INCUMBENT Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo described her past accomplishments and her experience while Sen. Frank Blas Jr. presented what he called “a new form of leadership” during a congressional forum held by the Rotary Club of Guam at the Marriott hotel yesterday.

The candidates were each asked about their positions on Obamacare, the current tax code, the military buildup, and the presidential election.

Bordallo led off by describing her previous efforts to push Guam’s issues in Congress, built by 10 years as Guam’s delegate. The Democrat's successes include an appropriations bill to build a Veteran’s Clinic, pushing through the Russia visa waiver, education funding, and advancing war claims.

She stated that during her service in Congress, she had been able to increase Compact Impact funds to Guam from $4.5 million to $17.5 million and was able to introduce debt relief and offsets to compensate for past Compact Impact funds owed to Guam.

“Elections are about the future. This election may very well decide if the progress we have made on issues continues, or do we go backwards?” Bordallo said.

On Obamacare, Bordallo said she is in support of the law. “Healthcare reform is good for Guam and the U.S.,” she said.

Bordallo added, “The law is not perfect and can be improved, but it is good for Guam and will help us achieve greater healthcare protection for our entire community.”

Bordallo said she recognizes there will be challenges because Guam’s tax code mirrors that of the federal government. Bordallo said she has been working to ensure there will be a federal tax cover over provisions.

Bordallo also said she’s been working to address issues of sequestration and the deficit.

Bordallo said she has always been an advocate for the military buildup which she believes makes strategic sense. “The military realignment will bring economic opportunities, such as $8.6 billion in military construction projects. We can have a military buildup that is environment-friendly and culturally sensitive.”

President Barack Obama is Bordallo’s choice in the U.S. presidential race. “President Obama has done a lot for Guam such as the Russia visa waiver, appointing Tony Babauta to be Secretary of Interior Affairs, which is important in presenting Guam’s agenda to national lawmakers, and the refocus on the Asia-Pacific region, which is good for Guam’s future and the geopolitical situation in the world,” Bordallo said.

Blas

For his part, Blas led off by saying, “Over the past 10 years, the people of Guam have given the delegate time to make good on those campaign commitments. But today, after failing to make good on even one of those commitments, more and more voters are saying ‘no more.’”

According to the senator, Guam residents are waiting for veterans’ services, the $590 million in Compact Impact funds, the China visa waiver, Medicaid reimbursements, war claims, and the military realignment.

The senator does not support Obamacare, saying it does not address the rising cost of health care and instead increases healthcare costs. He states that 21 new taxes would be implemented with Obamacare.

“It increases GovGuam’s obligation to an already broken and unaffordable Medicaid system, making it unsustainable,” he said.

The current tax code is antiquated, Blas added. “I do not believe remaining on the current system is the most beneficial to the island,” he said.

According to Blas, the current tax code leaves Guam at the mercy of congressional decision, which is based on U.S. needs and are not specific to Guam’s unique economic needs. He said other tax models should be explored.

Blas supports the military buildup, as long as the needs and concerns of Guam are addressed. If elected, Blas said he would strive to avoid misinformation and encourage fluid discussions and transparency on the national and local level. He believes the military buildup would bring great economic opportunity to Guam.

Mitt Romney is the candidate Blas supports, but he also stressed that Guam cannot vote for president.

“Wouldn’t it be great if the question was whom would you vote for? That’s an issue that we need to look at. When will we have the opportunity to decide amongst ourselves who our next commander-in-chief would be?” he stated.

Romney is pro-growth, Blas stressed, while Obama reduced military spending, weakening America’s position on global and regional security. Blas also stated that Obama has brought about a 50 percent increase in the federal deficit and the enormous financial strain of Obamacare on Guam.

The two candidates then gave their closing remarks.

“The job is to pursue Guam’s agenda in Washington, and not the other way around,” stated Blas, who hopes to bring a “fresh new perspective.”

For her part, Bordallo concluded: “I am running for re-election to ensure the people of Guam will have an advocate for their success. My priorities are jobs, jobs, jobs through my efforts with a China visa waiver and the military buildup.”