Aug. 1 will be the date of Guam’s primary election.
It’s therefore predictable and we have seen in recent months, weeks and days a flurry of messages bringing with them new bills and explanations why these are needed from the senators the island elected two years ago.
It’s hard to argue that the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation could do with a brand-new building with more space, not to mention more staff and less responsibilities, but other bills lack the same importance.
Members of the business community have many opportunities to attend not only debates hosted by our civic organizations, but pocket meetings in their villages, and many events around the island.
These present the opportunity to get to know or speak with both gubernatorial and senatorial candidates on issues of concern to you, your businesses and your families.
In this issue of the Journal, you can hear directly from business owners who voice their concerns at the rising cost of doing business in Guam. And many of you will sympathize as these are costs that affect all of us.
But equally importantly, there are perennial issues that face the community and affect businesses both large and small.
Theft and robbery beset the community, particularly threatening vulnerable staff. Vehicles are stolen from residential and business areas. While each business surely has a policy of protection of both staff, tills and assets, due to the pervasiveness of drugs in the community, working late or venturing out in the evening brings with it additional concerns.
It is no good to continually blame market forces driving the lack of housing, when successive administrations through the years have not paid attention to that lack for needy members of our community. The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority has a heavy load, but other departments and leadership have a role to play.
Safety and security, education of our children, the lack of housing and the condition of the Veterans Cemetery are community issues.
Choose carefully when you vote on Aug. 1. mbj
It’s therefore predictable and we have seen in recent months, weeks and days a flurry of messages bringing with them new bills and explanations why these are needed from the senators the island elected two years ago.
It’s hard to argue that the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation could do with a brand-new building with more space, not to mention more staff and less responsibilities, but other bills lack the same importance.
Members of the business community have many opportunities to attend not only debates hosted by our civic organizations, but pocket meetings in their villages, and many events around the island.
These present the opportunity to get to know or speak with both gubernatorial and senatorial candidates on issues of concern to you, your businesses and your families.
In this issue of the Journal, you can hear directly from business owners who voice their concerns at the rising cost of doing business in Guam. And many of you will sympathize as these are costs that affect all of us.
But equally importantly, there are perennial issues that face the community and affect businesses both large and small.
Theft and robbery beset the community, particularly threatening vulnerable staff. Vehicles are stolen from residential and business areas. While each business surely has a policy of protection of both staff, tills and assets, due to the pervasiveness of drugs in the community, working late or venturing out in the evening brings with it additional concerns.
It is no good to continually blame market forces driving the lack of housing, when successive administrations through the years have not paid attention to that lack for needy members of our community. The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority has a heavy load, but other departments and leadership have a role to play.
Safety and security, education of our children, the lack of housing and the condition of the Veterans Cemetery are community issues.
Choose carefully when you vote on Aug. 1. mbj
