Government employees, fearful of unemployment, are discouraged to speak out and the rest of the community is either unable or unwilling to counteract these disturbing trends.
Meanwhile, there is still no new budget. Affected employees want to know what positions get funded and which ones are slated for cuts. The community wants and needs to know how public services will be affected.
As everyone knows, supplies and equipment, maintenance and services contracts are sacrificed for more employees even though everyone also knows that services cannot be adequately provided without the proper tools. So, for example, even though emergency vehicles have gas to travel, most are not fully equipped with the life saving equipment needed to keep someone alive on the ride to the hospital.
And although the administration seems to have a soft spot for criminals, it has no such concern for education. It wants to reduce the budgets of PSS and NMC to…what? Give more former felons fat contracts?
Legislators, for their part, would rather talk about these problems. They know what to do but they just don’t want to do it. Budget cuts must be made in keeping with available resources. Key public services must be protected.
Anyone not in an essential job category is expendable. The essential positions are those in education, public health, the utilities and law enforcement, which includes customs, corrections and the courts. Everything else is extra.
Budgeting requires that responsible officials prioritize needs, but this is something most of them absolutely refuse to do. It is far easier to make choices based on their political needs, political affiliations and political obligations.
That sums up the budget process on Capital Hill.
The future is headed elsewhere
SAIPAN Southern High School, its Manta Ray Band and music director Will DeWitt have brought distinction to the community for their outstanding performance at Carnegie Hall a few weeks ago. It is a pity that instead of accolades, the school’s teachers and other personnel received pink slips from their principal during Teacher Appreciation Week — only to be later notified that almost all of them will be renewed after all. So what is this stunt all about then?
At any rate, it is clear that the future generations of these islands are in good hands while under the care of their teachers. Many other public and private schools are producing young solid citizens who, if supported, might change the dynamics of this place. The winners of this year’s AG Cup spoke about the decrepit state of the community, the corruption that leads to decay, and the promises of youth never fulfilled in a political and economic environment that crushes innovation, dissent, individual industry and the merit system.
We all nod our heads, applaud…and do nothing.
The youth of the CNMI deserve better, which is why a lot of them are heading to the states while those who remain here get the government they deserve.
Vigilance
SEVERAL fires have broken out all over this island, clearing brush, grasslands, destroying homes and burning abandoned buildings to the ground. As the dry season continues and water resources are further compromised, government agencies should step up their cautionary messages to prevent further damage to property and the environment. Residents, for their part, must maintain vigilance. We cannot depend too much on a government that deals with its budget problems not by reducing its fat, but by cutting services.
Put it on the ballot
WHENEVER elected officials seem to be saying a lot about a controversial issue without really saying anything, it is because they are not so sure about which way the political wind is blowing.
One such issue is the Interior’s recommendation regarding guest workers. CNMI officials say they want a unified position which presumably is based on the wishes of the people of the commonwealth. But who knows what they want?
So here’s an idea. Let’s have a non-binding referendum. Let’s ask CNMI voters if they support improved status for long-term guest workers. Put it on the ballot this November and let the people have their say.
