midst of our financial and economic difficulties, I support the governor’s effort to strictly monitor the spending of our taxpayers’ money. He is doing an excellent job and he will be admired and honored by those who acknowledge and understand that our new governor is trying to save up to $30 million a year.
Our ailing economy is recovering, but it will take time for it to fully emerge from this current slump unless we invite new investors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is still good news to hear that a Chinese airline will provide flight services starting on April 19. I would like to extend my special congratulations and thanks to all lawmakers, the honorable governor and lt. governor and especially to our very good and nice mayor, the Honorable Frank Borja who is on his way to China to do his best and meet with the Chinese government and discuss tourism, investment opportunities and other important matters that could help our ailing economy.
I would also like to submit the following proposals which I hope our lawmakers would consider:
• A bill to require that political hires should be paid based on their special qualifications, work experiences and working skills.
• A bill against nepotism, favoritism and discrimination against government employees.
• A bill to impose harsher penalties on employees abusing government property and vehicles.
• A bill that would address and penalize adultery and sexual harassment.
• A bill that would illegalize spending public funds on birthday parties, christenings and rosaries.
• A bill that would fund the construction of skywalks to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the streets.
• A bill to limit or ban poker establishments.
• A bill to limit the stay of alien workers to three years.
• A bill to disallow alien workers from delivering their babies in the CNMI. Pregnant alien workers should be sent home.
• A bill that would make it illegal for drivers to use cell phones while on the road.
• A bill that would increase the marriage license fee for alien workers. This would help prevent sham marriages. Tourists, however, should be exempted from this proposed law.
• A bill that would enforce curfew hours. All students should be at their homes at 10 p.m.
• A bill to enforce the local hiring law. Jobless locals should be hired.
• A bill to stop the transfer of alien workers to another company.
• A bill to stop the government from renting offices from private companies.
• A bill to impose a tax on the remittances of alien workers.
GREG S. MENDIOLA
Chinatown, Saipan
