Republican (#13)
Do you support legislation to end or revise the GRT exemptions (QCs) for hotels and insurance companies? If so, in what way? If not, why not?
Yes to revise granting of QCs; to my understanding, the QC was designed to provide an incentive for foreign and local investors by exempting them from paying corporate taxes. First of all, I believe a new commission should be established to include five non-partisan members, the tax commissioner and the public auditor. GEDA is authorized to issue QCs up to 20 years to business investors, which is bad for Guam; imagine how much tax dollars Guam loses. I strongly feel QCs should be granted up to five years at a time, then re-evaluated by the newly established commission upon renewal.
What committee(s) would you like to serve on if elected and why?
Education and transportation. As for education, take a look at many of our pubic schools: they are very poor looking and old. Students take pride in their schools – it is their home away from home. They meet with new and current friends and involve themselves with school activities and seek assistance from teachers and school officials for personal and professional reasons. By building new schools, it will create a better atmosphere for teachers to teach and students to learn. As for transportation, Guam needs new and improved roadways that will last. Most of all, I will resolve the public school bus issue once and for all – no more excuses.
What do you think will be the most serious challenge Guam will face 20 years from now?
Infrastructure and a broke government. For infrastructure, Guam must realize that our source for electricity is with the Cabras power plant. If I am not mistaken, the Cabras power plant livelihood is only until 2018 or 2020, according to federal EPA. Guam continues to develop new buildings and businesses and new homes for families, which will demand more from our infrastructure. As for the broke government, if the elected leaders of Guam refuse to stop double-dipping, pricey contracts, and over-projected budgets, Guam will be heading towards bankruptcy or federal receivership. Either way, it’s bad for Guam and the people think about it.
