Not good for the ailing economy

Dear Editor,

I just want to air my disappointment on the Governor’s veto of the shooing resort bill. In my opinion, because of our present economic situation, the Governor should have followed his instinct on what is best for the CNMI and its people and not to base his decision because of threats from a certain Japanese representative or any other person for that matter.

As the old saying goes- you cannot please all the people all the time. In this case, the Governor should have mad his decision based on the poor state of the economy that we are in. Let’s face it. Japanese tourists arrival has been down for almost four years now. The proposed shooting resort has nothing to do with it. So don’t blame the shooting resort for the low turnout of Japanese tourists because it hasn’t been constructed yet.

Shooting galleries has been in existence on Saipan for a long time now and I don’t see anyone writing in opposition of them. Now that big investors with $25,000,000 investment is proposing to develop a state-of-the-art international shooting resort that will make CNMI known to the world, some people are making a big issue (that there’s no safety being addresses) out of it. It’s not like as soon as this bill becomes law all citizens are going to carry guns around town.

I have one thing to say to those people who still do not understand the intent of House Bill No.12-212- there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. For anyone needing to be educated on this bill, please see your congressmen/women or senators to provide you with a copy of the bill and the safety issues addressed.

Please be realistic! All we hear nowadays is about the poor economy in our islands. Just read the daily local papers and find out for yourself. It is very bad and sad times for our families. Families have to sacrifice to make ends meet.

As a result of desperateness, burglaries, poker robberies, snatching of tourists’ purses, and selling of illegal substances are on the rise. These are clear indicators of a bad economy. So what are we doing about? Nothing-Zero! As a matter of fact, we’re chasing investors away instead of luring them. With the down-turned of four tourist industry, we need to diversify our industry.

With our present economic situation, we should not be choosy for we have very limited resources and nothing to offer to these people. Our labor resources come from outside. As matter of fact, the investors are doing us a favor by coming here. Do you know how difficult it is to convince investors to come here? It is very difficult.

To my Congressmen/women and Senators, please do us constituents a favor, especially unemployed, please override the Governor’s veto. I will forever be grateful to you all.

June Sablan

San Vicente Village