PNC :: Senators & We Are Guahan React To Governor's Speech
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - Meanwhile some members of the legislature and the We Are Guahan Coalition chimed in on how they felt about the governor's speech.
Buildup chairwoman Senator Judy Guthertz says she was very pleased with the governor's speach however she wishes he had taken these positions on the military buildup years ago. Guthertz says much of the speech re-iterated issues that Guthertz and other lawmakers have been talking about for years.
As for changing guam's name officially to Guahan Guthertz supports the idea as long as it's accompanied by something more concrete in the way of guam's political identity. Senator Rory Respicio says that he was touched by the governors speech when referring to the sacrifices he and his family have endured however, Respicio was hoping that he would speak a little bit more in detail about how he plans to handle the challenges of the military buildup. The senator says resolution 275 should be used a blueprint for how to deal with the buildup. Respicio also supports changing Guam to Guahan but he like Guthertz would like to see it accompanied with some kind of legislation that deals with Guam's political status.
Republican Senator Frank Blas Jr. was a part of the first Camacho administration and helped bring Guam back from the rubble of typhoon Pongsona. He says that people tend to forget the kind of adversities the Camacho administration had to deal with when first taking office. As for the idea of changing Guam to Guahan Blas says he's all for it.
We are Guahan member Vicki Leon Guerrero was pleasantly surprised by many of the points the governor touched upon in his speech. The We Are Guahan Coalition has been very vocal about the concerns that many members of the community have with regards to the military buildup. They have spoken at various DEIS hearings including ones held by the Governor. A lot of the concerns the governor spoke about reflected those of the We Are Guahan group. Leon Guerrero says she believes the Governor could have said a little more though particulary about what his agency heads have discovered after reviewing the DEIS. Nevertheless Leon Guerrero says that the governor's speech was "definitely refreshing". What interested her most though was the propossal of changing Guam to Guahan.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Showing posts with label Respicio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Respicio. Show all posts
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
No more troops
No more troops
Friday, 12 February 2010 03:52
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Japanese officials given copy of ‘sentiment’ resolution
LAWMAKERS yesterday unanimously passed a resolution that reiterates the island residents’ sentiments on the military’s draft environmental impact statement, which they consider “grossly flawed.”
Visiting members of Japan’s House of Representatives assured senators that there will be no additional troops that will be deployed to Guam beyond the number originally agreed upon between The United States and Japan.
Senator Rory Respicio, author of Resolution 275, described the legislature’s action as a tremendous victory for the people of Guam. He said the resolution reflects months of input based on the review of the draft impact report.
“The legislature’s approach to this military buildup is that we have to represent the people’s feelings on this matter,” said the lawmaker.
Respicio said Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo has made a commitment to represent the legislature’s position, which reflects the sentiments of the people.
Respicio hopes for Gov. Felix Camacho’s support for the resolution and to give his commitment as well.
Two members of Japan’s Diet, Mikio Shimoji of the People’s New Party and Tomoko Abe of the Social Democrat Party, made a brief stop at the legislature during yesterday’s session. The resolution was presented to the two Japanese lawmakers.
“What we saw today, we don’t think that there’s enough capacity for more forces because of the infrastructure situation in Guam,” Shimoji said through an interpreter. “And considering the sentiments and motivations of the people of Guam, at this point, there cannot be additional forces from Japan.”
Shimoji also said that the United States and Japan must both share equal responsibility for the buildup. He said when he returns to Japan, he and other members of the delegation will share with their colleagues the sentiments of Guam residents about the buildup.
Committeewoman on the Guam Military Buildup, Sen. Judi Guthertz said that
“The people of Guam should be proud of the legislature for standing up for them and for trying to make certain that this buildup will not be one sided but that it will benefit everyone who calls Guam home now and in the future,” said Sen. Judi Guthertz, chairman of the military buildup committee.
Guthertz said that was the goal of lawmakers when they drafted the resolution. “I encourage the people of Guam to read the resolution so that they can see what the legislature said and what we’re trying to accomplish,” said the lawmaker.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said the resolution is a very significant piece of document that would change Japan’s impression of Guam’s position on the military buildup.
Japanese Diet members told Won Pat that they were always under the impression, three to four years ago, that 80 to 90 percent of Guam residents were in favor of the buildup. “That was the story they were given,” Won Pat said.
They were very curious to find what the true sentiments were and this is why they made the effort to visit the Guam Legislature when they learned that Resolution 275 was being heard regarding the buildup.
“We told them that it will contain the sentiments of the people, and that to them was far more important—that they know what the military side of the story is, and they wanted to know the people of Guam’s story, too,” said the speaker.
Won Pat said members of the Japanese Diet were very humble when they acknowledged that Japan has an equal responsibility as the United States in terms of the Marines’ relocation as stated in the U.S. and Japan agreement.
“To us, this speaks volumes because this is the first time any government has ever said that—admitting that share in the responsibility,” said Won Pat.
The delegation left Guam yesterday afternoon.
Friday, 12 February 2010 03:52
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Japanese officials given copy of ‘sentiment’ resolution
LAWMAKERS yesterday unanimously passed a resolution that reiterates the island residents’ sentiments on the military’s draft environmental impact statement, which they consider “grossly flawed.”
Visiting members of Japan’s House of Representatives assured senators that there will be no additional troops that will be deployed to Guam beyond the number originally agreed upon between The United States and Japan.
Senator Rory Respicio, author of Resolution 275, described the legislature’s action as a tremendous victory for the people of Guam. He said the resolution reflects months of input based on the review of the draft impact report.
“The legislature’s approach to this military buildup is that we have to represent the people’s feelings on this matter,” said the lawmaker.
Respicio said Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo has made a commitment to represent the legislature’s position, which reflects the sentiments of the people.
Respicio hopes for Gov. Felix Camacho’s support for the resolution and to give his commitment as well.
Two members of Japan’s Diet, Mikio Shimoji of the People’s New Party and Tomoko Abe of the Social Democrat Party, made a brief stop at the legislature during yesterday’s session. The resolution was presented to the two Japanese lawmakers.
“What we saw today, we don’t think that there’s enough capacity for more forces because of the infrastructure situation in Guam,” Shimoji said through an interpreter. “And considering the sentiments and motivations of the people of Guam, at this point, there cannot be additional forces from Japan.”
Shimoji also said that the United States and Japan must both share equal responsibility for the buildup. He said when he returns to Japan, he and other members of the delegation will share with their colleagues the sentiments of Guam residents about the buildup.
Committeewoman on the Guam Military Buildup, Sen. Judi Guthertz said that
“The people of Guam should be proud of the legislature for standing up for them and for trying to make certain that this buildup will not be one sided but that it will benefit everyone who calls Guam home now and in the future,” said Sen. Judi Guthertz, chairman of the military buildup committee.
Guthertz said that was the goal of lawmakers when they drafted the resolution. “I encourage the people of Guam to read the resolution so that they can see what the legislature said and what we’re trying to accomplish,” said the lawmaker.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said the resolution is a very significant piece of document that would change Japan’s impression of Guam’s position on the military buildup.
Japanese Diet members told Won Pat that they were always under the impression, three to four years ago, that 80 to 90 percent of Guam residents were in favor of the buildup. “That was the story they were given,” Won Pat said.
They were very curious to find what the true sentiments were and this is why they made the effort to visit the Guam Legislature when they learned that Resolution 275 was being heard regarding the buildup.
“We told them that it will contain the sentiments of the people, and that to them was far more important—that they know what the military side of the story is, and they wanted to know the people of Guam’s story, too,” said the speaker.
Won Pat said members of the Japanese Diet were very humble when they acknowledged that Japan has an equal responsibility as the United States in terms of the Marines’ relocation as stated in the U.S. and Japan agreement.
“To us, this speaks volumes because this is the first time any government has ever said that—admitting that share in the responsibility,” said Won Pat.
The delegation left Guam yesterday afternoon.
PNC :: Legislature Passes Buildup Resolution
PNC :: Legislature Passes Buildup Resolution
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Guam - The Guam Legislature unanimously passed a resolution Thursday afternoon, which functions as the official comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement from the body.
The resolution is authored by Senator Rory Respicio, Senator Judith Guthertz, and Speaker Judi Won Pat. All other senators are co-sponsors. Resolution No. 275 outlines many concerns raised about the DEIS and makes recommendations for Congress to address long-standing local issues in light of the coming military buildup.
A delegation of Senators are planning to present the resolution personally in Washington D.C. in March.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle worked together to agree on the language included in the resolution. Two days of working sessions were conducted, allowing the body to come to a consensus on the important document. Among the issues requested to be addressed are:
· Self-determination
· Unreturned ancestral lands
· War reparations
· Inclusion in the Supplemental Security Income program
· Exemption from the Jones Act
· Removal of caps from Medicaid and all federally mandated public assistance programs
· Full reimbursement for impact costs as a result of the Compacts of Free Association
· Cleaning-up of environmental hazards that were created or augmented by the federal government
· Full participation in economic stimulus legislation
· Establishment of a secure Guam-only visa waiver program
· Inclusion of the Philippines, Russia and China in the Visa-Waiver Program
· Reimbursement for Earned Income Tax Credits paid or owed
The Legislature also asserted a number of findings it is requesting to be honored:
* Executive and Congressional intervention mandating the Department of Defense present a revised DEIS that can be reviewed and commented on
* Reconcile inconsistencies with DoD studies and those from the General Accountability office regarding the military buidup
* Establish a Civil-Military Advisory Council
* Asses the need for an omnibus appropriations bill addressing the needs of the buildup
* Conduct a proper and accurate assessment on the additional revenue that will be collected as a result of the buildup
* Allow the reimbursement of all Medicare and Medicaid costs incurred by U.S.-accredited health care facilities in the Republic of the Facilities
* Create a full fledged U.S. Veterans Affairs Office
* Allow Guam to control its Exclusive Economic Zone
Written by : News Release
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Guam - The Guam Legislature unanimously passed a resolution Thursday afternoon, which functions as the official comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement from the body.
The resolution is authored by Senator Rory Respicio, Senator Judith Guthertz, and Speaker Judi Won Pat. All other senators are co-sponsors. Resolution No. 275 outlines many concerns raised about the DEIS and makes recommendations for Congress to address long-standing local issues in light of the coming military buildup.
A delegation of Senators are planning to present the resolution personally in Washington D.C. in March.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle worked together to agree on the language included in the resolution. Two days of working sessions were conducted, allowing the body to come to a consensus on the important document. Among the issues requested to be addressed are:
· Self-determination
· Unreturned ancestral lands
· War reparations
· Inclusion in the Supplemental Security Income program
· Exemption from the Jones Act
· Removal of caps from Medicaid and all federally mandated public assistance programs
· Full reimbursement for impact costs as a result of the Compacts of Free Association
· Cleaning-up of environmental hazards that were created or augmented by the federal government
· Full participation in economic stimulus legislation
· Establishment of a secure Guam-only visa waiver program
· Inclusion of the Philippines, Russia and China in the Visa-Waiver Program
· Reimbursement for Earned Income Tax Credits paid or owed
The Legislature also asserted a number of findings it is requesting to be honored:
* Executive and Congressional intervention mandating the Department of Defense present a revised DEIS that can be reviewed and commented on
* Reconcile inconsistencies with DoD studies and those from the General Accountability office regarding the military buidup
* Establish a Civil-Military Advisory Council
* Asses the need for an omnibus appropriations bill addressing the needs of the buildup
* Conduct a proper and accurate assessment on the additional revenue that will be collected as a result of the buildup
* Allow the reimbursement of all Medicare and Medicaid costs incurred by U.S.-accredited health care facilities in the Republic of the Facilities
* Create a full fledged U.S. Veterans Affairs Office
* Allow Guam to control its Exclusive Economic Zone
Written by : News Release
Resolution sends DEIS feedback to Congress
Resolution sends DEIS feedback to Congress
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 3:51 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 3:57 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Senator Jim Webb's visit to Guam and Japan comes just in time as lawmakers head into session tomorrow to discuss Resolution 275. The measure would express to Congress the sentiments of island residents' on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Lawmakers held a series of interactive town meetings on the Draft EIS allowing residents to call or come in and testify on the document. Lawmakers have been compiling all the feedback they received to present to congress. Senator Rory Respicio said, "That resolution is going to be the basis as to how we can establish some kind of common ground and how we're going address this buildup. And common ground include that the military has to live within its own footprint and fund this buildup, they cannot impact our culture and our environment.
Session is scheduled to get underway tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 3:51 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 3:57 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Senator Jim Webb's visit to Guam and Japan comes just in time as lawmakers head into session tomorrow to discuss Resolution 275. The measure would express to Congress the sentiments of island residents' on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Lawmakers held a series of interactive town meetings on the Draft EIS allowing residents to call or come in and testify on the document. Lawmakers have been compiling all the feedback they received to present to congress. Senator Rory Respicio said, "That resolution is going to be the basis as to how we can establish some kind of common ground and how we're going address this buildup. And common ground include that the military has to live within its own footprint and fund this buildup, they cannot impact our culture and our environment.
Session is scheduled to get underway tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Obama asked to meet with civilian community
Obama asked to meet with civilian community
Thursday, 04 February 2010 02:44
Variety News Staff
(LEGISLATURE) - Guam Sens. Judith P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio urged President Obama “to meet a few of your fellow Americans who live outside the military gates,” during his planned stopover in Guam in March.
The two island lawmakers, who chair the legislative committees that deal with military and federal relations, said the president address military buildup issues directly with the Guam civilian community, rather than making a typical VIP “pit stop” behind the gates of Andersen Air Force Base.
“History and our high enlistment rates prove that the people of Guam are undeniably patriotic and pro-military, but dissatisfaction over the Pentagon’s buildup plan is spreading rapidly across our island. To make matters worse, we have yet to receive any of the promised assistance that is meant to cushion the impact of the buildup,” the senators stated in a letter to the president.
Calling for President Obama to provide “your leadership to guide the buildup properly,” the senators urged their ‘fellow islander’ to hold a town hold meeting outside of the gates: “We would like to have the same opportunities as our brothers and sisters on the mainland who often interact with you in this manner.”
Thursday, 04 February 2010 02:44
Variety News Staff
(LEGISLATURE) - Guam Sens. Judith P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio urged President Obama “to meet a few of your fellow Americans who live outside the military gates,” during his planned stopover in Guam in March.
The two island lawmakers, who chair the legislative committees that deal with military and federal relations, said the president address military buildup issues directly with the Guam civilian community, rather than making a typical VIP “pit stop” behind the gates of Andersen Air Force Base.
“History and our high enlistment rates prove that the people of Guam are undeniably patriotic and pro-military, but dissatisfaction over the Pentagon’s buildup plan is spreading rapidly across our island. To make matters worse, we have yet to receive any of the promised assistance that is meant to cushion the impact of the buildup,” the senators stated in a letter to the president.
Calling for President Obama to provide “your leadership to guide the buildup properly,” the senators urged their ‘fellow islander’ to hold a town hold meeting outside of the gates: “We would like to have the same opportunities as our brothers and sisters on the mainland who often interact with you in this manner.”
Senators ask Obama to meet outside the gates
Senators ask Obama to meet outside the gates
Posted: Feb 02, 2010 1:49 PM
Updated: Feb 02, 2010 2:49 PM
by Nick Delgado
*Letter to President Obama from sens. Respicio & Guthertz
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kuam/custom/news/02-02-10%20JPG%20RJR%20to%20President.pdf
Guam - Senators Judith Guthertz and Rory Respicio sent a letter to President Barack Obama today, asking that he make time in his busy schedule to meet a few of his fellow Americans who live outside the military gates. The senators ask the president that he use his leadership to help guide the military buildup properly.
They also write that Guam has yet to receive any of the promised assistance that is meant to cushion the impact of the buildup. In closing they state that a town hall meeting could help everyone gain a better understanding of the issues adding, "Please don't ignore us, Mr. President, you are Guam's best hope for a truly beneficial buildup."
Posted: Feb 02, 2010 1:49 PM
Updated: Feb 02, 2010 2:49 PM
by Nick Delgado
*Letter to President Obama from sens. Respicio & Guthertz
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kuam/custom/news/02-02-10%20JPG%20RJR%20to%20President.pdf
Guam - Senators Judith Guthertz and Rory Respicio sent a letter to President Barack Obama today, asking that he make time in his busy schedule to meet a few of his fellow Americans who live outside the military gates. The senators ask the president that he use his leadership to help guide the military buildup properly.
They also write that Guam has yet to receive any of the promised assistance that is meant to cushion the impact of the buildup. In closing they state that a town hall meeting could help everyone gain a better understanding of the issues adding, "Please don't ignore us, Mr. President, you are Guam's best hope for a truly beneficial buildup."
Saturday, January 30, 2010
PNC :: Senator Respicio Critical of Governor/Congresswoman's Stance on Military Buildup
PNC :: Senator Respicio Critical of Governor/Congresswoman's Stance on Military Buildup
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Today on k-57's breakfast show Senator's Rory Respicio, Judy Wonpat and Judy Guthertz spoke about the legislative public hearings they will hold on the Draft EIS of the military buildup.
During these discussions Senator Respicio was critical of both the governor and congresswoman's representation of guam's position on the military buildup. Senator Respicio says that these public hearings are being held in order to gather comments and better represent the feelings of the people of Guam towards the DEIS and the military buildup.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Today on k-57's breakfast show Senator's Rory Respicio, Judy Wonpat and Judy Guthertz spoke about the legislative public hearings they will hold on the Draft EIS of the military buildup.
During these discussions Senator Respicio was critical of both the governor and congresswoman's representation of guam's position on the military buildup. Senator Respicio says that these public hearings are being held in order to gather comments and better represent the feelings of the people of Guam towards the DEIS and the military buildup.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
PNC :: Speaker Judi Won Pat, Sens Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicio with Ray Gibson
Monday, January 25, 2009
Speaker Judi Won Pat, Sens Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicio with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson and Speaker Judi Won Pat, Senators Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicion about the public hearings which will be conducted by the 30th Guam Legislature concerning the Draft EIS for the military buildup.
If player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100125_083714.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Speaker Judi Won Pat, Sens Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicio with Ray Gibson Part 2Interview between Ray Gibson and Speaker Judi Won Pat, Senators Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicion about the public hearings which will be conducted by the 30th Guam Legislature concerning the Draft EIS for the military buidup continued.
If the player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100125_090028.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Speaker Judi Won Pat, Sens Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicio with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson and Speaker Judi Won Pat, Senators Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicion about the public hearings which will be conducted by the 30th Guam Legislature concerning the Draft EIS for the military buildup.
If player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100125_083714.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Speaker Judi Won Pat, Sens Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicio with Ray Gibson Part 2Interview between Ray Gibson and Speaker Judi Won Pat, Senators Judi Guthertz and Rory Respicion about the public hearings which will be conducted by the 30th Guam Legislature concerning the Draft EIS for the military buidup continued.
If the player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100125_090028.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)