The public hearings were even structured with a prepared agenda in which each agency was to make a presentation on three specified issues: 1) impact of the buildup on their agency, 2) mitigation measures currently underway or planned, and 3) policies the Legislature should consider. The hearings were very close to being “oversight” hearings. After the completion of the presentations, each senator was then given an opportunity to ask questions. When that was done, the floor was opened to the public for questions and comments.
As I watched and listened to the proceedings, I was hoping to hear and learn some fresh ideas on the military buildup and on the draft report. With such limited time allotted to each agency, the agency presentations were somewhat brief, but adequate. The questionings and exchange of ideas between the senators and the agency representatives were quite stimulating and sometimes challenging, but civil.
However, some of the testimonies and comments from the public were open-ended and not even related to the subject on hand. Some of them were merely repetitions of prior testimonies and comments. And noticeably, the same individuals were speaking every night. I don’t believe that these individuals were representatives of the Guam community as a whole.
I was especially mystified with the testimony of a Superior Court judge in the public hearings. I thought judges are supposed to maintain and enforce high standards of conduct and must personally observe those standards, so that the integrity, independence and impartiality of the judiciary may be preserved.
There is no denying that the judge has every right as a private citizen to comment on the draft impact study, especially since he has family interest on the land that will be impacted by the military buildup. But, as a sitting judge, I believe that he should respect and comply with the law, especially the NEPA law, and act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
What would happen if a land condemnation case is brought before his court? Would he be impartial in making his judicial decision?
Since Speaker Won Pat and some other senators continue to express strong opposition to the military buildup, I have but one question for them: What funding alternative will they be offering the people of Guam if the military buildup does not push through as planned?
Guam is going through some very difficult economic and financial times this year and this will continue in the next 30 years as the government of Guam is obligated to pay $473.5 million revenue bonds that were sold last year to cover its outstanding liabilities.
Since the people of Guam have yet to be consulted in this regard, they deserve an answer to this question — and soon.
MANUEL Q. CRUZ
Yona, Guam
