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Tough decisions
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Posted on Sep 21 2005
CUC has been calling on the Legislature to appropriate additional funds for the needed repairs at the utility. Approximately one year ago CUC approached the Legislature to discuss the anticipated increase in world fuel prices and the effect it would have on our local utilities. In fact the price of oil has doubled over the last 18 months. So this was neither an unforeseen occurrences nor something that unexpectedly came out of left field. The Legislature was given some warning as to the affect on our local utilities. The global increase in fuel prices has affected everyone in the world and we in the CNMI are not alone in our attempt to mitigate the increase in the cost of oil. And so when CUC went to Capitol Hill a year ago, the Legislature led them to believe that additional monies would be appropriated to offset the increase in fuel prices. However, that has not been the case.
Yet the House leadership continues to practice political finger pointing in this election year and really offers no solutions to the problems. The House spokesman blames the CUC management and the board. He continues to say that we cannot blame external factors such as the price of oil on our rising utility costs. We do not need followers leading our government in these tough times. Of course the implementation of the surcharge is not a good political move but it is necessary. The CUC board and the administration should be applauded for making these tough decisions.
Jason Reyes
Dandan
