Hafa Adai, It’s 2015 and as we start the new year together, - TopicsExpress



          

Hafa Adai, It’s 2015 and as we start the new year together, I’m working with the members of your administration on new projects, things that should be addressed this year. First, I would like to thank all of the government of Guam employees and Guamanians who have worked side-by-side with us and with whom we have weathered the storm of financial crisis. We started this administration four years ago not knowing where we stood in terms of our finances. Our economic skies were clouded with question marks. With sacrifice and determination we’ve come a long way. And I’m proud to remind every hardworking Guamanian that if you’re owed a tax refund, you can count on your government to get it to you on time. Some folks have said we can’t call paying tax refunds on time an accomplishment because that’s what the government SHOULD be doing. And they’re right. I just want to point out, however, that a lot of hard work went into ensuring we could do this – it wasn’t something that happened overnight with a magic snap of fingers. It took long days, long weeks and ran into nights and weekends. It is work that started in 2011 – from the minute we stepped into office. The ability to pay tax refunds on time was needed to set the standards, the tone of this administration as we move forward. My team has made this a part of regular government operations – something it hasn’t been for many years. And that is something to celebrate. Beyond that, the past four years are filled with consistent improvements, in our economy, and bond ratings. Most recently, we identified a way to save our people more money through refinancing bonds and lower rates. With those improvements and the foundation that we’ve set, we’re able to move forward with other projects. Here’s what I resolve to do in 2015: 1. Move forward with the Hagåtña Revitalization Plan 2. Tear down the old Department of Administration building AND begin process of reconstructing the Spanish governor’s palasio. 3. Cut the ribbon and get the Farmer’s Co-op up and running; and get to work constructing the Fishermen’s Co-op in Hagåtña. 4. Ramp up a Work Force Education Program to decrease unemployment; and 5. Get more GovGuam services online. These areas are, quite simply, the next step in what we have to do. We’ve cut ribbons and broke ground on hundreds of millions of dollars in road improvement projects for bridges and routed roads. From the Agana Bridge to the Ylig Bridge Project and we’ll continue to work to repair all roads. We have a $100 million project to fix the schools… and we’re moving forward on the maternity ward at GMH. There’s so much more I’d like to do but – in addition to projects we’ve already started — the five listed above are the ones I’d like to focus on this year. I know they can be accomplished. I have the best team of co-workers, of leaders, that anyone can ask for. We proved it in the first four years. Now, I’m asking that we push even harder, give just a little more so we can reach a little higher. Have a blessed 2015 everybody! Let’s get to work! https://youtube/watch?v=ApjyuoclWTI
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 00:45:31 +0000

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