Final EIS out by summer
Thursday, 25 March 2010 04:55
by Zita Y. Taitano
Marianas Variety News Staff
THE final version of the environmental impact statement for the military buildup could be ready by late June or early July, Joint Guam Program Office director John Jackson said yesterday.
Jackson made the announcement before the Mayors Council during yesterday’s special meeting.
He said JGPO has received a total of 8,600 comments on the draft report.
He said the comments came from different places including Guam, Japan, the Philippines, and Hawaii, among others.
“Those comments range from ‘We’re glad to see the Marines coming’ to ‘Yankee go home,’” Jackson said.
The documents received will be reviewed by a team in Hawaii and then put in 45 categories for the final version.
And while he didn’t go into what those categories were, Jackson said that they would be included in the final version and be referred to as actionable comments. Other comments that do not have any direct impact on the final study will be omitted.
“Once the final study is put out on the street, there will be a 30-day period from the time it is published to the time that the record of decision can be made in August,” Jackson said.
Jackson explained that the record of decision will be comprised of multiple alternatives and preferred alternatives by the Secretary of the Navy.
“The Secretary of the Navy may say he concurs with the preferred alternative at Finegayan for the Marine Corps Base or he may say I like that part, but I also want you to modify it to do the following things so the record of decision basically takes the recommendations from the final EIS and the decision signs off on it with yes or no,” said Jackson.
As for the failing grade that the draft report has received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jackson said when the study was drafted last September, it was based on the input from the scoping meetings, and that several issues brought up had already been addressed.
He said Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the Environmental Quality Council, told him the issues and concerns were already taken care of.
Jackson, however, didn’t specify the issues that he said have been addressed.
Showing posts with label Mayors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayors. Show all posts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Council vows increased role in buildup preparation
Council vows increased role in buildup preparation
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 03:02
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
DEDEDO mayor Melissa Savares, the newly inducted president of the Mayors Council, said yesterday village leaders will keep their active participation in the community’s preparations for the military buildup.
“We continue to be involved in the dialogue of the move of the U.S. Marines and their families and additional contract workers from Okinawa to Guam in the coming years,” Savares said in a speech during the induction of the council’s new officers at the Asan/Maina Community Center.
She also encouraged esidents to read and provide comments on the draft environmental impact statement.
“The growth of our island population will definitely impact our villages, be it heavy traffic congestion on our village roads, the overcrowding of our schools or by the neighbors who continue to move into the house next door. Whichever it may be, we as residents of Guam will definitely be affected,” Savares added.
The Dededo mayor succeeded Agat mayor Carol Tayama, who described her stint at the council as “a very fruitful year for all of us.”
“Though there are many projects and programs that we want to pursue, we accomplished much in 2009,” Tayama said, adding she will continue to work with the new officers in 2010.
“These are exciting and serious times we and our people are facing today. As mayors and vice mayors we have always been on the forefront of the issues facing our island. 2010, will be no different. It’s just we need to give our new officers support and assistance in making 2010 another banner year for the people of Guam,” she said.
The newly inducted officers are Savares, president; Sinajana vice mayor Robert Hoffman, vice president; Tamuning/Tumon/Harmon vice mayor Louise Rivera, secretary; Inarajan mayor Franklin Taitague, treasurer; Hagatna mayor John Cruz, sergeant-at-arms.
In her speech, Savares also emphasized the importance of recycling, citing her village’s efforts to promote the program among her constituents as one example.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 03:02
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
DEDEDO mayor Melissa Savares, the newly inducted president of the Mayors Council, said yesterday village leaders will keep their active participation in the community’s preparations for the military buildup.
“We continue to be involved in the dialogue of the move of the U.S. Marines and their families and additional contract workers from Okinawa to Guam in the coming years,” Savares said in a speech during the induction of the council’s new officers at the Asan/Maina Community Center.
She also encouraged esidents to read and provide comments on the draft environmental impact statement.
“The growth of our island population will definitely impact our villages, be it heavy traffic congestion on our village roads, the overcrowding of our schools or by the neighbors who continue to move into the house next door. Whichever it may be, we as residents of Guam will definitely be affected,” Savares added.
The Dededo mayor succeeded Agat mayor Carol Tayama, who described her stint at the council as “a very fruitful year for all of us.”
“Though there are many projects and programs that we want to pursue, we accomplished much in 2009,” Tayama said, adding she will continue to work with the new officers in 2010.
“These are exciting and serious times we and our people are facing today. As mayors and vice mayors we have always been on the forefront of the issues facing our island. 2010, will be no different. It’s just we need to give our new officers support and assistance in making 2010 another banner year for the people of Guam,” she said.
The newly inducted officers are Savares, president; Sinajana vice mayor Robert Hoffman, vice president; Tamuning/Tumon/Harmon vice mayor Louise Rivera, secretary; Inarajan mayor Franklin Taitague, treasurer; Hagatna mayor John Cruz, sergeant-at-arms.
In her speech, Savares also emphasized the importance of recycling, citing her village’s efforts to promote the program among her constituents as one example.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Mayors back land resolution
Mayors back land resolution
Friday, 08 January 2010 00:16
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE Mayors Council covered a lot of ground yesterday morning during their first official meeting for 2010. [Village mayors buckle down to work on Thursday during the Mayors Council’s first official meeting for 2010. Zita Taitano]
Upon Yigo mayor Robert Lizama’s motion, the mayors unanimously voted to support Sen. Judy Guthertz’s Resolution 258, which would prohibit the federal government from imposing eminent domain to acquire private property along Route 15 in Pagat for the use by Marines as a firing range.
A public hearing was held on the resolution and drew more than 100 residents, 44 of whom spoke in support of the legislation. There was only one opposition to the resolution.
Presenting the reasons for the resolution was Guthertz chief of staff, Dr. Richard Wyttenbach-Santos, who indicated that there are other areas the Marines could utilize such as Naval Magazine, but had learned that the area was too far to travel. Other sites also usable include near Ritidian Point and also on Andersen Air Force Base.
Lizama also suggested that a petition be drafted for each village in support of Resolution 258-30. “I think we’d be making a statement in getting our people involved and getting our ‘familia’ network and friends,” he said.
Several other items were also discussed including the continuing problem with the streetlights and the appointment of the Mayor’s Council to head this year’s 66th Liberation Day festivities.
Mayors Council executive director Angel Sablan brought up of the matter of the Department of Public Works’ plan to outsource the streetlights maintenance, which he said is of great concern. Sablan has asked for a detailed listing from Guam Power Authority on all streetlights on Guam.
With regard to the Liberation Day activities, Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares, newly elected president of the Mayors Council, said the council will start getting ready early this year for liberation and that includes recruiting for candidates for the 2010 Miss Liberation Pageant.
“We want to start planning for the vendors. We want to have a big Chamorro concert for the Liberation Day Committee to draw the people out,” she said.
The council’s new officers will be sworn in at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Asan/Maina Community Center.
Friday, 08 January 2010 00:16
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE Mayors Council covered a lot of ground yesterday morning during their first official meeting for 2010. [Village mayors buckle down to work on Thursday during the Mayors Council’s first official meeting for 2010. Zita Taitano]
Upon Yigo mayor Robert Lizama’s motion, the mayors unanimously voted to support Sen. Judy Guthertz’s Resolution 258, which would prohibit the federal government from imposing eminent domain to acquire private property along Route 15 in Pagat for the use by Marines as a firing range.
A public hearing was held on the resolution and drew more than 100 residents, 44 of whom spoke in support of the legislation. There was only one opposition to the resolution.
Presenting the reasons for the resolution was Guthertz chief of staff, Dr. Richard Wyttenbach-Santos, who indicated that there are other areas the Marines could utilize such as Naval Magazine, but had learned that the area was too far to travel. Other sites also usable include near Ritidian Point and also on Andersen Air Force Base.
Lizama also suggested that a petition be drafted for each village in support of Resolution 258-30. “I think we’d be making a statement in getting our people involved and getting our ‘familia’ network and friends,” he said.
Several other items were also discussed including the continuing problem with the streetlights and the appointment of the Mayor’s Council to head this year’s 66th Liberation Day festivities.
Mayors Council executive director Angel Sablan brought up of the matter of the Department of Public Works’ plan to outsource the streetlights maintenance, which he said is of great concern. Sablan has asked for a detailed listing from Guam Power Authority on all streetlights on Guam.
With regard to the Liberation Day activities, Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares, newly elected president of the Mayors Council, said the council will start getting ready early this year for liberation and that includes recruiting for candidates for the 2010 Miss Liberation Pageant.
“We want to start planning for the vendors. We want to have a big Chamorro concert for the Liberation Day Committee to draw the people out,” she said.
The council’s new officers will be sworn in at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Asan/Maina Community Center.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Guam Mayors Mixed on Federalization and Military Buildup
SAIPAN TRIBUNE
Monday, May 18, 2009
Guam mayors mixed on federalization, military buildup
By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Reporter
Guam mayors here for the 2nd Annual Pacific Mayors' Conference have expressed contrasting views about the upcoming military buildup at home as well as the federalization of the CNMI's immigration system.
Mayor Jose “Pedo” T. Terlaje of Yona said he is definitely against federalization because it is already impacting Guam.
He said he's attending the conference not only to talk about agriculture with Philippine mayors but also to share his views on the impacts of federalization. “I'm happy that we're sharing these issues with the other mayors in the region because we are all impacted,” he said.
Terlaje wants the United States to keep its hands off CNMI immigration because he does not want the people of the CNMI to experience what Guam went through.
“It weakened the social life in Guam and it will have the same impact for the people in the CNMI if that happens,” he said.
He said local people, even the local governments, have no control in Guam because the U.S. government runs the entire place.
“Implementing it [federalization of CNMI Immigration] will diminish the life of the people in the CNMI,” Terlaje said.
He said this is because the local workforce will not be enough to supply the needed manpower.
On the issue of the U.S. military buildup, Terlaje said the people of Guam can already visualize the problems and the issues that will confront the people of the region once that happens.
But the oldest Guam mayor, Vicente “Ben” D. Gumataotao of Piti, said the general feeling of the people in Guam is that “we are fully supporting the military buildup.”
He said there are some activists who are against it but they are a small fraction of the population.
Gumatatao, 82, is a retired U.S. Navy officer, who said he trained many people who are now working in Washington D.C. He is a first cousin of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and an uncle of CNMI Delegate to Congress Gregorio Sablan.
On the issue of the visa waiver program, Gumataotao said he understands the U.S. decision to exclude China and Russia.
Gumatatao described as “suicidal” Fitial's efforts to stop the U.S. government from federalizing CNMI immigration “but it is his right to do so because he takes care of the welfare of the people of the CNMI.”
Mayor Paul McDonald of Agatna Heights, who is also president of the Association of Pacific Islands Local Governments, said most resource speakers of the conference presented bleak prospects.
“It is alarming. But so far the conference is going smooth,” he said.
Vice Mayor Louise C. Rivera of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon said this kind of gathering is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue.
“We are given the chance to share our visions and how we can best address our concerns on these issues,” she said.
http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=90350&cat=1
Monday, May 18, 2009
Guam mayors mixed on federalization, military buildup
By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Reporter
Guam mayors here for the 2nd Annual Pacific Mayors' Conference have expressed contrasting views about the upcoming military buildup at home as well as the federalization of the CNMI's immigration system.
Mayor Jose “Pedo” T. Terlaje of Yona said he is definitely against federalization because it is already impacting Guam.
He said he's attending the conference not only to talk about agriculture with Philippine mayors but also to share his views on the impacts of federalization. “I'm happy that we're sharing these issues with the other mayors in the region because we are all impacted,” he said.
Terlaje wants the United States to keep its hands off CNMI immigration because he does not want the people of the CNMI to experience what Guam went through.
“It weakened the social life in Guam and it will have the same impact for the people in the CNMI if that happens,” he said.
He said local people, even the local governments, have no control in Guam because the U.S. government runs the entire place.
“Implementing it [federalization of CNMI Immigration] will diminish the life of the people in the CNMI,” Terlaje said.
He said this is because the local workforce will not be enough to supply the needed manpower.
On the issue of the U.S. military buildup, Terlaje said the people of Guam can already visualize the problems and the issues that will confront the people of the region once that happens.
But the oldest Guam mayor, Vicente “Ben” D. Gumataotao of Piti, said the general feeling of the people in Guam is that “we are fully supporting the military buildup.”
He said there are some activists who are against it but they are a small fraction of the population.
Gumatatao, 82, is a retired U.S. Navy officer, who said he trained many people who are now working in Washington D.C. He is a first cousin of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and an uncle of CNMI Delegate to Congress Gregorio Sablan.
On the issue of the visa waiver program, Gumataotao said he understands the U.S. decision to exclude China and Russia.
Gumatatao described as “suicidal” Fitial's efforts to stop the U.S. government from federalizing CNMI immigration “but it is his right to do so because he takes care of the welfare of the people of the CNMI.”
Mayor Paul McDonald of Agatna Heights, who is also president of the Association of Pacific Islands Local Governments, said most resource speakers of the conference presented bleak prospects.
“It is alarming. But so far the conference is going smooth,” he said.
Vice Mayor Louise C. Rivera of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon said this kind of gathering is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue.
“We are given the chance to share our visions and how we can best address our concerns on these issues,” she said.
http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=90350&cat=1
Monday, March 31, 2008
No Need to Inform Tinian About Military Activities There
US military need not inform Tinian about its activities
Monday March 31, 2008
By Junhan B. Todeno
Variety News Staff
TINIAN Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas says any military activity, such as fencing the property leased by U.S. armed forces, can proceed even without informing his office.
Based on the lease agreement, the mayor said, the military doesn’t need to inform the municipal officials about its movements on Tinian.
San Nicolas said he, too, has not seen any fence that the U.S. military supposedly installed on Tinian.
In a separate interview, Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said he will check with the military.
He noted at the same time that whatever movement the U.S. military will undertake in the area will always conform with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
In an e-mail to Variety, the Tinian Municipal Council members said they are not at liberty to discuss or release any information regarding the activities of the U.S. Military on the island.
It is the U.S. Department of Defense that will release information as needed, the council stated.
It added that the island welcomes any U.S. military build-up on Tinian, “considering it will be a plus for our economy.”
Rep. Edwin P. Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, earlier said that the island’s legislative delegation should be informed of any activities the U.S. military was conducting in the area.
Aldan said the U.S. military has fenced a small area on the northern part of the island that is used for target practice and other exercises.
Monday March 31, 2008
By Junhan B. Todeno
Variety News Staff
TINIAN Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas says any military activity, such as fencing the property leased by U.S. armed forces, can proceed even without informing his office.
Based on the lease agreement, the mayor said, the military doesn’t need to inform the municipal officials about its movements on Tinian.
San Nicolas said he, too, has not seen any fence that the U.S. military supposedly installed on Tinian.
In a separate interview, Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said he will check with the military.
He noted at the same time that whatever movement the U.S. military will undertake in the area will always conform with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
In an e-mail to Variety, the Tinian Municipal Council members said they are not at liberty to discuss or release any information regarding the activities of the U.S. Military on the island.
It is the U.S. Department of Defense that will release information as needed, the council stated.
It added that the island welcomes any U.S. military build-up on Tinian, “considering it will be a plus for our economy.”
Rep. Edwin P. Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, earlier said that the island’s legislative delegation should be informed of any activities the U.S. military was conducting in the area.
Aldan said the U.S. military has fenced a small area on the northern part of the island that is used for target practice and other exercises.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Mayors Share Concerns with GAO reps
Mayors share concerns with GAO reps
by John Davis
KUAM News
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Earlier this morning General Accountability Office representatives Jamila Moon, Nelsie Alacusar and Mark Little met with village mayors. Many mayors want specifics and, more importantly, to be included in decisions being made that will affect all Guam residents. Many mayors echoed the same concerns of Mangilao mayor Nito Blas, who says information he's heard about the military buildup is always on a hearsay basis.
Blas confirmed that he's heard several times about development in his village, but nothing has been finalized. "Somebody was mentioning to me that they're going to cut the road from Route 4 coming from LeoPalace Route 4 into by GCC or the University of Guam area connecting to Route 15," said the municipal leader. "Somebody moving into a small road, small section of the village, building a 54 or 120 units in there because they say when the marines come, they're going to stay there."
Blas says he's concerned because according to information he's received, the military will construct their own housing on base. Other mayors, like Roke Blas of Sinajana, say they'd like to hear more information regarding how the U.S. Government is going to assist Guam when providing public services. He says right now, there is a major migration of our neighboring islanders coming into the island; although he says he welcomes all who wish to call Guam home, the community is not being given enough money to fund public services.
"Where does that put us as a local people? It pushes us back even further. Now, you know every so many months they come up with a 100 new clients that they could take care of, but maybe about 60 % of that is not from our local people," said the Sinajana mayor.
At the end of today's meeting, mayors said the best piece of information they could receive from the federal government is a military buildup master plan, showing exactly which buildup development projects are definite, so they can prepare island residents accordingly. But more importantly, they would like to see Guam included when it comes to decisions regarding the military buildup.
by John Davis
KUAM News
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Earlier this morning General Accountability Office representatives Jamila Moon, Nelsie Alacusar and Mark Little met with village mayors. Many mayors want specifics and, more importantly, to be included in decisions being made that will affect all Guam residents. Many mayors echoed the same concerns of Mangilao mayor Nito Blas, who says information he's heard about the military buildup is always on a hearsay basis.
Blas confirmed that he's heard several times about development in his village, but nothing has been finalized. "Somebody was mentioning to me that they're going to cut the road from Route 4 coming from LeoPalace Route 4 into by GCC or the University of Guam area connecting to Route 15," said the municipal leader. "Somebody moving into a small road, small section of the village, building a 54 or 120 units in there because they say when the marines come, they're going to stay there."
Blas says he's concerned because according to information he's received, the military will construct their own housing on base. Other mayors, like Roke Blas of Sinajana, say they'd like to hear more information regarding how the U.S. Government is going to assist Guam when providing public services. He says right now, there is a major migration of our neighboring islanders coming into the island; although he says he welcomes all who wish to call Guam home, the community is not being given enough money to fund public services.
"Where does that put us as a local people? It pushes us back even further. Now, you know every so many months they come up with a 100 new clients that they could take care of, but maybe about 60 % of that is not from our local people," said the Sinajana mayor.
At the end of today's meeting, mayors said the best piece of information they could receive from the federal government is a military buildup master plan, showing exactly which buildup development projects are definite, so they can prepare island residents accordingly. But more importantly, they would like to see Guam included when it comes to decisions regarding the military buildup.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Task Force Touts Military Buildup
Task force touts military buildup
By Lacee A.C. Martinez
Pacific Daily News
lcmartinez@guampdn.com
12/05/07
Residents last night were able to meet face-to-face with the officials who will be developing a master plan for the island in preparation for the military buildup.
Dozens last night crowded the Agana Heights Mayor's Office for one of the first in a series of three Civilian Military Task Force meetings. Residents also have the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions to members of the committees tonight and tomorrow night in other villages.
Questions..Click here!
The priority of the task force is to focus on the delivery of services and to ensure the military buildup is benefiting the local community, committee member Tony Lamorena said.
"These committees are here to ensure that this buildup is not just good for the military, but good for the community, as well," Lamorena said.
Nimitz Hill resident D. Smith waited his turn to talk about jobs with Labor committee Chairwoman Maria Connelly.
"As we move forward, there are going to be a lot of jobs with billions to be spent, and my concern is whether Guam will be getting those jobs or whether they're going to go to these outside foreign contractors," he said. "Who's going to benefit from the employment? Guam should make sure that it gets its share."
The Department of Labor continues to compile job openings for construction firms and other employment vacancies throughout the island, Connelly said, adding that the Navy also is sending lists of available jobs they have.
"It is a priority to try to fill these positions locally," she said. "Most employers would want to employ people here rather than have to bring people in."
Agana Heights resident Frank D. Cruz showed up early to speak with housing committee members about the effect the military move will have on the cost of housing on Guam.
Cruz, who also owns a duplex in Agana Heights, said he expects the cost of apartment rentals to jump because many business owners will want to charge more for military tenants.
"I know that many people would rather rent out to the military, and I want to know whether the government is going to absorb that cost," Cruz said. "But what's going to happen to the rest of the residents?
Cruz said members of the housing committee were able to give him some feedback on their progress to address potential housing problems, but said he still worries about residents being displaced because of the buildup.
"I haven't heard anything yet from the government of how they're going to control this," he said.
John Torres, also from Agana Heights, said his main concern was the quality of life, the cost of living and safety issues.
"What's going to happen to us? Are we going to be listening to gunshots all night or hearing bombs?" he asked. "We don't need that stuff here, and we're a target already with other countries. We'll be even more of a target with the buildup."
Torres said he looks forward to business opportunities the buildup will bring for the community, but questions the need for the increase in military presence.
"Safety is a very big issue, and we already have the Air Force, the Navy and the National Guard," he said. "We're already good with what we have now."
By Lacee A.C. Martinez
Pacific Daily News
lcmartinez@guampdn.com
12/05/07
Residents last night were able to meet face-to-face with the officials who will be developing a master plan for the island in preparation for the military buildup.
Dozens last night crowded the Agana Heights Mayor's Office for one of the first in a series of three Civilian Military Task Force meetings. Residents also have the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions to members of the committees tonight and tomorrow night in other villages.
Questions..Click here!
The priority of the task force is to focus on the delivery of services and to ensure the military buildup is benefiting the local community, committee member Tony Lamorena said.
"These committees are here to ensure that this buildup is not just good for the military, but good for the community, as well," Lamorena said.
Nimitz Hill resident D. Smith waited his turn to talk about jobs with Labor committee Chairwoman Maria Connelly.
"As we move forward, there are going to be a lot of jobs with billions to be spent, and my concern is whether Guam will be getting those jobs or whether they're going to go to these outside foreign contractors," he said. "Who's going to benefit from the employment? Guam should make sure that it gets its share."
The Department of Labor continues to compile job openings for construction firms and other employment vacancies throughout the island, Connelly said, adding that the Navy also is sending lists of available jobs they have.
"It is a priority to try to fill these positions locally," she said. "Most employers would want to employ people here rather than have to bring people in."
Agana Heights resident Frank D. Cruz showed up early to speak with housing committee members about the effect the military move will have on the cost of housing on Guam.
Cruz, who also owns a duplex in Agana Heights, said he expects the cost of apartment rentals to jump because many business owners will want to charge more for military tenants.
"I know that many people would rather rent out to the military, and I want to know whether the government is going to absorb that cost," Cruz said. "But what's going to happen to the rest of the residents?
Cruz said members of the housing committee were able to give him some feedback on their progress to address potential housing problems, but said he still worries about residents being displaced because of the buildup.
"I haven't heard anything yet from the government of how they're going to control this," he said.
John Torres, also from Agana Heights, said his main concern was the quality of life, the cost of living and safety issues.
"What's going to happen to us? Are we going to be listening to gunshots all night or hearing bombs?" he asked. "We don't need that stuff here, and we're a target already with other countries. We'll be even more of a target with the buildup."
Torres said he looks forward to business opportunities the buildup will bring for the community, but questions the need for the increase in military presence.
"Safety is a very big issue, and we already have the Air Force, the Navy and the National Guard," he said. "We're already good with what we have now."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
More Public Hearings
Public hearing on buildup next week
By Brett Kelman
Pacific Daily News
bmkelman@guampdn.com
The Civilian Military Task Force will hold three meetings next week to update the community about the impending military buildup and give residents a chance to voice their concerns.
The meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the following locations: Dec. 4 at the Agana Heights mayor's office; Dec. 5 at the Santa Rita mayor's office; and Dec. 6 at the Dededo mayor's office. Attendees are advised to arrive early to register.
The task force was created by the governor to develop a "master plan" for the expansion of Guam's military presence. It is comprised of government, military business and community representatives who will try to determine the effects of Guam's coming military buildup, which includes the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their 10,000 family members from Okinawa to Guam. As many as 15,000 foreign skilled laborers are also expected to arrive here for construction projects related to the buildup.
A billion-dollar road project linking Guam's northern and southern military bases has already been proposed and other islandwide changes are expected. There are two things the buildup will inevitably cause -- construction and questions.
Spokesman for the governor, Shawn Gumataotao, said the meetings will give residents some answers.
"It's kind of a where-they-are-currently update. Residents will be able to get some details into what (the Task Force members) are planning," he said, adding that representatives of the Task Forces' 12 subcommittees will present on topics such as education, labor and health.
"The Task Force has decided to bring the meeting out to the community and give them a chance to come and ask about whatever issues they think should be discussed," said Agana Heights Mayor Paul McDonald, who was thrilled to host one of the meetings.
"Its about time, I believe," he said.
McDonald said he knows Agana Heights residents are concerned that increased traffic to the Naval Hospital will endanger children walking to the nearby Guam High School. He hoped the meetings would give residents a chance to ask for funding for an expanded sidewalk.
Already, growing traffic by the Naval Hospital has turned a one-minute work commute into a five-minute crawl, he said.
"We want to know how much worse it's going to get," he said.
McDonald encouraged all interested residents to show up at the meetings and pose their questions to Task Force members. He said since the buildup will affect every aspect of life on Guam, mayors alone could never think of every question that should be asked.
McDonald's question is simple -- just who is paying for the buildup?
"If I am, then I say, let's stop it," he said. "If for any reason, the United States or the military does not support the infrastructure that is needed to support them when they get here, the government of Guam should not tax the people for it ... I do not want to see the people being burdened anymore."
Originally published November 27, 2007
By Brett Kelman
Pacific Daily News
bmkelman@guampdn.com
The Civilian Military Task Force will hold three meetings next week to update the community about the impending military buildup and give residents a chance to voice their concerns.
The meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the following locations: Dec. 4 at the Agana Heights mayor's office; Dec. 5 at the Santa Rita mayor's office; and Dec. 6 at the Dededo mayor's office. Attendees are advised to arrive early to register.
The task force was created by the governor to develop a "master plan" for the expansion of Guam's military presence. It is comprised of government, military business and community representatives who will try to determine the effects of Guam's coming military buildup, which includes the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their 10,000 family members from Okinawa to Guam. As many as 15,000 foreign skilled laborers are also expected to arrive here for construction projects related to the buildup.
A billion-dollar road project linking Guam's northern and southern military bases has already been proposed and other islandwide changes are expected. There are two things the buildup will inevitably cause -- construction and questions.
Spokesman for the governor, Shawn Gumataotao, said the meetings will give residents some answers.
"It's kind of a where-they-are-currently update. Residents will be able to get some details into what (the Task Force members) are planning," he said, adding that representatives of the Task Forces' 12 subcommittees will present on topics such as education, labor and health.
"The Task Force has decided to bring the meeting out to the community and give them a chance to come and ask about whatever issues they think should be discussed," said Agana Heights Mayor Paul McDonald, who was thrilled to host one of the meetings.
"Its about time, I believe," he said.
McDonald said he knows Agana Heights residents are concerned that increased traffic to the Naval Hospital will endanger children walking to the nearby Guam High School. He hoped the meetings would give residents a chance to ask for funding for an expanded sidewalk.
Already, growing traffic by the Naval Hospital has turned a one-minute work commute into a five-minute crawl, he said.
"We want to know how much worse it's going to get," he said.
McDonald encouraged all interested residents to show up at the meetings and pose their questions to Task Force members. He said since the buildup will affect every aspect of life on Guam, mayors alone could never think of every question that should be asked.
McDonald's question is simple -- just who is paying for the buildup?
"If I am, then I say, let's stop it," he said. "If for any reason, the United States or the military does not support the infrastructure that is needed to support them when they get here, the government of Guam should not tax the people for it ... I do not want to see the people being burdened anymore."
Originally published November 27, 2007
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