MAN ON THE STREET

As an individual, I have become more cognizant of what I buy, constantly evaluating whether or not I need a certain thing or just want it. To ease the financial burden being shouldered by everyone in the islands, the government should pay its bills and start spending wisely: no more junkets, no more government paid vehicles, etc. The luxuries must end.
—Roselle D. Calvo
San Vicente

I’ve always tried to be that person who is consistent with my obligations. Having to live at home and contributing to household expenses have now shifted just to make ends meet. I have always tried to obligate my salary to my responsibilities but now I have to settle to minimum pleasure expenditures, obligate more to bills and manage my budget wisely. I think if the government would stop unnecessary travel, unnecessary activities, and mind their own budget, then maybe, just maybe, this would ease some of our financial burden.
—Roslyn Leon Guerrero
Chalan Kiya

Limitations! We used to go everywhere, buy almost anything, eat out a lot, without thinking of putting money aside. Presently, we are suffering because we are limited on leisure money due to the higher bills to pay. The government agencies should really look into their budgets and cut the salaries of some overpaid employees, then use those funds to make payments to where it is due.
—Crispin DL Guerrero
China Town

It’s really hard that you really have to conserve now. I’m from Rota. It’s hard for us, harder than Saipan, especially for the fuel surcharge. The government should need to pay their bills so they could stop charging the people.
—Maria Sablan
Rota

It’s hard for the low-income salaried individuals. It’s too much for us. Surcharge is too high now. Why do they make the people pay for it? The government should waive that. That’s too much already. I used to pay $80 for power; now they added $50 more and my house is very small.
—Mona Indalecio
San Vicente

The government should make a difference for the economy, to improve our family life. With the economic downturn, the fuel surcharge really affects the lives of people. Not all can pay high electric bills and go to stores and buy expensive commodities.
—Tracy Inoki
Kagman

Water is essential for living but now it’s been very costly and does affect the families in the CNMI, especially those that are big. The government should also raise the salary of low-income people. It is very hard.
—Amanda Sablan
San Vicente

As a contract worker, we too are affected in our business. Our boss has suffered because of these economic changes, for instance, payment of the utilities. Paying the water and electric bill, my boss cannot afford now to pay the utilities in full. He had to talk to his employees to help out in this responsibility.
—Alex Raig
Middle Road

The business where I work now has done a lot of adjustments to cope with the economic slump. Before, we didn’t mind using aircon and other appliances for as long as we wanted to but now, we have to conserve. For the government, I wonder where they are going to get that additional funds to solve the problems.
—Vince Tobes
Middle Road