In part 4, we issued a “caution” about what kind of scenario might ensue in order for P.E.T. to realize its expectations. Are they realistic? Given the political propensity of CNMI elected officials toward greed and/or corruption, I think so. What if existing local poker revenue dried up or disappeared altogether? The demise of this local revenue source would affect several ongoing programs such as scholarships. Although the introduction of gambling to an area is often touted as beneficial by dangling such programs as scholarships and medical assistance in front of the voters, the REAL purpose is always to derive a profit for its owners. Do you think the owners of P.E.T. and its initiative actually care whether or not existing local poker revenues go away? Are they proposing to allocate any portion of their take to replace any decline in local poker revenue for ongoing programs?
As of now, existing units are spread out all over the place with multiple owners, multiple locations, multiple “types”, etc., all competing for the gambling dollar. If they were all gone and ONE company (P.E.T.) has control over virtually all stand alone gambling, guess what would probably happen to those aforementioned percentages. Daily pay outs would fall to the lowest possible rate until gamblers reached their breaking point, at which the fall would stop. This has been demonstrated in other areas by instances of a drop from an average of 92 percent to as low as 74 percent when competition was reduced or eliminated, and this “floor” is almost always maintained by a state imposed legal minimum; and the resultant profit for the owners skyrocketed. Revenues available to the state (or local municipality) would no longer be assured as at present because a whole new set of rules would apply; rules that are being formulated NOW by the politically connected few; rules that, so far, have been kept quite secret and for VLT ONLY. WHY?
As we have seen, the introduction of 750 VLT units will result in a huge change in the gambling picture of the CNMI, but the point here is that this change is being wrought right under our noses — and virtually in secret. I believe the public has a right to know just what is going on and how and when and by whom. I also believe the public has a right to ask the promoters what expectations there are for the public’s own well-being. We already know what poker has done — but now, tell us what are the expectations for the future (no glam please) and back up those expectations with established facts. Folks, it’s up to you — do you CARE? This is but one of the hundreds of questions left pending by the new gambling proposal.
A final thought on a possible “silver lining” for the islands of Rota and Tinian. Rota and Tinian are constitutionally mandated “CHARTERED” municipalities (Saipan and the Northern Islands are NOT). As such, it is possible to establish certain local authorities and rights regarding such things that occur within your boundaries that affect only the status within your boundaries. Although the RIGHT of a chartered municipality to enact local ordinances has not yet been tested in local courts, it should be, and now is possibly the best time to do it. For instance, you have the RIGHT to enact local laws NOT overseen by the state, or requiring state approval (Governor’s signature) as long as they affect only the local area and do not counter or infringe on state laws. And, you have the right to “add to” state laws that do affect the local area; to make them more stringent, for example. Do you think the centrist politicians of Saipan want you to avail of that?
For instance, you have the RIGHT to local taxation, etc. This may offer a golden opportunity to assert those rights and control the effects of privately run enterprises that would detrimentally affect local concerns. You want the right of self-government? It has already been given to you! Now, exercise it.
What’s the first step? Write and enact a local charter, with all its allowable rules and authorities, as permitted by the CNMI Constitution. That is part of the self-governance many of you whine about NOT having, in spite of the fact that you ALREADY HAVE IT! Now is the time to stand up and show that you understand it.
DR. THOMAS D. ARKLE JR.
San Jose, Tinian
(temporarily writing
from Winter Haven, FL)
