First of all, Mayor Tudela respects Judge Govendo’s opinion that the Laolao Road poses a great danger to motorists and the public in general who commute on that road. Judge Govendo is right, that road needs to be improved to make it safe and comfortable to drive for the residents.
Mayor Tudela has made every effort to repair the road even when our heavy equipment were not reliable during his first two years of administration (2002 to 2004). Although our heavy equipment were not reliable, the office has been resurfacing the road regularly especially in the aftermath of rainstorms and typhoons when flashfloods occurred. Only until the heavy equipment became worst, it left the office with no choice but, to discontinue the road repairs on a regular basis. Year after year, Mayor Tudela has pleaded before every Legislature for money to replace the dilapidated equipment. He even submitted a grant request for ARRA funds, only to find out that procurement of heavy equipment is not allowed. We can’t understand why a grant from ARRA has been recently approved to fix that road, and the grant request to purchase heavy equipment is a “No, No.” What problems are we looking here, when the new heavy equipment arrive, more experienced operators will be hired by the mayor’s office to satisfy the intent of the ARRA funds. That is to create local jobs and to improve the economy, as more public infrastructures are built and public roads are improved. Aren’t they all great to see during this difficult times?
To say that Mayor Tudela prioritizes the establishment of sister cities, is not true. In almost every single trip to establish sister cities, the hosts have been paying for his food and lodging bills throughout his stay. It should be understood that our municipality needs sister cities for several reasons. One of which is to boost our economy when they bring their tourists to visit our island. While on Saipan, they will be more than likely to spend their money to buy our products and pay for their rooms to infuse our nearly empty coffers. At times, they participate during our traditional July 4th festivities.
How can the mayor’s office carry out its duties without money to buy new and reliable heavy equipment. As long as this remains to be a problem, expect no more road repairs, water delivery and cannot cut weeds, shrubs and other vegetations along the island’s thoroughfares and in the villages.
Again, we respect Judge Govendo’s expressed opinion, and Mayor Tudela shares his views about the dangers involve along that stretch of road leading to Laolao Bay.
TONY ALDAN BENAVENTE
Chalan Kanoa, Saipan
