The proliferation of poker parlors and all the problems of gambling addiction, child neglect, drug abuse, and crime that are associated with poker are symptoms of deeper illnesses in our community. We would not see so many poker parlors in all our villages throughout the island, so many families destroyed by poker, and so much crime, if the industry were not so poorly regulated, and if the economy were not in such desperate straits.

My fears with the casino initiative draw largely on my observations of what we have done with the poker industry, and what it has done to us. Like the poker proponents years ago, casino proponents are promising us the world: more tourists, more money, more jobs for residents, all kinds of benefits for the community, and an industry that would be properly regulated – taxed, zoned, and monitored. We are also being told that casinos are our only hope for economic survival.

But before we blindly accept these lofty promises, let’s take a step back and look at the history of economic development in the CNMI, and the track record of our local government in regulating any industry, not just poker. The mistake we have made again and again – with poker, with garment factories, and even with tourism – is to jump into new and lucrative industries without planning, without asking critical questions about it, without ensuring that it would truly be for the benefit of the community, and not just the interests of a few. And our local government has shown little political will or competence in properly regulating any industry, particularly when the pockets of our own leaders were being lined.

So how about asking some critical questions? How about taking a few lessons from Saipan’s experience with the poker industry? Or from Tinian’s experience with the casino industry, and the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued its gaming commission? Instead of pretending that huge waves of tourists will come to the CNMI when we have casinos on all three islands, how about we find out the real reasons that tourists aren’t coming here now, even with one casino on Tinian? How about we all actually read the casino initiative and ask ourselves what benefits, really, are being promised, and who exactly will benefit and how? Instead of deluding ourselves into thinking that the casino industry will be properly regulated, how about we acknowledge that this government of rampant mismanagement and corruption is not currently regulating anything well, and tackle that fundamental problem first?

That anyone can claim or believe that casinos are truly the CNMI’s only hope for survival signifies, to me, the real reason for our collapsing economy: our lack of imagination. I can imagine that our hope for economic survival is in a government that finally cleans up its act, enforces its own laws, delivers basic infrastructure, and truly invests in its own people to build a skilled and educated workforce and to support locally-owned and law-abiding businesses. I can imagine that this would happen when citizens wake up and take ownership in their government to make it happen. I can imagine that maybe then, the tourists would come back, and legitimate investors will take us more seriously as a place to do business. I can imagine that when all of this happens, we will look back and realize that we never needed garment factories, poker parlors, or casinos to survive.

Until I receive any compelling information or insights that might convince me otherwise, I am voting no on the casino initiative, and I urge my fellow citizens on Saipan and Rota to do the same.

Read up on some of the discussions that occurred here:

hello tina,

can you please tell me what other industry you have in mind to improve the livelihood of the cnmi people? i am sure that you know that just being an activist does not bring food to the table.

fyi, i am a pricinct one voter and i would like to hear what you have planned in case we elect you…what are you going to do to bring in dollars to our island?

hey tina,

its me again. so i understand that you work for deq and one of your major responsibility is to monitor the water runoff to our beaches.you know that problem and i just wonder what have you done to fix the problem that causes our beaches to really STINK during rainy season. i know that you put up MANY red flags throughtout the beaches. is that the solution? maybe this is one of the reasons tourist don’t want to come to our paradise island.BECAUSE WE HAVE STINKY BEACHES!

another thing, you mentioned that we have a very corrupt government..if i vote for you and you get elected, what are you going to do about the corruption in government? are you going to fix it? HOW? and then after you fix the corruption in government and you make our government corruption free, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO INVITE TOURIST BACK TO SAIPAN and improve our economy?

i know that casino is not a perfect industry. of course, it has its bad sides. but what does saipan have to offer to our tourist? why is casino so evil when the saipan casino intiative will eliminate the poker arcade in our villages and it will centralize all gaming within hotels. what is so wrong about that? oh, i forgot to mention that the saipan casino initiative WILL NEED A 2/3 APPROVAL FROM OUR REGISTERED VOTERS IN SAIPAN. does that tell you anything? do you know the difference between a popular initiative and a legislation? DID YOU KNOW THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO INTIATIVE, YOU NEED TO AGAIN ASK THE PEOPLE TO VOTE ON IT? to me this is very distinct difference between the poker law. don’t you think?

oh, before i forget, WHY AREN’T YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT THE PRESENT POKER PROLIFORATION IN OUR VILLAGES IF YOU THINK THAT IT IS REALLY BAD? WHY ARE YOU ONLY AGAINST THE SAIPAN CASINO INITIATIVE?

we do appreciate hearing from you…especially about your plan on how to revive our economy..

and don’t worry, because i am still undecided on who to vote for precinct one. I JUST NEED TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS..PLEASE!

Thanks Tina for placing your gambling opinion on this forum. I think it’s important we not only have open government but open conversation on this topic before people proceed to the ballot box in november.

Hi Nicky,

Thank you very much for writing. You’ve raised a lot of different issues, and I will try to address all of them (if I miss anything, please let me know).

1. ON HOW TO REVIVE THE ECONOMY
I have said that I believe one major reason that our economy is in such a slump is because of poor governance — mismanagement and corruption in government. I have heard this from businesses that have closed shop, prospective investors who gave up on the CNMI and went somewhere else, and from existing businesses who are frustrated with all the under-the-table dealings, the favoritism, bad laws, laws that aren’t enforced, and laws that are constantly changing. Add to that the problems of soaring utility bills, unreliable infrastructure, public services that are falling apart, a shrinking pool of skilled resident workers — I could go on and on. Businesses more than anything want stability, and right now, the CNMI is not a stable place to do business at all.

I think that the role of government should not be to wine and dine with investors and offer them all kinds of special (and unfair) favors to woo them to the CNMI. The role of government should be to establish a stable environment in which to do business. This means enacting sound policies, consistently enforcing regulations, providing decent infrastructure, and creating a level playing field so that law-abiding businesses can compete fairly. The way things are right now, the businesses that have the competitive advantage are the ones that are breaking the law – and they know they can get away with it.

So improving governance in the CNMI should be the first item on any CNMI plan for economic revival. Good governance means transparency, accountability, sound policy, decent infrastructure, and consistent enforcement. The CNMI could be a wonderful place to live and do business, and it will be if we focus our efforts on cleaning up the government, and creating the right environment for legitimate, law-abiding businesses to come in and do what they do best.

Another item that I believe should be on our plan for economic revival is to cultivate entrepreneurship in the islands. I have talked to many small business owners as well as from aspiring entrepreneurs who tell me that they don’t understand why our government is so quick to grant all kinds of benefits to large corporations (huge tax breaks, cheap public land, hiring waivers, you name it) and less interested in investing in home-grown entrepreneurship through a small-business incubator program, mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs and other forms of technical assistance to help small businesses get started and succeed in the CNMI. Small, locally-owned businesses provide jobs, generate revenue and keep money circulating in the community; they also add character to a place.

I don’t believe that the casino industry is the only industry that will save the CNMI. I don’t believe that there is one magic bullet, one miracle industry that will solve our problems, and I don’t believe that our problems can be solved quickly and easily. Rebuilding the economy – rebuilding the community – will take time, effort, and commitment, and it will require the talent and cooperation of all our people. We have not yet done all that we could to clean up our government. We have not yet done all that we could to create a truly business-friendly (stable) environment. We have not yet done all that we could to promote entrepreneurship in the CNMI and diversify our economy. We have not yet done all that we could to revive tourism — one industry that makes the most sense for our islands. Any plan for recovery should include all these measures.

2. ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM
You are right to point out that stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution are major problems for beach water quality, for our tourism industry, and also for the quality of life of our residents. And you are also right to point out that simply posting red flags at the beaches is not a solution to these problems. Red flags are issued as public health warnings, so that people know that problems in beach water quality have been detected.

One of the major challenges of nonpoint source pollution is that it takes the effort of the entire community to address. Auto shops must properly store and dispose of used oil, for example. Residents must take care not to dump anything down storm drains. Developers must follow earthmoving and erosion control regulations. Golf courses must apply fertilizers and pesticides carefully and sparingly. Muddy secondary roads must be paved, including proper drainage systems. Local government must pass good environmental laws, enforce them, and invest in infrastructure that will help protect water quality. And there are many other examples of measures that everyone in the community must take in order to clean up our beaches and protect residents and visitors who fish and swim in our waters.

Pretty much any human activity has some kind of impact on water quality, but those impacts can be mitigated with improved education, better management practices, and consistent enforcement.

My work at DEQ was focused primarily on community education and outreach – first in the nonpoint source pollution program as an environmental specialist, and then in the toxic waste program, as a recycling and waste reduction coordinator. For more information about my work at DEQ, please view my resume at http://www.tinasablan.com .

3. ON CORRUPTION & MISMANAGEMENT
They say that the most effective way to take away the power of a corrupt institution is to take away its secrets. The first step to cleaning up corruption is to make this government as transparent and as accountable as possible. In my comments under “Cleaning up the CNMI Government” I describe some initial steps that I think would be essential to maximize transparency and accountability in government. This includes oversight hearings for failing agencies; criminal investigations and prosecutions of corruption; independent audits and full disclosures; and strengthening the Open Government Act and applying it to the Legislature.

Another important step to cleaning up the government would be to bring in a new generation of honest and visionary leaders. Citizens can open the door for those new leaders by voting carefully in this election and in all the elections to come, by demanding greater transparency and accountability from all elected officials, and by taking ownership in their government and forcefully expressing their desire for change.

4. ON POKER AND CASINOS
I have several reasons for being against the casino initiative. First, as I have said, I simply don’t buy the casino proponents’ argument that casinos are the only hope for the CNMI; I believe that we can hope to be much more than just a gambling destination.

Second, I am skeptical that this industry will be properly regulated, given this government’s track record – and I’d like us to first clean up the government before we embark on another track of poorly-planned and poorly-regulated development that doesn’t benefit the entire community.

Third, the casino initiative as it is written is discriminatory. If the people of Saipan (or Rota, for that matter) really want to bring in a casino industry, then let’s make sure we do it right. Let’s not give an exclusive perpetual license and free public land (ok, $1 a year, but it might as well be free) to an elite group of people so they can monopolize the industry – especially not a group of people based on ethnicity.

Fourth, it seems unfair of Saipan and Rota to develop a casino industry before Tinian has had a decent chance to develop their own. Besides, do we really want gambling on all three islands? Why not develop our own tourism niches, based on the unique assets of each island? Let Tinian focus on building its casino industry; let Rota develop its ecotourism and agricultural industries; let Saipan develop the shopping, nightlife, restaurant, and relaxation experience that tourists have when they come here. Let all three islands also cultivate small businesses that will bring character and life to each local economy and contribute to the overall prosperity of the CNMI.

Finally, I do have serious concerns about the proliferation of poker throughout the island, as much as I do about the casino initiative, and I don’t see anything in the casino initiative that promises to control and regulate poker. (And if I am wrong, please show me the section in the casino initiative that would do that.) I think that our community has lost much more than it has gained from the poker industry, and I would like to see poker parlors, at a minimum, properly zoned and taxed.

Having stated my own views, I am still open to hearing other viewpoints – either for or against the casino initiative, or about reviving the economy, or about any other issue, for that matter. I know that I don’t have all the answers, and I know that rebuilding the CNMI will not be up to me or any one person, but up to all of us. And we have a lot of work to do.

Thank you again for your comments and questions, Nicky, and please do continue to write or come down to the San Antonio Beach Pavilion on Thursday evenings (4:30-6:30pm) if you’d like to meet and talk in person.

Sincerely,

Tina

And thank you, Joe, for your comment. I agree that open discussion on all the issues is critical so that citizens can make informed decisions at the polls.

Tina

hello again tina,

i have to give you credit for your very long answers to my questions. first or all, the casino proponents are not claiming that saipan casino is the only answer to revive our economy. they are saying that we have NOTHING to look forward to RIGHT NOW on how we can generate more income for our DYING PEOPLE. and SAIPAN CASINO seemed to be the only solution. your rambling about fixing the government all sounds nice, but believe me tina, i am a member of the legislature and my collegues will make LEMONADE out of you in case you get elected. how are you going to accomplish all the promises you are making? have you identified somebody in the legislature who will support your ideas? you want to hire independent accounting firms to audit government agencies? where are you going to get the money when you see that close to 400 government employees will not have a job by december? if I HAVE A CHOICE BETWEEN YOUR IDEAS AND THE SAIPAN CASINO INITIATIVE, I AM REALLY SORRY TINA, BUT I WILL GO FOR THE SAIPAN CASINO. also, why are so against having our indegenious people own the casino linsence?? don’t forget, that you are 1/2 chamorro and you should be proud to finally have the opportunity to own a share in a corporation for the indegenious people. what’s wrong with giving the corporation cheap government land? DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT ONCE THE SAIPAN CASINO IS APPROVED, POKER ARCADES IN OUR VILLAGES WILL STILL BE AROUND? common, tina, i want to think that you are a smart person.

finally, i want to give you credit for trying. all i ask of you is to PLEASE side with us.protect our future.DON’T GIVE PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO ALL NON-RESIDENT PEOPLE! this ideas spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R!!!! and this is your statement to the US CONGRESS.that is another issue i have with you, by the way.i like you, BUT YOU ARE SCARING ME.

“i am a member of the legislature and my collegues will make LEMONADE out of you in case you get elected.”

“i like you, BUT YOU ARE SCARING ME.”

WOW!!! nicky you represent the problems of our islands…if you are who you say you are, then i hope you stick around for a real LESSON : )

tina, psalm 23 always works for me. how bout you?

thank you bartimaeus for your stupid comment. and thank you tina sablan for working with bartimaeus. good luck on your election bid. you gonna need it.

Although we will not be censoring comments on this website, I do think it is important to call personal attacks when we see it. The ground rules of this forum call for honest, civil discourse — this means sticking to the issues, and refraining from personal attacks and namecalling. I ask everyone who visits and participates in this forum to treat each other with respect regardless of whether we agree or disagree on the issues.

Thank you very much, and may the dialogue continue!

Tina

Nicky,

I would ask that you read (with an open mind) some of the information regarding the casino initiative on this site http://blog.saipancasinoact.com/

as well as this article taken from Time magazine which was quite interesting

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101021216-397526,00.html

The more information you have before voting, the better.

I received my absentee ballot in the mail yesterday. Also saw Tina on kspn2.com a day or two ago. The only reason I’m really leaning toward the casino initiative is because of enormous potential it has to tap into the guam military market. If that weren’t there, I wouldn’t even dream of voting for it.

Off the gambling subject (sorry for posting it in the wrong section but…), what’s the point of a new dialysis center when there’s not enough doctors?

I don’t have a huge problem with seriously looking into whether gambling would be a viable industry in Saipan. I do however have a major issue with the way we are going about it. The whole “single license to one indigenous group” does not sound like a great idea. All of the restriction we are putting up also will not allow for free casino market. If we are using Macau as an example of the economic benefits of casinos then why are we not looking at the regulations and stipulations that govern this industry. I have a feeling they are not in line with what Saipan is doing. Let’s not rush to judgment on this and end up in a hole we can not easily get out of. We may also stifle true economic potential with this terrible initiative.

I vote “NO” on this particular initiative. It will simply line a few select individuals pockets and be more of a burden on the CNMI than a godsend.

this is to the concernec citizen,

it is very obvious that you have not read the initiative. that is very unfortunate. your assumption that a few select individuals will line up their pocket is completely false. but, then again, you did not read the initiative.

Nick,

Please visit http://www.saipancasinoact.com.. You shoot yourself in the foot in your first two comments.. First you say that the Saipan Casino Act is the only solution in the first comment.. and ask what are the other solutions? then in the second comment you mention stinky beaches and thats probably why we don’t have tourists.. your a genious you answered your own question.. Get off your butt and do something to help clean our beaches.. then maybe we might see more tourists, which may translate to more revenue to the government.. Read through the above mentioned website, spend some time in a poker room, go down and talk to some of the Social workers who have worked with addicts… looking for a quick buck and justifying it because our government is financially strapped is definitely short term thinking… and for your information this short term thinking has got us into this crap were in right now… So Nick, put on your long term thinking cap and make some intelligent comments…

john,

you must be angelo villagomez because you write like him. so you have been cleaning our beaches for years now and what happened to our tourist? i sure don’t see them pouring into saipan.

since you are such a genius on economy, what do you recommend we do for our sicko economy? by the way, we don’t push the saipan casino to get our local people addicted. we are aiming for the tourist market. get it boy?

Mary,
for the record.. I am not Angelo Villagomez, but I am a concerned citizen.. Please visit http://www.saipancasinoact.com and read the Pastoral Letter on Casino Gambling by our Bishop Tomas A. Camacho….

as for a solution.. again read the website.. if you recall the poker industry was designed for the tourists.. how many tourists do you find in the poker rooms? exactly, I have never seen a tourist in a poker room.. I don’t think the poker rooms were pushed to get locals addicted, but you are going to have to wake up and get out of whatever hole you are living in and see the reality.. The local people and non-resident workers are the ones who are addicted.. you have been living in lala land if you haven’t seen this…

and believe me, I am a much more genious about this economy than you or any of the supporters of the Saipan Casino Act.. How do you invite investors to set up casinos in Tinian, have them spend millions of dollars and then try to shove a knife up their side (figuratively speaking).. because that is what you pro-saipan casino act idiots are doing… god forbid if the act should go through, but if it does, the reputation of how we treat these investors will be heard far and long…

You would be amazed at how valuable Sea, Sun and Sand are to people who live in big cities.. If Saipan was aesthetically appeasing to the eyes from north to south, east to west.. you wouldn’t believe how many tourists we could attract… but the problem on this island is there are a lot of short-term thinkers (yes, like you Mary) who have no vision and do not have the word long-term in your vocabulary… so wake-up, do your homework and get off your ass and clean up a beach or park…

thank you..John

to john,

common mr. john, be nice to mary. you are just mad because you do not really have the answer to the question..and that is, what idea do you have to improve our economic situation in the cnmi? cleaning beaches? common, john, be real, wake up and wipe yo ass and look around. wala tourista=wala salape.

and oh, by the way, no matter how much time you spent cleaning beaches, you cannot never make our bitches clean without a good ponding system. how do we find funding for ponding system? maybe tina can answer this question?

lastly, please stop being mad at letigimate questions being asked candidate tina sablan. she is tuff and she can take care of sheself!

Dear Nicky,

“wala tourista=wala salape” at least you have the equation down.. I don’t see a casino in Hawaii, but I see tourists… working hard to develop and reshape our economy is the first step.. The garment and poker industries have been deterrents to our tourism industry… As Tina mentioned above:

“The mistake we have made again and again – with poker, with garment factories, and even with tourism – is to jump into new and lucrative industries without planning, without asking critical questions about it, without ensuring that it would truly be for the benefit of the community, and not just the interests of a few. And our local government has shown little political will or competence in properly regulating any industry, particularly when the pockets of our own leaders were being lined.”

Tina is exactly correct.. planning needs to part of economic development, not just focus on making a quick dollar..

Here is an assignment for you Nicky- walk from P.I.C. to Garapan – take a note pad and observe all the buildings with grafitti, run down buildings, shanty houses, no sidewalks, trash all over the place, no sign of zoning, etc.. the list goes on and on, but during your walk, ask yourself is this what tourists want to see.. have we provided an environment that is conducive to tourism.. I don’t think so… Speak to some of the Russian Travel Agents, you would be surprised to find out that what many of them really want is to hang out under the sun and take a dip in a clean beach… then they want to do a little shopping in the evening, eat at a nice restaurant.. like I mentioned earlier, we are seeing the exit of the garment industry and changes need to be made.. all this short term thinking crap (quick $$$ for no work) needs to be set aside.. Read the Bishop’s Pastoral Message.. Hawaii was unsure about building a convention center and the revenue it might make should one be built… check to see if you can make a booking for the center.. there are bookings spanning all the way out in 2010… that is planning.. that is what we need.. long-term thinkers (obviously you are not one)… We have the most valuable assets on this island, and that is our beaches and clean water.. Speak to Japanese Travel Agents and you will find that these are important criteria for Japanese guests booking a destination… Safety and Security are also huge issues…

Its you quick buck seekers who destroy the beauty and opportunity this island has on being a premiere tourist destination… Like I said, do your first assignment and take a walk, then come back and tell me if we have done everything to attract tourists..

“what idea do you have to improve our economic situation in the cnmi?”
Saipan can be a great retirement destination for many people from all walks of life.. We need to address additional concerns including Article XII and medical practice regulations (these are the things you should be putting your efforts into), this would create a healthy viable economy.. and if you have fore site we may even attract those from Guam to retire in Saipan who don’t want to be in an environment that will be seeing the arrival of 40,000 military personnel and their families..

As many have mentioned a convention center would be a great addition to our island that would attract additional arrivals.

Article XII would make huge changes to our economic environment.. Currently leased land depreciates vs. land you own which appreciates in time.. Why would investors want to come to Saipan and set up shop, when they can’t even own their business from ground up… the Japanese boom days are over and no one will be leasing property for millions anymore.. People want to invest in something they can see a handsome return on…

These are just a few options, but there are many… but we need to start by doing the basics..and that is clean up our Island and instill pride on our people…

start walking..
————————-
CHAMU MALELEFA PON BOTA “NO” PARA Y “SAIPAN CASINO ACT”

I believe we have great beaches, great attractions, great marine life and great diving. But given that we have little or no control over the price of airline tickets or gas prices, why must our economy be determined by what happens in singapore (or mobil/shell/nwa/continental etc.)? Isn’t the bottom line immediate revenue? Won’t building casinos revive construction activity and the service industry? Won’t we be employing waitresses, dealers, pit bosses, security, taxi drivers, construction workers, hotel employees, gaming control officers and others by the passage of the SCA? Surely if there was a better plan someone motivated would have got +/-2000 signatures and passed their own initiative to be presented in this coming election….

All I am getting at is an attempt…a plan (albeit poorly worded)…to revive our people out of its lathargy. We need to get our people back to work. Yes, casinos are not perfect business enterprises, but how can you live on saipan and tolerate the vandalism, unemployment, and exodus that plagues our island. I think that repainting the lighthouse is only scratching the service in reviving our economy aesthetically…most locals don’t even go up to the lighthouse. I do think it is honorable don’t get me wrong and think that the landmark should be preserved.

So, until I see a more concrete “WPA-type” alternative to SCA, I will not be swayed by false promises of the bishop at mass…I quote him from KSPN2.com here as saying what people should do in our crisis….”WORK HARD AND BE THRIFTY.” To him I respond…..What work Bishop??

joe, your comment makes sense. my question to the likes of bishop camacho, bennete and company is this.. GIVE ME A GOOD, LOGICAL, WORKABLE SOLUTION ON HOW I COULD FEED MY FAMILY IN CASE I LOSE MY JOB AND I WILL SURELY SUPPORT THE NO VOTE TO CASINO.

Unless this happens, I WOULD RATHER TAKE MY CHANCES WITH THE CASINO THAN LISTEN TO ALL THE FALSE PROMISES BEING MADE BY THE ANTI-CASINO GROUP. I WILL VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO!

john,

hey mr. genieus, give me your smart answer regarding reviving our economy and i will support your genieus ideas.

leave article 12 alone! don’t porget that article 12 was already in place when nikko hotel was built, when hyatt was expanded and many other developments. it was not in the way then, so why do think that it is an obstable now?

john, i think you are one of those genieus who are sooo smart that they become stupid sometimes.

yeah right! your idea of a convention center is such a smart idea! genieus idea! boy, you really should get your stupid cap on and wake up to reality!
so are you going to fill up the convention center with what? church people? african convention on daufur? have you ever heard of las vegas? did you know that convention activities in las vegas is the second largest revenue for the state? i give you credit for thinking about a convention center, but an F for not explaining how it will help our ailing economy. and here is another formula for you, mr. genieus john…. CASINO+CONVENTION CENTER=BULA SAPAPE!

VOTE YES TO SAIPAN CASINO..THE ONLY SOLUTION TO OUR SICK ECONOMY!

nicky,

let me correct you.. the convention center we are talking about is not the one on Capitol Hill… for your information real Convention centers rake in real $$$.
If you ever get a chance to go to Hawaii, please visit the Hawaii Convention Center, heck, go to their website at http://www.hawaiiconventioncenter.com and go down to their calendar.. look at how booked they are even out to 2008… read, read, and read…

I have a feeling this argument is quite pointless, given you are 1 (out of 9) individuals who will benefit from this casino act… when your family members are broke trying to hit the “big one”, when members of your family have resorted to crime to pay bills, when your relatives engage in prostitution for gambling bucks, when the island has turned into a depressed state because all have lost everything, when the mafia enters and starts controlling the show working with the few commissioners, when all residents are down and out and decide to move off island, remember to come see me.. because I will gladly say –

I TOLD YOU SO!

CHAMU MALELEFA PON BOTA “NO” PARA Y “SAIPAN CASINO ACT”

Pauline,

going hungry is no excuse to be a sell out… can we justify murder, prostitution, robberies, and everything else because we are hungry and need to feed our children…. how about I break into your house and steal everything from you, run down to a pawn shop and sell all the stolen items because I need to feed my children…

we need to feed our children is a lame excuse to allow the saipan casino act to go through.. look back at your ancestors and the folks who have preserved our Islands.. they have been feeding their families for centuries..

my humble apologies to Ms. Tina Sablan for having to use your site to debate with the above individuals… They just need to be educated and I think it was my calling to help them out… thanks.

john,

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW YOU INTEND TO FUND A CONVENTION CENTER YOU HAVE IN MIND? DID YOU KNOW THAT THE CONVENTION CENTER IN HONO COST APPROX $150MILLION DOLLARS?

you must be one of the island’s rich boy who never had to struggle to survive because yo mama is alway there to give you your dollar. you also sound like you went to college, but never had to compete for job because your mama and daddy are well connected in the government. common johnny, give us poor people a chance to earn our living. CASINO is the only answer now for immediate results. you can wait BECAUSE YO MAMA IS RICH.

thank you john for your SUPPORT OF THE SAIPAN CASINO. THE MAN POBLE PEOPLE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING. How come we don’t hear anything from our candidate? perhaps, tina can tell us how can we fund a construction of a mega convention center? I AM ALL EARS naman.

nicky,

it is funny you mention coming from a rich family.. I come from a very humble upbringing here on the Island of Saipan.. I was not raised with a silver spoon in my mouth..however, I can tell you that I come from a family who believes in hard work and working hard to earn$$.. Maybe if you change your easy money mentality you can think straight and some real solutions can come about… As mentioned in my comments.. I don’t think we need a convention center the size of Hawaii.. no one ever mentioned a mega convention center.. again read.. I don’t think we really can get anywhere in this debate until you properly read the comments.. for God sake have someone read to you if you can’t read…

you started out your comments saying that convention centers don’t make money.. I forwarded the information to you on the Hawaii Convention Center and how profitable it is.. I thank you for accepting the fact that a convention center can be quite profitable and I also accept your apology for your ignorance.

do you know how much money the tinian dynasty casino spent when they put a casino up in Tinian? yes they spent over 100 million… the reason we have a hard time finding investors is because of clowns like you who invite investors to our island – then milk them of all they have and send them packing — one word “greed”

The whole design of the Saipan Casion Act is “greed.” A few will be enriched while all suffer…

I thank you for the continued debate, because I really believe people who read this will vote “no” on the “Saipan Casino Act” They will see how vindictive and personal the pro-saipan casino act supporters can be and how angry they get.. What bothers me is I can’t believe that you are willing to sell your Island out and your family and community for your own gain.. let go of the “greed” mentality and come back to the village..

I have been in close communication with the founder of the “Saipan Casino Act” website and I am proud that the site has had over 7,000 hits… I feel once people read all the information on the website they will really get a chance to see how wrong the “Saipan Casino Act” really is for Saipan..

Once again, Nicky thank you for your time and please stop by http://www.saipancasinoact.com and then spread the word to your family members to please vote “no” on the “Saipan Casino Act” I believe deep down inside, behind that wall of greed fronting your heart there is a person who knows the right thing to do…

thanks..

john,

please tone down your language and stop calling people dumb and stupid just because you are smart and priveliged.

the SAIPAN CASINO ACT specifically states that local people will be given preference on job placement and they will be paid a minimum of $7.25 per hour. what is your objection to that provision?

the SAIPAN CASINO ACT specifically states that northern mariana decents will be the ones who will own shares in the corporation. this includes you..what’s your objection to that provision?

the SAIPAN CASINO ACT specifically states that the commission will be appointed by the mayor and they will be confirmed by the saipan delegation. how can you say that only the poor folks pushing for the SAIPAN CASINO will benefit? if you claimed to be so smart, surely you can read that provision and understand what it meant.

the SAIPAN CASINO ACT specifically states that SCHOLARSHIP, MEDICAL REFERRAL, Etct will be adequately funded…what is your objection that that provision?

i have many to tell you about provisions on the SAIPAN CASINO ACT, but i suspect that you are one of those people who are rich and probably have interest in the poker industry and just protecting yo mama and papa’s business interest.

john, please do not call me stupid and dumb. just give me your comments and cut off the name calling.

oh, i almost forgot, so your idea is a smaller convention center? huh, let’s see, how much would you charge for the use of the convention center? do your math and tell me, mr. john. i am all ears.

pauline,

my apologies for making you feel stupid or dumb.. I just was asking you to kindly read the website http://www.saipancasinoact.com and maybe think of the results of the saipan casino act..

If you recall a lot of those promises that you mention above are similar to the promises made during the drive to legalize poker machines on island.. i see more destruction from poker than benefits.. and if history serves us correctly we will see the same if the saipan casino act goes through.

also do a survey in your neighborhood to find out how many people have $500 to buy a share of the casino.. then also listen to folks talk about politics and think about the fact that the Mayor will only be given to the ability to appoint 7 commissioners who will each make $40,000 annually to meet 15 times (not even for a whole day).. perhaps you are one of those individuals.. but again 7 individuals + 1 Executive Director will make $$ while all else suffer…

I am from humble beginnings and do not have much like yourself, however, even if I didn’t have a single penny in my pocket, I would not want to see all the suffering that will come from the passing of the Saipan Casino Act…

Pauline you sound like a sincere person who is looking for a way out.. there are other ways than to turn to a casino.. this could spell destruction for you and your family and many generations to come.. please make the right choice this November 3, 2007..

The Bishop is a wise man and speaks from experience and observation.. Take his words of wisdom and vote “no” to the “Saipan Casino Act”

I have read the Saipan Casino Act proposal and I can state that there are very little of the guarantees being publicly argued by it proponents that’s included in the proposition. The proponets themselves cannot put a specific dollar figure to their arguments and they have not done so.

The proposal also has flaws that will be tried in court. First is the grant of public lands for $1. This conflicts with another constitutional provision and needs to be settled by the judiciary.

There is also the matter of reserving investments to those of NMDs. In commerce, which is what this is, one cannot discriminate because of race or because of a politican class of people: NMDs. The priviledge of Native Americans owning casinos is because they are a sovereign nation within a nation and that is not the case for NMDs. The proposal is specific that this is a for profit organization…thus this is commerce and cannot discriminate. No ands, ifs or buts.

Tina, there are just some people who are just not supporting you because they are against good governance. One can read their postings here; they say they will approach your candidacy with an open mind when they are obviously against you. Do not give up the cause. You are a good person who can make a difference. There are also thousands with you including those that support the casino act.

The best you can do for us is to win the election with an honest, open, well-thought out platform. That will be the best medicine for the ghost writers who are actually anonymous scarecrows.

Go Tina, Go Girl!

john,

i am ready to follow you. BUT PLEASE TELL ME FIRST WHAT IS SO WRONG ABOUT ME MAKING $7.25 MINIMUM PER HOUR. by the way, i’ve been working in the garment industry for 10 years and my salary is still $3.55 per hour. PLEASE CONVINCE ME THAT YOU HAVE SOMETHING BETTER TO OFFER ME AND MY FAMILY AND THEN I WILL VOTE NO TO CASINO.

and please do not tell me to listen to the bishop. what has the bishop done for my family? wala. except to invite us to to mass and ask me for donation. sorry, john, but that is the fact about our bishop. i think the bishop should first clean his house before he accuse us suffering people of being evil for our support for the saipan casino act. the bishop should know what i am talking about and PLEASE DO not force me to say it because one of my sons was a victim.

john, until you tell me that you have something better to offer, i am voting YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT. and please john, STOP SPINNING ME AROUND BECAUSE I AM GETTING CRAZY ALREADY. I AM JUST A WORRIED SINGLE MOTHER.

I am not asking you to perform a miracle, I am asking you to simply think about the future.. the reason you make $3.55 is because of the system that exists.. that is a whole topic in itself.. how do you move from $3.55 to $7.25.. there are jobs on our island that pay above $3.55.. I know many local residents including myself who get paid above the minimum wage.. I do because I have worked extremely hard and have proven to my employer that I am an asset to the company.

The argument you should be fighting is that on minimum wage, but that argument is over and in a few years our wage will be at $7.25… the only solution if you do not have the patience to wait until the increase is to go out and get an education, and yes one is available at practically no cost (if you are eligible-and you sound like you would be eligible) at the NMC… go speak with one of the counselors.. if you don’t have a high school education.. the NMC also offers continued education programs..

There are many jobs available on our island that pay above minimum wage, however, they have qualifications and skills that are required.. Instead of trying to look for the fastest way to make $$ at the expense of others suffering, start planning..

I understand the feeling of being a single mother and having to worry about the future.. There will be many single mother’s without jobs and income for their children should the Saipan Casino Act go through.. How many will turn to gambling to try to win the big one.. stop by some of the poker rooms now and you will find many single moms trying to hit the big one.. speak with Guma Esperanza folks and ask them how many families have been effected by poker.. Speak to counselors and find out how many families have been broken up because of poker.. how many mothers have been beat up and abused because they asked their spouse where their pay check was and their spouse got defensive… seriuosly check it out, you will find many cases like this… and imagine with a casino industry… the money moves faster and debt comes quick to the weak and poor… so imagine how many single mothers there will be without work when the act passes.. is this what we want.. is this the scenario we want to see at the end of the day… will we be able to create and fund more guma esperanza’s to handle the many social problems that come from this act… are you ready to house relatives who might lose the roof over their head, because they thought that they could hit it big on the roulette table and they lost everything.. are you ready to feed relatives who come to your house seeking shelter because they were kicked out of their apartment because rent was not paid due to all their money being lost on the slot machines.. will you be able to post bail for your nephew or niece who stole to get funds to pump into the casinos in hopes of making it big… if you do not believe this will happen, seriously think about it, because it will.. it is happening now with poker.. and a casino on island would definitely do more damage…

In all my life, I have never had one relative ask me for money for a gambling debt, losing their apartment, or bail. I honestly believe that we should making good use of our big jail for those who are stupid enough to think they will win big at the casino.

And I agree that the diocese of CK is not an employment agency and the wisdom of our wise bishop is seriously in question while casino operations continue without a second pastoral letter rebuking the Tinian Dynasty, the tinian gaming commission, all their employees, and future projects on record. Public figures especially in the clergy have a responsibility to morally/ethically consider the ramifications of their statements when their public statements find me on Sunday at church. Where is the fairness in that??

many who are against the Saipan Casino Act are not necessarily against casinos and gambling.. It is the negative social impact of passing the Saipan Casino Act that has much concerned… And if you recall the Bishop’s statement, he mentions:

“The Church has traditionally viewed gambling, per se, as neither moral nor immoral. Gambling, however, becomes immoral when adverse conditions become prerequisites for or result from gambling. As an example, immorality can be seen in gambling when one usurps limited family funds and directs them to gaming. This prevents the delivery of basic needs to family members, degrades the home and promotes other ills in family life. These conditions then give rise to the number of children being displaced, marriages being unnecessarily tested, and families being torn apart. Continued harm is thus ensured when the thrill for the next win or for big money becomes an addiction. The poker arcades certainly provide a lived experience from which to draw conclusions. How many have been murdered in poker arcade? How many have been injured? Who became rich? Who have lost everything?”

We have seen much destruction with the poker industry and it is well documented.. Additionally, many families have lost everything.. and I mean everything.. and that is where the concern lies…. when your children go hungry because all your money has been thrown into a machine.. the stories go and on… You should consider yourself fortunate that no one has asked you to assist them with their poker debt, but not withstanding your situation the truth still holds for many that such actions are prevalent on island….

Do you ever wonder why we have so many pawn shops on island? two words – poker and drugs… we better make some more space for additional pawn shops should the Saipan Casino Act pass…

Additionally, as you stated the Bishop as a public figure has a moral/ethical decision to come out and state the position of the church and protect the people.. I am very proud of the Bishop for coming out and standing up and stating the church’s position on the Saipan Casino Act… No one forces you to go to church, you are at liberty to walk out at any time.. especially if the teachings are not congruent with your beliefs.. I don’t see no ball and chain on the isles in the churches.. But the reality is that most Catholics think along the same lines as the Bishop.. and I believe Guam Catholics are the same.. looking at their most recent action voting against slots.. again, there have been many studies regarding the negative impact casinos have on communities.. lets not allow them to use Saipan as another case sample in future studies on the negative impact of casinos in a community… please vote “no” on the “Saipan Casino Act.” and visit http://www.saipancasinoact.com for more details on why to vote no…thanks..

john,

simply put..you are FULL OF SHIT!!!!!!!

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

To flesh out some of the things you have said John, SCA is not Roe v. Wade. The bishop sees our community as dangling on some moral precipice when there is none. It is no lie that our current bishop has been softspoken when it comes to defending the rights of non residnt workers only until it hits him right in the face. It’s not a lie that people in San Jose enjoy numerous benefits from their casino in their community and all their ports. Before we lose the best and brightest from our island to Guam, lets be honest about the prospect of returning to the status quo. There are negative aspects. The bishop mentions crimes committed against poker establishments and the people hurt…but isn’t that a factor of the way these places are zoned…in villages and in other holes in the wall…and a factor of the current state of unemployment among our people only realized recently?? How are police supposed to protect these many establishments?

John, Casinos exist on Indian reservations across the US, Atlantic City, and Nevada. Catholic communities and casinos can exist side by side. In these places, casinos have opened up opportunities where jobs are scarce. They have improved land values and made other sectors of their economy tourist friendly. While casinos make donations, the diocese takes donations. Let’s get that straight once and for all. The bishop is making this a symbolic fight between right and wrong and that is ethically and morally corrupt. I do not mind him giving his personal opinion, but his vision is skewed in favor of moving our island further in line with its current depression….to constantly be at the mercy of our sunset industry called the garment industry.

Casinos are for entertainment, not putting your entire paycheck on the line. If social concerns are your worry, then you have probably not lost your job yet. I personally respect your opinion but I think less of the politicians who won’t act to preserve our island in these hard times. I belieeve this act exemplifies many peoples, including my, frustration on the current state of irresponsibility in our legislature to combat a long drawn out recession.

Joe,

break out the Time issue with the article, Indian Casinos: Wheel of Misfortune.. you might be quite surprised with what you find.. title says all.. and yes, it is TIME Magazine…

Nicky,

its a comment like that which confirms that you are probably 1 out of 9 individuals who will benefit from the Saipan Casino Act.. The question probably is are you gunning for a commissioner position or the executive director position..

Joe,

you said “Casinos are for entertainment, not putting your entire paycheck on the line.”

Do you live on Saipan? I have to ask this question, because I really believe you are out of touch with reality.. There are many, many people who have lost their entire paychecks to poker… don’t take my word for it… visit a local poker joint and check it out yourself… go and speak to Counselors who speak with poker addicts and those who have lost everything…

you also state:

“I personally respect your opinion but I think less of the politicians who won’t act to preserve our island in these hard times”

I agree and based on your statement would like to ask all Politicians to step out and vote “no” to the “Saipan Casino Act”

john,

i am a minimum wage earner. hard working sob. never asked a penny from my mama.

you have not given a convincing answer to pauline other than just spinning around and around.

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO!

Being an absentee voter, I have been doing some research on candidates in my precinct. I was perusing the site to find information about Tina Sablan (who is in my Precinct)and came across the forum..

After going through the site, I can conclude 2 things. I will be definitely voting for Tina Sablan this election and I will be voting NO on the Saipan Casino Act..

I came into this forum on gambling with no decision as to vote Yes or No, however, after reading the comments, I believe the best thing for the Island is to vote no on the casino issue..

nicky,

you can say i’m spinning around and around, but the truth will always be the truth.. and the truth is that the NEGATIVE social impact to this community would be huge if this Saipan Casino Act passes.. there is no way of getting around the truth..

Jaqueline,

thank you for your support.. it gives me great strength and encouragement to know that a few have sincere concern about our community and its future.

thank you.

john+jacqueline+barbara+pauline= TINA SABLAN

pauline and all those who are still trying to make a decision,

I humbly ask for your kind support in voting “no” to the saipan casino act.. you can read the comments that nicky has posted and conclude that there will be many nicky’s out there who have only self interest in mind at your expense. Nicky will continue to coerce others and make crude remarks.. are these the type of people who we believe will be running a sound casino industry.. I think not..

At the end of the day let us not lose Saipan in the biggest gamble of our lives..

And when nicky is appointed as a commissioner or is hired as the executive director we are in trouble..

I enjoyed hearing the vigorous debate but I guess we will have to wait and see who has the most votes in November….is it 2/3 or 66.6% to get the act passed??

Thanks for the clarification.

pauline Says:

Unless this happens, I WOULD RATHER TAKE MY CHANCES WITH THE CASINO THAN LISTEN TO ALL THE FALSE PROMISES BEING MADE BY THE ANTI-CASINO GROUP. I WILL VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO!

VOTE NO TO THE CASINO ACT PLEASE!

Nicky/Pauline & Joe,

Get and education (even if it’s just high school), get a job, work hard, show up to work on time, put extra effort into doing a good job, don’t call in sick every week, don’t come in 20 minutes late in the morning or after lunch, don’t ask to take leave every time your cousins uncles brothers mother has a novena, practice good customer service…do these things and I guarantee you, you will eventually make more than $3.55/hr no matter where you work…

YES, Nicky, I AM VOTING FOR TINA.

But I will not vote (neither yes nor no, I wil leave this a blank) for the saipan casino act because a blank vote is a no vote (this requires some logic here girl so I hope you get it, or maybe this is too complicated for you).

I am also voting for 3 other precinct 1 candidates so we may just have some common ground on those candidates. Who knows?

Cheers and chill out.

Go Tina, Go Girl!

Pauline,

There is nothing, nothing at all, in the casino proposition that says you will get $7.25 an hour. Ask those who support the initiative to show you where in the law does it say so.

Ask questions and then ask even more questions. Then, make up your mind.

you guys are all anti-casino. i guess you all want a perfect industry..like laying on the beach all day long and just looking at the sun.

pauline, please do not listen to all these saints. these are the same people who pretend to go to church and turn around and cheat on their husbands/wifers. the perfect islanders.

and yes, pauline, the saipan casino act specifically states that minimum wage will be paid. these people are just scaring you.

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO!

hello barbara,

thank you for your concern on my well being. please note barbara that i can read. i am not totally dumb. i have some skills and one of them is reading and understanding what i read.

i did not ask any of the casino proponents to show me where in the initiative minimum wage is mentioned. barbara, do you know what the minimum wage in the us is now? i believe it is $7.25 per hour. the initiative states that the us minimum wage must be applied for workers. am i reading the provision correctly? please advise because i know you went to college and you are smart.

sorry barbara, if the SAIPAN CASINO will pay me $7.25 per hour, i will VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT.

thank you all for all the caring thoughts.

nicky,

Your taking the attention off the main issue we are discussing; the Saipan Casion Act.. mentioning that we must be cheating on our spouses is the type of cheap shot I would expect from a pro-saipan casino act supporter and definitely says a lot about those who are supporting this act… stop taking the attention away from the fact that the Saipan Casino Act is not good for the people…

And yes, there are many tourists who would like to just lay on the beach all day long and spend time under the sun… I know that the Russian tourists could do this day-in day-out…

Pauline was looking for direction and I believe I have given her sound advice to assist in making her decision.. I am concerned about Pauline, her kids and her future.. hence, the reason I do not want to see this act pass.. I hope you might be able to see all the damage that has been done from the poker industry and put your own interests aside for the overall betterment of our Commonwealth..

take care and remember to vote “no” on the “Saipan Casiono Act”

Hello Pauline,

Here is your question: “…do you know what the minimum wage in the us is now? i believe it is $7.25 per hour. the initiative states that the us minimum wage must be applied for workers. am i reading the provision correctly?”

The U.S. minimum wage in most of the United States is, you are correct, $7.25. It is even higher than this in some states.

However, the application of the U.S. minimum wage to the NMI is progressive and for now that amount is $3.55 an hour. Thus, the initiative may say that the U.S. minimum wage must be applied for workers but that means $3.55 or the amount applicable to the NMI. Not the amount applicable to the several states or territories except to the NMI or American Samoa. This is called “legal jargon” and is deceptive.

It is never my intention to say you are dumb. I meant for all of us to continue to ask questions and if there are no good enough answers, then we should ask more questions.

I also meant that you, I and others should read the initiative and make up our own minds. I will not tell you how to vote, or how to think. You have your own mind and I respect that.

But remember this, Pauline: The U.S. minimum wage already applies to the Marianas and, guess what, that still is not $7.25 an hour. The casino initiative is not wrong in saying they will apply the U.S. minimum wage since we have no choice…the law, without the casino act, already requires that. The illusion here is that it is $3.55 and not $7.25

Again, no where in the initiative does it say that workers in the casino, if it gets approved, will get paid a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

I hope I have been helpful.

pauline,

you must be a lawyer..i understand us to mean the united states..correct? the us minimum wage is $7.25 and even higher on other states..correct? then what are you trying to tell me? please do not confuse my mind just so that i will vote no to the saipan casino.

in your mind, is cnmi and the us the same? if not, then shouldn’t the $7.25per hour applies to the saipan casino act? i do not see any legal jargon here.

sorry, i already made up my mind..i will VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT because none of the anti-casino proponents offered any other sensible alternative to improve our economy..convention center? clean beaches tourism? hello!!! please wake up and face reality..we are all suffering..the bishop is not going to help us put food on our table. haven’t any of you guys see this? bishop is just for bishop..confortable living at the poor people’s expenses..

Pauline,

If you have some time, visit the website http://www.islandbusinessopportunities.com/ there are some viable options in lieu of the Saipan Casino Act proposed for the CNMI in the report..

Pauline,

I was not trying to make up your mind. I was only trying to share some truth with you.

I have no qualms with you voting your choice. That is what democracy is all about. I respect your decision.

As for Bishop Camacho, he is a man of moral and integrity. I cannot blame him for not putting food on our table. That duty belongs to each one of us, alone. I have never heard him or the Catholic Church promise us economic advancement. It is our politicians that do that to us and you can see where all those empty promises got us.

That is why we need Tina Sablan in the Legislature. If only so she could open up our government to where it rightfully belongs: the people.

Cheers and thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with me and many others.

Here is an October 8, 2007 article in the Saipan Tribune, written by Mr. Tony Pellegrino, a local businessman.

On Nov. 3, 2007, we will march to the polls and decide to allow casino gambling or not to allow casino gambling in Saipan. This decision will be far reaching and extremely influential in our lives. Once the die is cast to allow casino gambling, it will be extremely difficult to eradicate this insidious disease.

Because our decision on that day will affect our lives and change the face of Saipan forever, I plea that all of us do our homework and study carefully the problem before us. We must think rationally on this matter, not emotionally. Because someone tells us that we can solve all our economic problems simply by introducing casino gambling in Saipan, this important matter must be examined carefully. There are no shortcuts to economic health. If we make the wrong decision we will find it extremely difficult to remedy.

After listening to all the pros and cons, I decided to learn what the rest of America that has casino gambling thinks about its effects on the community and on the lives of the people living there. So I went to Google and punched in: “What are the effects of casino gambling in the community?” Or you can use any other question to start your search.

You will find bushels of material slanted favoring casinos and others slanted against casinos. Read both sides of the issue. To begin with I found the following article-An Annotated Bibliography: Casino Gambling. Just type in the title. Another good web page is http://www.medillnewsdc.com with an article entitled America’s Taking a Chance on Gambling. There are many other web pages you can find for yourself. But please-please let’s do our homework.

One of the things that scares me about allowing casino gambling in Saipan is that the door will be opened for other “easy money making operations.” For example, if I were a gambler, I would like a little relaxation after a hard night at the tables. So I pick up the phone and pronto, a lovely lassie visits me in my hotel room. Now the girls will be more plentiful and more readily available because of the higher demand for their services. Why not then legalize prostitution so that the government can receive a tax income from this industry also. Hey, why not? We need the money!

While we are at it let’s consider growing marijuana. Wow! What a cash crop that would be! Think of all the public and private land now idle. We could plant all the fields and sell it to the gamblers. After all they are gamblers. What do we care about them after they leave their money here? A licensing structure could be set up and the marijuana industry would be closely regulated by the government, similar to the way alcohol and tobacco are now regulated. Yea, I really like that idea. More easy money!

By now you are thinking, I’m losing it by going to extremes. We would never do that. Prostitution is “immoral” and marijuana is “illegal.” We will only “sell our souls” for legal stuff to make money. But how do we stop the guys with millions of dollars in their pockets who offer us easier ways to make money? Have you ever met a woman who is half virgin or one who is a little pregnant? Once a path is chosen there is no stopping. We always will reach for the next level.

Allowing casino gambling into Saipan is somewhat like opening Pandora’s box. Pandora opened her box out of intense curiosity. And out came all the troubles of the world. The last thing to come out of Pandora’s box was “Hope.” We will open our box out of intense desperation. What will come out of our box after the misery and disappointment?

To me the saddest part of our decision to allow casino gambling is that it does not create any incentive for the people to help themselves. We will all become more dependent on the money supposedly made by others and wait for its handout. There is nothing that we have created or become a part of. Only passive receivers. Where is the pride in that? Are we any better off than beggars? We should be helping ourselves, not waiting for strangers to come and give us what we should be earning with the sweat of our brow and our own hands.

A country is only as good as the moral aptitude of its people and its leaders. If we beg for handouts and beg other people to do for us what we should do for ourselves, when do we become strong and in control of our own destiny? We keep pleading for more investments by strangers and now for casino gambling operators to take care of the things we should be doing for ourselves. With every investor who answers our pleading, we become more and more dependent. Yes, we are fast becoming a country of desperate and pitiful people unwilling to help ourselves. Where is our pride?

Do you really think it will be different when we introduce casino gambling in Saipan that we the local people will flock to the jobs created? Do you really think we will reap all the promised benefits without paying a heavy price for it? If you think so then you still believe in the tooth fairy.

Please approach the issue with an educated decision. After all, we may just get what we wish for. So be prepared for it and with all its ramifications. Have a great day

What I was trying to get at when I wrote about the Bishop’s pastoral letter is this….in a nutshell:

The bishop cannot draw a line in the sand in church. This is pretty much what I believe he did. He said casinos are an unrighteous den of vice and violence. All those who are against SCA, you are good catholics. All those who vote for it are bad catholics.

Thanks bishop for observing one principle I try to live by: the separation of church and state. If the bishop wants to be a politician by all means let him run and pay him a taxpayer salary and let him eradicate casinos on all soil that says NMI on it. However, how do you respect someone who brings his vote/not vote to sunday school that will be appearing on the ballot. There’s a time and place for that in the editorials with Anthony Pelligrino, Ambrose B., Dr. K. and others (not metioning them to single them out, it’s because I’ve read their pieces in the papers).

Revenue from the casino will go to things like scholarship, transportation, public safety, the elderly, indigent, food and nutrition, and health (www.votecnmi.gov.mp). Revenue will come indirectly from over a billion dollars in federal/japanese yen to move close to 15,000 marines to new quarters on Guam. If you own or work at a hotel or in the service industry, how many times have you cut prices when you see that a Navy ship is in town? What if the Navy parked 20 battleships off of Saipan? Would our economy be better? What if they also brought their families to live in the CNMI? And their skills? Would that be valuable to the CNMI?

I know exactly what a casino can do to families, but I do not make people go put quarters into poker machines. They do it themselves. If you want to be a good samaritan and are such a do-gooder, then sit-in on a poker room, and actively discourage locals and non-residents from doing bad to themselves. I think you would say the same thing….it’s not your responsiblity. If you vote against SCA, fine, then don’t be a hypocrite: Remove poker rooms too.

If SCA does not pass, I hope Tina will do something about poker. Again, that’s just a hope.

Joe,

The Bishop stated the following in his Message:

“The Church has traditionally viewed gambling, per se, as neither moral nor immoral. Gambling, however, becomes immoral when adverse conditions become prerequisites for or result from gambling. I have reiterated this distinction in my previous pastoral letters. As an example, immorality can be seen in gambling when one usurps limited family funds and directs them to gaming. This prevents the delivery of basic needs to family members, degrades the home and promotes other ills in family life. These conditions then give rise to the number of children being displaced, marriages being unnecessarily tested, and families being torn apart. Continued harm is thus ensured when the thrill for the next win or for big money becomes an addiction. The poker arcades certainly provide a lived experience from which to draw conclusions. How many have been murdered in poker arcade? How many have been injured? Who became rich? Who have lost everything?”

No where in the above statement does he say that casinos are an unrighteous den of vice and violence..

The message relayed is that given our past monitoring performance and what we have seen in regards to poker… handling a casino on Saipan would be a mistake..

You take everything completely out of context..

You are exactly correct, everyone has a decision to make about gambling whether it be poker or casinos.. but the real question is do the benefits outweigh the costs? and in this case with the Saipan Casino Act, the negative social impact will definitely be reason alone to kill this act..

The other side you have never touched on is the fact that a great injustice is being done to the investors in Tinian.. How can you sit in church, practice a faith that teaches fairness and ethics.. and then go supporting the Saipan Casino Act which will put a knife (figurately speaking) into the sides of the investors who have spent so much money on getting set up in Tinian with hope that the casino industry will take off.. this is just wrong…

We invite these investors, they come out here and then we turn around and try to send them packing after they have exhausted a ton of resources and time in setting up shop in Tinian.. just not right… on all levels…

joe, et al,

i am happy to report that i just came back from a funeral and heard people talking about the casino issue. what i heard is that the no to casino group are mostly politically correct folks but offer no solution for our economy situation.

so please forget your mission and give up because the odinary people are voting YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO!

fyi…… not what I have been hearing from my side.. everybody on this island has a relative or knows someone who has lost big $$$ to poker and definitely do not want to see the entry of casinos… they have talked about some even losing their dignity and respect for themselves.. they fear that more families will lose everything if the casino act passes… some even mentioned about the current crime situation and that they know it will escalate if the casino act passes.. they are worried that they will not ever be able to leave their houses.. one said passage of the casino act is like giving him a prison sentence because he knows he will have to be in his house 24 hours to prevent anyone from breaking in…

just a little of what I have heard on many sides.. move from picnic table to picnic table when you go to lisayos.. when you stay on a pro-casino saipan casino act picnic table..you will hear pro-saipan casino act info.. I on the other hand have gone picnic table to picnic table………

by the way, the politically correct people have offered many solutions.. read all the comments on this forum as well as some of the comments on http://www.saipancasinoact.com... you can rephrase your sentence stating:

The politically correct people have vision and do not want to see the destruction the casinos will have on the island.. The advocates of the Saipan Casino Act can’t see pass their garage and are only focused on $$ that they will pocket at the overall expense of everyone else on island…

john,

like i said before, simply put, YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT!!!!

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

the truth hurts… and simply put… it’s the truth.. sorry there are more people with vision…

Pauline (and other voters who may be undecided), is the below statement from an individual you can trust and believe in (this response is from an individual who claims the saipan casino act is a solution):

nicky Says:
October 10th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
john,
like i said before, simply put, YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT!!!!

Thing is John…that website is biased. What would be your plan to revive our current economic situation that doesn’t involve beautify CNMI?

okay john, et al,

so you tell me that the saipan casino is bad. fine…

SO NOW PLEASE TELL ME WHAT WOULD BE GOOD FOR OUR ECONOMY. AND PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT CONVENTION CENTER AND CLEANING BITCHES. please tell me something that makes sense and something that will really bring some activities to our sick economy.

i have read all the posting on the anti casino on this blog and I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING CONVINCING on how to improve our lives other than what the SAIPAN CASINO OFFERS.

so unless i heard something different and convincing, i WILL BE VOTING YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT THIS NOVEMBER 3RD!

tell me something realistic…PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!

There’s a poll on saipantribune.com 115/59 in favor of SCA.

Joe,

Biased or not the site has a lot of solid solutions and indicates what would happen should the Saipan Casino Act Pass… again, look at what is going on with the current poker industry.. don’t have to look to far, walk outside your house and go a block or two…

this is addressed to pauline…

please just follow your instinct…vote what you feel is good for you and your family. vote for something that offers you some future. do not listen to the anti-no people who only offer you nothing, BUT GARBAGE.

and john, i am surprised at your ignorance..i thought you are well schooled, but i guess i was wrong. you keep comparing the saipan casino act and the poker legislation. do you know the difference? if not, then i tell you that the saipan casino act will be a law approved by the people and only the people can change it or kill it. on the other hand, the poker law was enacted during the teno’s administration and have since been modified many times to accommodate whoever give the most during the campaign. IF YOU DO NOT SEE THE DIFFERENCE, THEN YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS ADVISING PAULINE NOT TO VOTE FOR THE SAIPAN CASINO.

AGAIN, PAULINE, PLEASE FOLLOW YOUR SURVIVAL INSTINCT…VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT.

and by the way, john, you mentioned that hardly any local in tinian works for the tinian dynasty…why? because the law that was approved for tinian did not protect the local workforce. it gave away the entire casino industry to the outside investors. at least the SAIPAN CASINO ACT gives the local people priority on everything else. WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH THAT PROVISIONS JOHN? i don’t think you are a local dude. i think you are somebody who is from somewhere in AFRICA who wants to make saipan like dufur. PLEASE GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND LEAVE US ALONG. YOU ARE ONLY A GUESS IN OUR ISLAND SO BUTT OUT OF OUR AFFAIRS!

YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT!

nicky you state “and by the way, john, you mentioned that hardly any local in tinian works for the tinian dynasty…”

never said that anywhere on the blog.. please read, and read again.. I think that is one of the big problems here is your ability to comprehend the written word..

and you state once again:
“i don’t think you are a local dude. i think you are somebody who is from somewhere in AFRICA who wants to make saipan like dufur. PLEASE GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND LEAVE US ALONG. YOU ARE ONLY A GUESS IN OUR ISLAND SO BUTT OUT OF OUR AFFAIRS!”

Pauline, once again are you going to trust people who can’t argue through a debate intelligently and turn to name calling and threats.. without know that this is my home as much as theirs.. this is exactly the type of talk I would expect from Pro-Saipan Casino Act supporters.. Another reason I believe Nicky is 1 out of 9 who will benefit from this Act…

Since you have visited a great site http://www.saipancasinoact.com, let me quote you on an article from Anthony Pellegrino:

“One of the things that scares me about allowing casino gambling in Saipan is that the door will be opened for other “easy money making operations.” For example, if I were a gambler, I would like a little relaxation after a hard night at the tables. So I pick up the phone and pronto, a lovely lassie visits me in my hotel room. Now the girls will be more plentiful and more readily available because of the higher demand for their services. Why not then legalize prostitution so that the government can receive a tax income from this industry also. Hey, why not? We need the money!

While we are at it let’s consider growing marijuana. Wow! What a cash crop that would be! Think of all the public and private land now idle. We could plant all the fields and sell it to the gamblers. After all they are gamblers. What do we care about them after they leave their money here? A licensing structure could be set up and the marijuana industry would be closely regulated by the government, similar to the way alcohol and tobacco are now regulated. Yea, I really like that idea. More easy money!

By now you are thinking, I’m losing it by going to extremes. We would never do that. Prostitution is “immoral” and marijuana is “illegal.” We will only “sell our souls” for legal stuff to make money. But how do we stop the guys with millions of dollars in their pockets who offer us easier ways to make money? Have you ever met a woman who is half virgin or one who is a little pregnant? Once a path is chosen there is no stopping. We always will reach for the next level.

Allowing casino gambling into Saipan is somewhat like opening Pandora’s box. Pandora opened her box out of intense curiosity. And out came all the troubles of the world. The last thing to come out of Pandora’s box was “Hope.” We will open our box out of intense desperation. What will come out of our box after the misery and disappointment?”

Is this the direction we want to see Saipan going.. I don’t think so… and as mentioned earlier, there are many other options.. you will see more destruction and societal mishap before you even see the first penny from this act..

Pauline, greed can lead you in the wrong direction.. follow your heart and vote “no” on the “Saipan Casino Act”

nicky,

never compared the saipan casino act with poker legislation.. but i have compared negative social impact of both because they are similar.. and gambling is gambling.. and it has been proven in study after study that legalized casino gambling increases crime in the area where legalized. the difference between poker and casinos, you lose more money faster in a casino and go in to debt quicker… translation, many turning to crime or illegal activities to pay the bills… like the one guy at the picnic table said, passing the Saipan Casino Act will be like sentencing him to jail by requiring him to stay home 24 hours to prevent someone from breaking into his home, and I bet that won’t even prevent someone hungry for $$ from breaking in.. could go to the next level… so keep our community safe.. and vote “no” on the “saipan casino act”

and if you have time go through the articles and editorials on http://www.saipancasinoact.com and then visit some counselors that have dealt with addicts and have had to hear sob stories because of the effects of gambling on families…

John: Biased or not the site has a lot of solid solutions and indicates what would happen should the Saipan Casino Act Pass

Let me see, what kind of solid solutions:

#1 revitalize sugar dock

#2 to mine pozollan

#3 develop alternative energy resources

#4 build a convention center

#5 zone and beautify cnmi

john,

yeah, right, i might not be as smart as you claimed to be, but at least i have something to offer pauline.

all you have said in this entire blog is how bad saipan casino is and the people behind it. yet, when the saipan casino people tell you that you are FULL OF SHIT, you get upset and say that the saipan casino people are bad people. read back and note that it was you, john, who started calling me names..i am just fighting back.

are you for real? listening to people like pelligrino? don’t forget that tony pelligrino came to saipan and it is saipan where he made his millions..he doesn’t give a shit about people suffering due to lack of jobs…he hires mostly pilipinos in his business anyways, yet borrows from our government bank to make more money. we really don’t need people like pelligrono in saipan. and don’t forget the fast one he pulled on the commonwealth people with his junk multi-million dock..

i think all you outsiders are just jealouse because for once the colonized are looking out for themselves. if you don’t like what is happening here in saipan, PLEASE PACK UP AND LEAVE while we still have some flights out of here. nobody asked you to come and live in our islands. i think you folks are the owner of the website called SAIPAN SUCKS…just because you do not have your way does not mean that we are wrong. AGAIN, BUTT OUT AND LEAVE OUR ISLAND. take FREEDOM AIR out of saipan.

john, when you called us saipan casino proponents people with greed, what the hell to you expect us to say to you? thank you yo white ass? read the initiative and understand that the casino proponents have no special interest in the saipan casino act other than just trying to help the local populace…read that the SAIPAN MAYOR will appoint the commission and the commission will be confirmed by the saipan delegation. jeezzee john, STOP spinning around and tell PAULINE the truth! READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INTIATIVE..it has much more good to offer than your group…the saipan casino offer HOPE you guys offer HOT AIR..

PLEASE VOTE YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT..the only hope we have to economic recovery.

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

you have some real viable solutions there Joe.. Seriously… mining pozzolan is nothing to think lightly of.. additionally, you under estimate the power of sun, sand, and sea to a tourist… try speaking to some tourists and ask them what they are looking for… I have.. and many say they are interested in clean beaches..sun, sand, and sea…. you forgot to mention:

- retirement community
- educational tourism (increasingly growing)
- ecotourism
- theme/cultural tourism
- financial services
- Information technology
- healthcare
- convention center (no convention center exists in Micronesia with a seating capacity of 5,001-10,000). would be great to see over 5,000 visitors to the island..

thanks for putting on your thinking cap Joe, I think if Nicky learned as well as some of the others, you all can come up with some pretty feasible alternatives instead of pushing are island into further decline by promoting the saipan casino act..

Let’s look to other islands where convention centers have been built only to be linked to graft and corruption: Hawaii Convention Center. Please don’t fool anyone here into thinking that 10,000 people want to have a convention on Saipan. That’s nearly 20% of our population for goodness sake!!!

Please John don’t attack me personally for being an active debater because you sound like you are calling me dumb. People who don’t think are dumb.

joe,

like i said before and i will say again, JOHN IS FULL OF SHIT! a typical mama boy who gets pissed when people disagree with his views.

i am a loving person and care for folks who are suffering. to john, i am a bad person. john is blinded by his always right attitude. a very very typical MAMA BOY.

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

Nicky,

I should publicize your above comment so all can see what a real “saipan casino act” supporter thinks… you are providing me with a real great tool to get more voters voting “NO”… I have now discovered during our debate that not only do you not comprehend the disaster that will result from passing the Saipan Casino Act, but you are also a real racist… I think Pauline and many who read this will understand how the pro-saipan casino act supporters feel..

I will be on this island till the day I die and that is why I believe we need to vote NO on the SAIPAN CASINO ACT.. You will vote “yes” get your $$$ and leave everyone else to suffer… what a fantastic goal you have… brilliant.. greed is truly the root of all evil and can be seen in your comments…

Pellegrino has provided many jobs to our local people and has provided many services to Saipan, and although i don’t know him that well, I do know that he loves this island and has great concern based on his feelings about the Saipan Casino Act.. I can now see why it is very easy for you to tell the investors to leave their money and get packing.. this is the same mentality that has contributed to the economic problems we face today..

Once again you stray from the issue and cannot focus because you know deep down in your heart the words i speak of our the truth..

you state:
“he(Pellegrino) doesn’t give a shit about people suffering due to lack of jobs…”

you obviously have not read Pellegrino’s contributions to the Saipan Tribune, namely his articles:
Visions waiting to become realities
Acres of diamonds under our feet-Part II

Pellegrino has done far more for this community than you have.. and I can go out on the edge and say that based my observations to how you respond to my comments… until the day comes when you have provided jobs for our local people and have help guide others to success your words are meaningless..

and by the way, I aint packin myself because this is my home.. again the truth hurts and can be quite hard to digest.. live with it…

I think all reading these comments can see what danger the saipan casino act will have for the people.. I think the social impact will be immense should the act pass… I think it is an injustice to the investors in Tinian… I think the act in itself is racist (and seeing nicky’s comments – I know why now).. so for all reading, please vote NO to the SAIPAN CASINO ACT…

what?

“Let’s look to other islands where convention centers have been built only to be linked to graft and corruption: Hawaii Convention Center.”

are you kidding me.. visit hawaii.. their economy is prospering.. the convention center is booked solid passed 2010.. the government ended witha surplus last fiscal year.. do some research… Governor Lingle has done a great job with steering Hawaii in right direction… I can only guess you haven’t been to Hawaii lately..

and by the way, I have in no way insinuated that you are dumb.. asking questions and debating issues is not dumb.. but spitting out rhetoric without properly reading comments displays serious concern… Joe, I know and you know what is right.. you know greed is the main motive behind those actively supporting the Saipan Casino Act.. after seeing so much destruction to families from poker there is no way you can believe in your heart that Nicky is speaking as a concerned resident..

Again, vote NO this coming November.

john,

there you go again…putting me down. your mind is stuck into thinking that the casino proponents are all driven by greed. john, if nothing else, we should all thank the casino proponents for doing something for our people. look at the people behind the saipan casino..they are all private citizen who are also suffering economically. i suggest that you stop calling them greedy because you are just plain wrong.

i am going to sleep john and i will have a good dream…i will dream that the saipan casino act passed and guys like yourself will be amonsgt us celebrating.

when you wake up john, PLEASE VOTE YES TO SAIPAN CASINO. then we can build your convention center.

I know that myself and the Bishop, along with all others who will be voting no will be praying for you to make the right decision this November 3, 2007. and maybe through divine intervention you will come to realize that “no” on the “saipan casino act” is the right road to take.. good night and god bless…

Joe and Nicky,
please go to http://www.mvariety.com, the Marianas Variety website and on the upper right hand corner, please click the “Vote No for Casino / Find out Why – Click Here/Keep Saipan Safe and Beautiful for our families” image.. I figure you both must be having a hard time getting to the website, it’s a great quick link to the site..

Wow, this forum is really getting heated up with all the sarcastic critics that don’t understand the meaning of keeping our Saipan safe and beautiful for our families! I want to commend Ms. Tina Sablan for a job well done and how I wish I was in your precinct to vote for you. My prayers are with you and to the people supporting the Yest to Casino, I pray harder for your convictions and beliefs! It’s sad that some people actually think this way, I just hope come Nov. 3 their minds will change and vote No to CasiNos!

Have a great time, and let’s meet at the Debate tonight at 5:30pm be on time with your thinking caps on and with an open mind! The Truth will set you Free!

to john, barbara, et al,

i am really dissappointed with you guys for trying to make my head crazy..i listened to former speaker pedro guerrero this morning on harry blalock talk show and learned that everything you guys have been telling me is a LIE..why are you guys doing this to small people like me? just because i am poor and not well educated?

fyi, harry blalock asked mr. guerrero all the right questions and mr. guerrero answered everything honestly and truthfully. mr. blalock asked questions based on what the saipan casino has and i am now convinced that the SAIPAN CASINO ACT IS THE SOLUTION FOR US.

so please i am asking you folks to be honest next time…FOR ME, I AM VOTING YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT.

john,

if you listened to mr. guerrero this morning, you will note that he mentioned people like filicidad ogomuro, manny tenorio, ben santos, ben pacho, john reyes as people behind the saipan casino act.

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL ,john, AND STOP CALLING THESE HONORABLE PEOPLE GREEDY FOR PROMOTING THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT. DON’T FORGET THAT SAIPAN IS A very very small island…you know what i mean.

please be fair to these honorable and apoligize for calling them greedy..it is for your own good.

lastly, i would like to thank these very same people who you called greedy for doing something for the common people. we love you all and god bless you all. i don’t care what the bishop says about you guys…i still have big respect for your efforts.

thank you

Nicky,
greed is greed.. especially when it is at the peoples expense.. I could really care less about the names you list.. greed is greed..

I think you forget that Saipan is a very small island.. which is very much reflected in your comments..

Like I said earlier, I believe I have convinced enough people to vote no already.. the tone you set in your comments.. the vocabulary you use is that of a person very frustrated…

The Saipan Casino Act as I continue to mention is wrong when we can’t even get a grasp of poker… Some of those names you mention and Pauline mentioned have intense debt with CDA.. go back to the newspapers and find out how many were delinquent on loans with CDA.. do some research.. find out the integrity of each member supporting the Casino Act… As an individual voting “yes” you should do due diligence..

Pauline will always be confused as long as she is focused on making the quick/easy buck… that easy buck is what has caused much of the problems on this island…

Once again, go back and do some research on the damage Poker has caused to individuals and families… if you can actually sit on your seat and believe that no harm has been done and things will not get worse with the saipan casino act.. you have some issues… ethical and moral…

$$$ will not spill in from all directions if the Saipan Casino Act passes.. that is false… Read Mr. John Del Rosario’s editorial… where is the money going to come from to set up this so called casino… it is going to come from taxpayers… and if each indigenous person wants to be a part of the casino and reap rewards, they have to fork out $500… again, who has $500.. most people can’t even pay their CUC billl.. be realistic.. the folks who will make out on this one will be the 7 appointed commissioners who will be getting paid $40,000 a year to meet 15 times… read the act… this is for real.. and the 15 times don’t even have to be full days… are you kidding me… talk about enrichment… additionally, these 7 commissioners will appoint an executive director and pay him as they wish… are you for real…

The negative social effects that will come about from the Saipan Casino Act will be disastrous… imagine your relatives deciding they will try their luck with $5 and then another and another until everything is lost…

Nicky, have you ever wondered why casino gambling is not legal in Hawaii? I have and I asked a resident of Hawaii.. he said if that ever happened that would be the end of Hawaii.. Why? because the number one destination for Hawaiians going abroad is Las Vegas.. imagine putting casinos where they are so accessible to the people… imagine all losing the shirts of their backs.. imagine the toll it would take on the Hawaiian culture…

Similarly with Saipan, imagine the suffering and losses that would come with the passing of the Saipan Casino Act.. how many children will go hungry because Mom/Dad spent all the money in the casino… How many people will be evicted for failure to pay rent… How many will have their CUC/MCV/PTI disconnected for failing to make payment, How many will not be able to provide the basic necessities to their kids because there is no money… these are facts of life and head my word they will happen with the passing of the Saipan Casino Act… So Pauline, if that is what you want to see…good luck…

john,

it is in you that i see frustration because the local people are doing something for themselves. i can’t figure out how you call yourself local when you sound like somebody who is used to bossing people around and getting what you want. that is not the local way. you just can’t stand the fact that the local people will prevail on something good for them.

you are getting so desperate that you even mentioned mr. del rosario. who is the dude? is that the same guy who owns all the public lands in the cnmi? wow!

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO…and john, for your confort, look at the online poll saipan tribune is conducting…i just don’t see how you can even imagine that the saipan casino act will not pass. john, i think you should pack up and leave after november 4th because WE WILL HAVE CASINO IN SAIPAN WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. so please pack and go back to wherever the hell you came from.

Nicky,
I am a local and I am voting No to casino for the same reasons that John mentioned. Please don’t make it sound like you speak for all of us. I think its unfortunate that we live in a free society but still practice racism. If you don’t get what I mean, read your Casino Act.

Vote No to Casino and Kudos to Tina. Biba Freedom

Nicky,

My ancestors were navigating these waters and fishing these waters before yours even arrived.. so don’t even begin to bring race into this arguement..

Stick to the issue… you have a tendency to stray off the subject and start making ridiculous comments and personal attacks…

I can go on and on about the many reasons everyone should vote no, however, I will not be redundant and will simply say.. see you in the real polls… the one that counts… AND PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE NO ON THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT..

I am local and Im voting NO. By the way I tried to vote on the saipantribune poll and I had a hard time.I had to go back and tried to vote again, but i got a message saying i had already voted. I refreshed my computer and went back to check and the number of “NO” votes was still the same. Something is fishy about that poll.

VOTE NO to CASINO!

Pauline,

Just cruisin’ thru and was reading all the comments Im kina confused at your statement

SO NOW PLEASE TELL ME WHAT WOULD BE GOOD FOR OUR ECONOMY. AND PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT CONVENTION CENTER AND CLEANING BITCHES

please tell me you ment “beaches” and not “bitches”. As far as I know, not even beautify CNMI cleans the bitches here. Maybe De.

“you have some real viable solutions there Joe.. Seriously… mining pozzolan is nothing to think lightly of.. additionally, you under estimate the power of sun, sand, and sea to a tourist… try speaking to some tourists and ask them what they are looking for… I have.. and many say they are interested in clean beaches..sun, sand, and sea…. you forgot to mention:

- retirement community
- educational tourism (increasingly growing)
- ecotourism
- theme/cultural tourism
- financial services
- Information technology
- healthcare
- convention center (no convention center exists in Micronesia with a seating capacity of 5,001-10,000). would be great to see over 5,000 visitors to the island..” —JOHN

All of the possibilities you have mentioned has no place in our economy. Besides the fishing industry which you have not mentioned, we are limited by our resources and the government’s financial situation. No one really wants to mine pozollan. First, its almost like it a marine sanctuary and i am surprised it hasn’t been considered to be a national park. That’s still a hidden secret here. Have you even been to the northern islands John?? Please go visit a strip mine in the US or google Gary, Indiana to know what it feels like when we tear apart what we have kept the same since people first inhabited these islands. John, you are a hypocrite, you want “green” but you also want to mine for pozollan. Which are you? Both?

As I said before, we don’t have the infrastructure to host 5,000-10,000 in a brand new convention center. Again, it’s easier to fly people to guam than it is to saipan. Saipan doesn’t have that kind of leverage right now; we still have to fly to travel conventions in asia to get our current tourist levels.

The rising cost of green technology is a serious drawback to the “alternative energy” idea. However it’s not nearly as dumb as the idea to build a nuclear reactor to solve all our energy needs. Hopefully John you went to science class and know that we live on the ring of fire. That means we can get tsunamis and earthquakes and sulfur in the air. Let’s talk about all the “green” possibilities:

Solar- large solar panels = very expensive, large tracts of land
Wind- should be subject to supertyphoons and will be expensive
Hydroelectric- sorry no rivers
Tidal- It works in the slow moving, lifeless Hudson River, but our waters/wildlife are a different story.

What about retirement communities? I’ve been hearing this again and again: Japanese want to retire in Saipan. But isn’t it a fact that the numbers of Japanese tourists to Guam, Saipan, and Hawaii have been decreasing over the past 3 years?? John, who do you want to retire here?

Financial services? Look at Bank of Saipan and our own government coffers. We are losing money everyday to people saying adios to our island, emptying their checkbook and leaving for greener pastures on Guam and Hawaii. Does Saipan even have stability? How many businesses are going to be affected by federal minimum wage? How long will we have to wait until the federal government finally takes us over? These undecided questions will always have us looking over our shoulder every time a new president gets sworn. What banker do you know whats to do business on saipan where there is no business opportunity?

Information technology? Whatever happened to the hip new “call center” we were supposed to get? Compare ourselves to the leader in technological progress with Japan where every home is linked to fiber optic cable (about 30 times faster than the US-DSL). Unlike Japan, we have failed to look at the long term for our people. We’ve chosen to cut corners when it comes to purchasing generators for CUC for example.

Healthcare. Look, Saipan still refers its patients to the philipines, guam, and hawaii. We have built a dialysis center but it isn’t staffed. Our public health system is slow and underfunded. High teen pregnancy, under-aged alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, etc. are all things we’ve failed to handle well up to this point. I see these things INCREASING without efforts to build a steady source of income for this government and better fiscal planning.

Any casino that is built will likely bring induce other eco-friendly ideas. Hell, we could even theme the casino on a carbon free, smoke-free, family theme. If you’ve every been off saipan John, you’d know that Las Vegas has lost much of its business to booming Macau, but it has grown immensely in its efforts to attract families, tourists, and others. It’s no longer a solely gambling town. My point is that casinos and families can co-exist and your exhaggeration of the damage to most chamorro families only hippie propaganda.

Joe,

you state: “All of the possibilities you have mentioned has no place in our economy.”

try thinking outside the box… I know Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Steve Case have.. google their names if you don’t know them..

still no justification in passing the Saipan Casino Act.. sorry.. FOLKS, VOTE NO TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT…

Joe,

an article for you extracted from http://parentingabusekids.wordpress.com/2007/09/23/the-affects-of-gambling-on-children/
enjoy.

A-B-C’s and 1-2-3 Cherries: Children Affected by Gambling Addiction

Casinos create the illusion that gambling is “family friendly” by offering daycare, restaurants and entertainment. Nothing could be further from the truth: children ARE adversely affected by gambling addiction. From a young age, children are attune to family dynamics, and are keenly aware of turmoil. Through behavior, a child will express or mimic what is experienced in the home.

The impact of gambling addiction on children is devastating. On an emotional level, children commonly feel betrayal, depression, anger, and anxiety. This in turn results in low self-esteem or difficult behaviors (such as regression, self-injuring, aggression and addictions). Further, the casino, or reminders of, may trigger anxiety or trauma, in which the child re-experiences feelings and memories associated with the parent’s gambling addiction. Children may also become fearful and unable to trust or become close to others. When the need to “win” or experience a “thrill” is modeled by a gambling parent, children may equate love with dangerous, thrill seeking behavior—or feel the need to compete with the casino, seeking attention with inappropriate behavior. In turn, children are set up to be further victimized or become addicts, themselves. The rates of neglect and abandonment (left in locked vehicles in casino parking lots or left alone without proper care) are high for children in families affected by gambling addiction. Many children will turn to addictions, including gambling, or substance abuse. Withheld feelings may result in mental or physical decline. Financial hardship caused by gambling may deprive a child of necessities, some families experience poverty and even, homelessness.

john,

i watched the debate last night and now i know where you inherited your brain…from the likes of larry cabrera and jane mack..

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO ACT! it is a done deal so learn to live with it.

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

as quoted on the SaipanWriter’s blog:

“The Saipan Casino Act violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the CNMI’s equal protection clause, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act.

6. The Investment Corporation must be owned solely by persons of Northern Marianas Descent (NMDs), meaning only NMDs can hold shares in the company, and act as its officers and directors. The Commissioners must be NMDs–with a guaranteed majority of Chamorros on the Commission. This discriminates against U.S. citizens and foreign investors who are not NMDs. It even discriminates against Carolinians among the NMDs. This is unconstitutional.

7. The executive director and treasurer must be NMDs. The Casino must give a hiring preference to NMDs (not resident workers, just resident NMDs). The Casino must give a management/training preference to NMDs. All of this discriminates in employment based on ethnicity and violates both U.S. and CNMI constitutions and the EEO act.

8. The money generated by the act, if there is any in excess of the costs, shall be subject to appropriation by the CNMI Saipan Delegation of the legislature, but there are restrictions on the appropriation: if the money is put toward social programs, the programs can only benefit NMDs. Scholarship money–only for NMDs. Elderly benefits–only for NMDs. Utility assistance–only for NMDs. This discriminates based on ethnicity and violates both the U.S. and CNMI Constitutions.

Why do we want a law that excludes lawful citizens and discriminates against them? When our Chamorro and Carolinian citizens go to the states, we don’t want them to be discriminated against–we’ll count on that equal protection guarantee for fair treatment. Why should it be different here? Why do we think a big, fat special interest law is the ticket to our improvement?”

—- even if the act passes.. the whole thing can be tied up in a mountain of litigation for multiple reasons… and will probably be against the act’s design…

The below is the article extracted from the Saipan Tribune regarding discriminating based on job classification:

‘Stop enforcing locals-only jobs permanently’

By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter

The federal court has ordered the CNMI government to permanently stop enforcing the law barring alien workers in the Commonwealth from working in certain job categories.

In an entry of judgment issued Friday, U.S. District Court for the NMI chief judge Alex R. Munson said it is now declared that Section 4434(e)(i) of the Nonresident Workers Act is unconstitutional.

That section provides that “the Director of Labor shall not approve nonresident worker certificates” for specific job classifications.

The job classifications include taxi cab driver, secretary, bookkeeper, accounting clerk, messenger, receptionist, surface tour boat operator, bus driver, including tour bus driver, and telephone switchboard operator.

Accordingly, Munson said, Immigration Director Melvin Grey, in his official capacity, and anyone else, including his successors, are permanently stopped from enforcing that law.

In a ruling issued Tuesday in the same case, Munson determined that the CNMI government failed to provide any rational basis why nonresident workers should be completely barred from being employed in these specific job classifications.

The judge pointed out that the CNMI government provides no basis why the government has any interest in preventing employers from hiring a qualified nonresident worker in the specific job classifications if there are no available qualified resident workers to fill those jobs.

Munson said the CNMI government provides no basis why it has an interest in singling out these specific job classifications from all other jobs in the Commonwealth.

The judge issued the decision in the $1million lawsuit filed by Auto Marine Inc. and its four alien workers against some Division of Immigration officials over the alleged illegal arrest of the four workers.

The plaintiffs, through attorney G. Anthony Long, questioned the constitutionality and application of the law that barred alien workers in certain job categories.

The CNMI government settled the damages issue with plaintiffs.

“try thinking outside the box… I know Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Steve Case have.. google their names if you don’t know them..” –John

John, please don’t use big whig names to justify your argument. I can probably quote something from mother theresa if that helps you.

Tina,
I think that all of us have had enough of the nasty things that Nicky have had to say. Please step in.

VOTE NO TO SAIPAN CASINO

dear tina, john, et al,

as the election day nears, more and more people are realizing that the SAIPAN CASINO ACT is our only salvation. please check out the saipan tribune’s online poll on casino and see for yourself.

i would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the lively debate on the casino issue. like last night’s debate, i know that deep down in your hearts, you all know that THE SAIPAN CASINO WON on all the issues.

farewell, my friends, and i look forward to inviting you all the the GRAND OPENING OF THE “royale casino” opening at the hyatt late january 2008.

YES TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT.

joe, please quote Mother Theresa, because I guarantee any quote of Mother Theresa’s will be in congruence with all against the Saipan Casino Act..

REMEMBER TO VOTE NO TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT..

nicky,

“more and more people are realizing that the SAIPAN CASINO ACT is our only salvation”

you forget that there are many people voting against the Saipan Casino Act because of the reputations of some of those involved with promoting the act…

I have faith in you Nicky and will pray that when you enter the poll.. you think of the hungry kids that sit outside poker rooms and the hundreds who may be sitting once you cast yes on your ballot.. i hope you think of all the families that may suffer from mental and physical abuse because a family member decided to try and get lucky in the casino… i hope you realize that the act is really going to only benefit a few… i have faith and will pray that you realize these things before you strike yes on the ballot..

dear john, barbara, et al,

it looks like this blog is really boring without me. i know that you guys are already crying because of pending victory of the SAIPAN CASINO ACT. since i am a very nice guy, i am willing to come back to your blog provided that you guys beg me for my return. don’t worry because i truly understand how you all feel, being defeated, but life must go on so let’s all celebrate.

i know that deep down, you all miss me!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT..YES to ECONOMIC RECOVERY!!!!!!

Nicky,

I knew you would come back with comments… I believe deep down inside your convictions are working internally and you know yourself that voting yes is not the right thing to do… and you are returning because you feel maybe they just might be right… Well, welcome back and don’t worry the vote is not tomorrow.. no pressure on having to make the right decision until another 22 days.. and again I have faith that you will think of the negative social impact associated with passing the act..

as a matter of fact I was just outside a poker room the other day and I watched a lady leave her child inside a laundry room while she went over to throw some money away.. few minutes later the child came in asking for food… she went outside put the child back in the Laundry room with another relative and went straight back to the machine.. in the same flash of a moment another individual came into the laundromat, pulled her close out of the washer, threw them in a basket and headed out.. I asked the attendant why she didn’t put her clothes in the dryer… she said she only drys if she wins.. she mentioned that when she loses all her laundry money while the clothes are washing she has no money for the dryer.. so I sat there thinking of the kids going to school with damp clothes, because the last couple of days it has been raining…

now Nicky, how can you sit and push for casinos when these situations are taking place right now… I can give you story after story, probably some relatives of yours too..

do you think this will change with the introduction of casinos? I don’t think so.. why? because there is nothing in the act to address the poker situation.. so what will casinos do, they will add a problem upon another problem… so if you think we have problems now.. stay tuned if this act passes… but again I have faith that within the next 22 days you will wise up and VOTE NO TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT…

john,

but that is the whole point..casino WILL ELIMINATE POKER ARCADES IN THE NEIBORHOOD. how can you not see that? and thank you for bringing up the sad story about the child who was left alone by the mother. more reason for me to VOTE YES ON THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT.

john, please be reasonable and give saipan casino a chance. i would rather take that chance and vote yes than do nothing and the poker arcades stays in the villages.

Pauline,

read the act again.. there is nothing to address the poker situation.. they have mentioned that..but realistically… poker is not that easy to get rid of..many have a vested interest and many receive rent from poker arcades, hence, that is probably why they did not address it in the act.. because they no they will not be able to close down poker… like i said start stacking the problems and watch crime rise…

and you don’t have to do nothing… you can do something today.. you can get involved in community events, beautify CNMI, you can get an education at NMC for practically nothing, you can learn a skill, be resourceful, there are so many things you can do… being lazy, looking for easy $$$ is not the solution… and it sure ain’t worth seeing others suffer, while 9 individuals fill their pockets… seriously, do you really think you will get a dime from the casino… are you related to any of the few promoting the act, then you might get some $$ to fill your pocket, but the vast majority of the people will get NOTHING… yep, nothing… so again keep brainstorming through the situations that will arise when this passes.. and again spend a little time in a poker room… see how many shoot for the royal…. sad sad sad..

VOTE NO!

Pauline,

by the way, I don’t think the casino act will stand a chance in the court.. Like I mentioned earlier… even if the act passes, I am sure there will be a legal case to tie it up in the courts and even if they appeal, I don’t think the upper courts will be favoring such an act… so in essence the act will have it challenges one way or the other… so don’t count on the Saipan Casino Act.. go do things now to move ahead.. don’t wait for easy money.. don’t listen to the promoters of this act in making it sound like money will be falling out of the sky… because its not real… its not going to happen…

This was taken from the Educational Booklet being handed out by the Election Commission regarding the Casino Act initiative….

The manual states that the Saipan Casino Act “would legalize casino gambling in Saipan in a way that violates the CNMI and U.S. Constitutions, provides inadequate controls for regulating the casino operation, and fails to provide benefits to the CNMI government and to all citizens or residents of Saipan.”

The voter aid notes that the initiative would give a monopoly to one company and restrict ownership and control of that company to people of Northern Marianas descent. The indigenous people will be given “first preference” in hiring, and funds generated from the casinos would be used solely for the benefit of NMDs. The manual says this is discriminatory, and would open the casinos to lawsuits.

The initiative could cost more money than it generates. It proposes giving the seven casino commission members a total salary of $336,000 a year, not counting salaries for management positions. Meanwhile, the initiative would give the casino operators a lease of public land for $1 a year regardless of the actual value of the land.

The potentially adverse social impact of casinos was also underscored.

The voter’s manual is part of the commission’s efforts to educate voters on decision they have to make on Election Day.

Need we say more?????? VOTE NO NO NO NO NO!

By the way the election commission is giving those booklets out for free so Pauline, nicky and joe you can go pick up a copy and read it for yourself…
Thanks and vote NO.

i think you guys are losing it because pauline is with me. i also suspected and now i am certain, that you guys are also operating the poker arcade and so afraid to lose your golden goose. YOU GUYS ARE THE BLOOD SUCKERS OF THIS EARTH AND YOU SHOULD ALL BE HANGED PUBLICLY FOR TRYING TO DECEIVE THE COMMON PEOPLE. i also now know that you guys are conspiring with the tinian CASINO OPERATORS to kill the saipan casino. WHY?=GREED!

please learn to live with it…your defeat is imminent. VOTE YES TO SAIPAN CASINO!

BIBA NMD! BIBA SAIPAN CASINO. OUR SALVATION!

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

Nicky,

The Tinian Casino Operators have every right to assist in the campaign against the Saipan Casino Act.. as mentioned numerous times in these comments.. a great injustice may be done to them if this ludicrous act passes.. it is easy for you to sit back on your chair and mouth off because you haven’t spent a single penny… 250million dollars is a hefty investment and if I were the Tinian Dynasty & Hotel I would make darn sure the act doesn’t go through.. additionally, by chance if it were to slide through, which I highly doubt, and if I were in their shoes, I would file an injunction to have nothing move due to the constitutionality of the whole act… I just can’t believe you can sit conscientiously and do this to investors who have spent so much money thus far to set up shop.. like I said they have every right to throw $$$ into this fight, and I do hope they go all the way… because I know if it were for me, I would carry this into the courts and make you guys break out your wallets and teach you a lesson…

and by the way, you state:
“YOU GUYS ARE THE BLOOD SUCKERS OF THIS EARTH AND YOU SHOULD ALL BE HANGED PUBLICLY FOR TRYING TO DECEIVE THE COMMON PEOPLE.”

once again, if you can’t debate intelligently you should probably not touch the keyboard, I think you are losing more supporters with your ridiculous attacks. I hope all can see once again what type of people support the casino act.. if in any way I was neutral coming into this forum, after listening to you I would definitely without a blink be voting “NO”

Nicky,
don’t tempt me to publish this whole comment section in the newspapers (paid ad of course)… I know those supporting the act might think twice after reading your comments..

the voter’s manual is written by jane mack. what do you expect from her? we all know where she stands on the casino issue. simply wants to put it away forever without even trying to explore its merits.

nice lowyer!

Nicky,

I never said anything about the manual.. I want the whole island to read your comments and see the true feelings of a Saipan Casino Act supporter and how you conduct yourself while trying to convince people to jump off a cliff (figuratively speaking)..

i have been observing the exchanges between nicky and john and i noticed that john is probably confused. john, for your information, nicky is talking to ramona when he mentioned about the educational manual.

and by the way, does anybody know whether this jane mack is the same jane mack who has been working for legal services for 30 plus years? i am just wondering why because all the other lawyers who worked at mlc moved on to better things. i certainly will not put too much weight on any legal opinions she has especially on the casino issue.

i am already convinced that the saipan casino act is not a perfect industry, HOWEVER, the anti saipan casino people have not given me any good logical reason to vote no. i will rather take my chances with the saipan casino than wait for a convention to be built.

thank you everybody for this very educational blog. thank you for helping me make up my mind. YES SAIPAN CASINO.

alice,
before you even came into this blog your mind was yes, and like Nicky and the others… you might be another 1 out of 9 who will benefit.. how many people in your family can afford $500 a share, walk around the neighborhood and find out how many have $500 sitting around to buy a share of the casino.. realistically few will benefit.. why put the CNMI into further decline, increase crime, force people to stay in their houses, increase in suicides and drug use.. why? to take a chance… let’s not take a chance, let’s plan and do things correctly.. vote no to the Saipan Casino Act..

john,

i am listening. what do you have in mind?

and please do not tell me about convention center, clean beaches, etc…tell me please how can we bring back our economy?

i have enough saved and i will invest in the saipan casino. does that mean i am greedy? the same goes with my entire family. we are all hard working people who also saved some of our money and for a change, this is an opportunity for us to invest into. IS THAT SO WRONG TO YOU? please note that we are not blinded by greed; instead, we just want to be given the opportunity to participate in the development of our economy.

can anybody tell me what ambrose bennet and his wife were doing meeting with the chinese guy from the tinian dynasty few weeks ago at the java joes?

are these the same people who are posting the anti-casino signs all over the island? the moralist people?

Martina,

just in case you didn’t read my comment above re. Tinian Dynasty:

The Tinian Casino Operators have every right to assist in the campaign against the Saipan Casino Act.. as mentioned numerous times in these comments.. a great injustice may be done to them if this ludicrous act passes.. it is easy for you to sit back on your chair and mouth off because you haven’t spent a single penny… 250million dollars is a hefty investment and if I were the Tinian Dynasty & Hotel I would make darn sure the act doesn’t go through.. additionally, by chance if it were to slide through, which I highly doubt, and if I were in their shoes, I would file an injunction to have nothing move due to the constitutionality of the whole act… I just can’t believe you can sit conscientiously and do this to investors who have spent so much money thus far to set up shop.. like I said they have every right to throw $$$ into this fight, and I do hope they go all the way… because I know if it were for me, I would carry this into the courts and make you guys break out your wallets and teach you a lesson…

Alice,

kudos to you for being fiscally responsible and saving. But the reality of the situation is you are probably 1 in 1000 who has $500 to spend on a share.. don’t take my word for it… walk around a village, knock on some doors and ask if they have $500 for a share.. most will tell you they can barely pay for CUC… the reality is many don’t have that kind of money.. will they see other benefits come their way… likely not…. vote no on the saipan casino act

Letting the people know how bad this Saipan Casino Act is to Saipan costs money.. newspapers, ads, banners, posters, and all other marketing tools do not come cheap.. I hope all those who have vested interest in Tinian put some big $$$ into educating the Saipan Community…

john,

i really cannot figure you out. i suspect, though, that you are that big,skinny AFRICAN THING who talks too much nonsense.

you should re-locate to tinian november 4th!

biba SAIPAN CASINO! YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!

NOTE FROM TINA: RACIAL SLUR IN THIS POST

Hello folks,

Thanks for posting comments on this forum. It has been a few days since I logged on (sorry, I have been a bit swamped) and I can see it’s getting heated, and in some cases, entirely inappropriate, rude, and racist.

Nicky, if you are going to post comments here, please respect the ground rules that govern this forum website. Telling people they are full of shit and should go home, and using racial slurs on top of that, is completely appalling and uncalled for. Frankly, you are making a poor case for the Saipan Casino Act — which, by the way, I am still voting NO to, and I hope with all my heart that at least 1/3 plus one of the people of Saipan vote NO as well.

I will post more on this issue later.

thanks,

Tina

Nicky,
do you read? as mentioned in my previous email to you:
My ancestors were navigating these waters and fishing these waters before yours even arrived.. so don’t even begin to bring race into this arguement..

sounds like your getting more and more frustrated with reality setting in and with the fact that many are seeing that you and the few supporting the saipan casino act don’t really give a damn about what happens to Saipan with the passing of the act… like I mentioned earlier.. i know deep behind that “greed” that encompasses you lies a person who knows voting yes to the act is wrong…

Again, think of the people before yourself (munga man ambentu!)

and then remember to vote “no” to the saipan casino act..

and don’t keep straying off being a racist.. we already no you are, you don’t have to keep showing it to us… and to all else reading the comments.. again are those comments you want to see from someone who you would believe, trust and support.. think carefully, because many who support the act think “exactly” like nicky… sad…. a very sad day in the commonwealth…

Buying stock in NMDIC will not guarantee you any return. This company (when of if set up) has no record. The stock you own can not be sold or transferred for profit to anyone. Only NMD will be able to own shares in this company. The company itself has no casino operation or experience. By buying stock in this company you simply are putting your money and your faith in a company you know nothing of. If you have $500 to invest please call a financial expert and ask for recommendations on what your best options would be in order to see some type of return. NMDIC will sell all their stocks in order to have the money needed to pay for the license. Yes they will need $300,000 to buy the license from the Commission. Then they will scout around the globe looking for a casino operator that is crazy enough to abide by this Acts provision. That will be difficult at most to come by and will take time. IF they do secure a casino operator willing to jump blindly into this situation then the operator will pay $250,000 to the commission to proceed with operations. so far NMDIC will still not have seen any profit at all during this time. Keep in mind that NMDIC is not known to people. How much will their Directors and Board Members and employees and operating expenses cost? Where will they get their money while waiting to land a crazy casino investor? How long will it take for a casino to be constructed? How long will it take for the constructed casino to start showing any type of profit? 3 – 8 years from completion? Microsoft is a hugely successful business and it’s common shareholders have never been paid a dividend. There is nothing in this ACT that states that you as a shareholder will ever be promised a return on your investment.

The $500 you spend on buying the NMDIC common share will be coupled with the enormous amount of money that your tax dollars will be used for in order to create and staff a newly formed Commission of 7 members ($366,000/year), their staff and consultants (approx: $180,000/year), a treasurer (approx: $85,000/year), an Exec Director (approx: $85,000/year), both their staff respectively (approx: $210,000/year), their travel – to attend conferences and brush up on the gaming industry (approx: $60,000/year), Attorneys (approx: $200,000/year), Their vehicles, power bills, telecommunications, offices, insurance, etc (approx: $280,000/year), legal fees to fend off all the litigation that has been promised once this act passes ($200,000). TOTAL is in excess of $1.6 Million.

Where on earth is the CNMI going to get the funding necessary to create and fund this newly formed Commission? You may say that the money to fund it will come from the Casinos. This may be true but in how many years?

The Proponents say that this ACT is the solution to our economic woes. How many Gov’t Jobs will need to be cut and how many public programs affected in order to move 1.6 million over to this Commission until the Casinos Investors agree to the terms of NMDIC, Until the casinos are constructed, Until the Games are put in, Until they are able to draw the people to their casino, Until the casino is able to show any type of profit? WE are talking realistically around 4 – 5 years. That is barring any legal action that could halt any casino being built. All the time the casino Commission by law would already be created and using the $1.5 million per year. If litigation takes another 3 years are we prepared to fund this?

Do we really want $6.6 Million of our tax dollars over the next 4 years used in this way? If we have that much to invest of our tax dollars is this the industry we want to use it for?

If you truly are looking at this from the standpoint that it will benefit our economy then do it right. Ask to see the Business Plan for NMDIC, ask them for signed promissory agreements from potential casino operators, ask them for a list of their Directors, Board members, Owners, Employees, etc. Ask for the background on what makes them experts in this field. Ask for the business plans for the potential operators. Ask about the rate of return and ask for it in writing. Ask them for realistic timelines. Ask about their defense in the face of the almost certain litigation. Ask where the $1.6 million will come from in the CNMI Government to fund the Commission. Ask where NMDIC will get their money to operate and run efficiently prior to securing a casino operator.

Ask them to help you understand.

Who is NMDIC?
Why are we willing to entrust this one company to have a sole monopoly?
Where is their Business Plan?
Where are promissory agreements from potential investors?
Where is the background info on the NMDIC Owners, Board Members and employees that give them the neseccary qualifications to secure investors?
Where is any proof of financial gain for any investor in NMDIC?
Where is any proof in writing within the SCA that shows any model for financial gain for the CNMI?

I can go on and on. I will quit now. I really wish people would look at the ACT itself and not the issue of gambling.

When you go to the poll in November you are not voting to allow gambling. You are voting to allow NMDIC to have full control over allowing gambling. They will seek out investors. They will solely negotiate with them. They will decide who can come and who can not.

Read the Act. Ask questions. Know the ACT before you vote yes or no on it.

Is this right for the CNMI?

http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dd7vvphq_1dcrvts

Here is the Saipan Casino Act. Why don’t we all take a few days to sit back and read it thoroughly? If anyone has specific comments or questions regarding various provisions in the act then let us cite them and post them here.

As it stands now this conversation is losing focus.

The debate should not be about whether casinos on Saipan are a good or bad thing.

The debate and the question voters must answer is “Whether THIS SAIPAN CASINO ACT is good for Saipan?”

By voting “Yes” to the SAIPAN CASINO ACT what are you voting yes to?

??NMDIC??

Does it outright allow casinos to operate on Saipan? No. It does not create a free casino market that will allow individuals to apply for casino licenses. It limits this ability to one for profit business: NMDIC. That business has the sole right to decide, on their own without public opinion or governmental oversight whether to allow a casino to operate.

By voting “yes” you as a member of the community, a voter, a citizen give all of your power to influence and regulate this industry to one company: NMDIC.

On the opposite side of the spectrum there is also no cap what so ever on how many casinos can be established in Saipan. The only catch is that the casino must have 200 rooms (no indicator of what kind of rooms, what size, etc.). If NMDIC decides so Saipan could potentially have 100s of casinos the same way we now have hundreds of poker arcades.

NMDIC will be entrusted fully by your “yes” vote to act on all Saipan residents behalf. Who is NMDIC? Should we as voters entrust this huge responsibility to them?

The act does create a Commission that is solely responsible for oversight of NMDIC. Why was it done this way? Why not create a commission that has the right to decide who can apply and receive a casino license? By writing the NMDIC (a for profit corporation) into this Act it has taken away the ability of the Commission to properly function. Should there be any issues that arise between the Commission and the NMDIC a stalemate can ensue. If the Commission feels that NMDIC is not operating properly or if NMDIC for some reason abuses their license there is no saving clause in the ACT that allows the commission any ability to revoke the Sole Casino License.

What if NMDIC goes belly up? What if they have a falling out? What if they come under personal litigation? As a voter ask yourself why does this ACT specifically grant a perpetual license to 1 FOR PROFIT CORPORATION. Are you willing to grant such power to one Corporation that has no proven track record within this market? No proven track record in any industry? One Corporation that may not even be in existence right now (I can not find anything about this corporation online)?

Lets use another example and see if this makes sense to everyone. What if our government or us as voters were told that we could grant 1 Bar Operation License to Porky’s. This license would allow Bruce Bateman and his company Porkeys the sole right to choose to allow what and how many bars could apply through him to operate Bars on Saipan. We also gave Bruce the ability (without restriction) to lease ALL PUBLIC LANDS for $1 dollar. We also did not put any restrictions on what purpose this land would be used for and we also did not limit his ability to sub-lease it to other bars for any amount he sees fit. Does this sound good to anyone? Does it sound like it is the right way to attract Bar Investors to the CNMI? Use any current Saipan industry (hotels, restaurants, wholesale, etc) and apply the provisions of the SAIPAN CASINO ACT to them and tell me if it makes any sense to you. I tried and it makes no sense to me.

If the voters want to embrace casinos as a viable industry for Saipan, this SAIPAN CASINO ACT is not the proper way to do it. We as voters are being pushed into grabbing at this measure. We are being asked not to focus on the SAIPAN CASINO ACT itself. We are being told that this will save our economy. The proponents of this act can not truthfully state that. We have never had this type of Monopoly set up in any industry in Saipan in the history of our Commonwealth. We have never granted a sole perpetual license in any industry to one corporation (spelled out specifically in the law with no provision for altering it). We have never given one corporation access to ALL PUBLIC LANDS for $1 lease for eternity or until the corporation goes belly up. WE have never given away leases to public land for $1 with no stipulations in place and spelled out as to the use of this land. By embracing this ACT and voting “yes” what are you voting “yes” to?

One may say that DPL must issue the lands to NMDIC. One may say this is the sefegaurd. If this is so then what a field of corruption we are creating. Garapan School looks like great land for a Casino. Can NMDIC ask for that Public Land? Can NMDIC get it issued to it by paying off DPL? Can NMDIC lease Garapan School for $1? Can NMDIC sublease it to Tan for $3 million dollars? Can Tan subdivided the classrooms into 200 cubicles and can they constitute rooms? This is perhaps a far fetched scenario but if the ACT does not prevent this then do we want to say “yes” to it?

Why not just legalize casino gambling. Create a Commission (of publicly elected members) to regulate it. Allow them the rights to assign licenses to operators. Why NMDIC????

Some will say that NMDIC will benefit everyone because all NMDs will have the right to own 1 common share ($500 cost). So if you think this means you will make a lot of money when NMDIC becomes successful ask yourself how? If you fork out $500 and buy a share, what does that promise you as stated in the ACT? Nothing. There is no promise of Dividends. Microsoft is doing very very well. Microsoft has never paid a dividend to its common shareholders. You may say that you can trade the common stock for profit. This is not true either. You will never be able to sell that common stock for more than $500 because any NMD at any point in time can buy a common share from NMDIC for $500. What use is this $500 investment then? The common stock is a ploy to make NMDs feel as if they would personally benefit from the NMDIC without specifically putting in place regulations to ensure that the shareholders benefit.

What of preferred stock? You can buy up to 25,000 shares of preferred stock. But you will never be able to sell that off to anyone other than other NMDs thus greatly lowering its value. What return is NMDIC promising you in the SAIPAN CASINO ACT?

Again why NMDIC? When you vote “yes” to the SAIPAN CASINO ACT you are doing nothing more than voting “Yes” to allow the creation of a very skeptical Monopoly.

This is not about Casino Gambling. This is about what is truly right for Saipan.

Alice,
in regards to your comments about jane mack:

“i am just wondering why because all the other lawyers who worked at mlc moved on to better things.”

your definition of better things might be very different from another’s definition of better things.. rewards are not always reflected in $$$.

I praise Jane Mack for the many years she has dedicated to her profession and to all those who have been helped by her assistance.. and for her sincere concern for the people and community we all live in. God Bless You!

Thank you Plato for your in depth analysis.. well said..

Will it eliminate Poker?

There is no indication what so ever in the SCA that eliminates poker parlors. Ask anyone to show it to you in the SAIPAN CASINO ACT. It does not exist.

The Proponents of the SCA say that by voting “yes” you will kill the poker industry.

Is this true?

They say that that the casinos will take away the poker parlor customers thus depriving them of their source of income. They say this will lead to the shut down of the poker parlors. That is their own thinking.

The same Proponents however state publicly that the Casinos that are allowed to operate will NOT TARGET LOCAL MEBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. They say that the casinos will be for Tourists. How many Tourists frequent Poker Arcades? Practically none. If the casinos will be filled with tourists what would stop the local population from going to the poker parlors? This argument holds no water. The if the proponents truly believe that they will not have local members of the community spending their hard earned dollars in the Casino then they would have to agree that the Poker Parlors would not be harmed and the two gambling places (poker and casino) would operate together peacefully.

Let us assume that the Casinos do attract local residents. Let us say that they pull all the poker players into the casinos and the poker parlors shut down.

Is this a positive?

Right now poker is limited to certain types of machines. There is also a limit on how many machines Saipan can have. The Casino lift that restriction. There will be no cap on how many poker machines and other gambling machines Saipan can have. Look at the Tinian Casino. 2/3 of the Casino is Poker Machines, Slot machines and other electronic gambling. Do we really believe that saying yes to SCA will eliminate the problems we see with poker?

Let us be honest. Either way it goes it will not. We had problems with poker since they arrived. We limited it at the time and had problems. We lifted the cap and the problems got worse. By voting yes to SCA you are doing nothing more then once again lifting the cap and this time just fully removing the cap completely.

Push aside the hype. Ask questions. Don’t believe what is being shoved at you. Question me. Question everything.

PUBLIC LANDS:

“Saipan Casino Act – Article III – Section 8:

Public Land. The Department of Public Land (DPL) or any future entity responsible for the administration of public lands in the Commonwealth, upon this Act becoming law and at the request of the NMDIC, shall issue public land to NMDIC. NMDIC shall hold leasehold interest to all public land issue by DPL and pay one dollar ($1.00) per year for the land or lands issue by DPL for as long as NMDIC is in business. The land or lands issue to NMDIC shall not be transferable. Upon dissolution of NMDIC, the land including all improvements shall revert back to DPL or its future named entity without cost.”

NMDIC, a for profit corporation, will have all the legal right to claim all public land for $1/year? No limitations?

The SCA states directly that upon the request of NMDIC the DPL must issue public land to NMDIC. Where is any clause that prevents NMDIC, a for profit corporation from taking advantage of this?

Where does it state in the SCA that the public lands requested and issued to NMDIC must be used for Casino Purposes?

Where in the SCA does it state any limitations as to what public lands can be requested from DPL?

Does DPL have the right to deny Public Lands that the for profit company NMDIC requests? If so, where is that written in the SCA?

Do you want to give your public lands to one for profit Business for $1/year?

Where are the safeguards? Where is the legal jargon that keeps this provision from being abused?

Who wrote this SCA? Would any of the proponents of the SCA please find out who penned this Act? Would you please ask them what legal background they have? Was this Act ever passed through any legal counsel?

I have only begun to look at the provisions and I have already come across a multitude of reasons that I can not for the life of me or my children feel comfortable voting yes to this Saipan Casino Act.

I am open minded.

To the proponents,

Please help me answer all of the questions I have posed in my posts. Do not argue about the issue of Casino Gambling in general. Do not tell me about the plight of the CNMI and our economic woes. Do not tell me about the Casino Success stories in other areas of the world. Educate me on this Saipan Casino Act. Read it and see if you can truly alleviate my many concerns.

To all thinking of voting “yes” to this act, please remember that this is an initiative that can not be changed by an act of our legislature. Once the SCA is passed it is untouchable by our local representatives. If we overlook a clause (any of the ones I mentioned above) and our Public Lands are put in Jeopardy, Our taxes our wasted away on a commission and no casinos, NMDIC turns out to be a useless operation with no real ability to secure a casino investor, and many other possibilities, Changing or amending even one small part of this Law will be impossible without a local initiative.

In other words, if there is any part of this SCA that we find out in the future is not beneficial to Saipan we must go through all of this again. 20% of the population must sign a petition, then a local election must be held and 2/3 of the population must vote in favor of the amendment.

Is that sane? We are embarking on a journey through unchartered waters. The SCA has many many questionable clauses. There is much ambiguity. Many facets of this Act are not specific. To say the least there are many legal arguments and challenges that have already been raised to the constitutionality of this Act. Do we really want it to be so set and binding? So inflexible?

Remember we are dealing with our public land. We are dealing with our home. We are dealing with our childrens land. We are dealing with our childrens future.

Question everyone. Do not take them at face value. If someone tells you to ignore these questions do not follow their advice. If the proponents tell you this act will feed your family ask the “How?”. Ask them to cite it in the SCA. The ACT does not promise to feed your family. The act does not promise to give you a job. The act does not promise to pay you money for your purchase of stocks.

The Act does nothing more than set up a questionable monopoly for a company called NMDIC. The Act does nothing more than force our taxpayers to pay for a commission in the neighborhood of $1.6 per year for an unknow period of time.

This act will cause the loss of Government Jobs. This Act will further burden our crippled government. This act promises to cost us taxpayers more money and and has no writen promise of economic gain.

Help me understand why anyone would be in support of this SCA. Remember this is not about Casino Gambling this is about this Saipan Casino Act.

The only person I cna see with a reason to support this Act would be a person who will be given a Commission job or a member of the company NMDIC.

Is it really worth it to the community as a whole? Are we being lied to yet again? Are we going to do nothing but line the pockets of a few with our own hardearned money? They promise us riches. How? Show me where that is stated in the SCA. They promise that this is a solution to our woes. They are not being truthful. We need to see this. We need to question them. We need to ask for proof.

Enough with the propoganda. I get enough of that from my government as it is. I am a voter and I demand facts and analysis. If you support this Saipan Casino Act tell me you have read it. Tell me you fully understand its provisions. Tell me you are familiar with the company called NMDIC. Tell me have full faith in them. Tell me you can prove that this will not cost the CNMI more money and plunge us further into this hole. Tell me that this does not put our Public Land at risk. Tell me that the CNMI government will not be burdened with countless litigation if this is passed.

Don’t tell me about pie in the sky promises. Don’t tell me that this will save our island. Tell me how and show me where it is stated in the SCA.

We need to change how we operate here in the CNMI. We need to be more alert to what is going on. We need to take some responsibility for where we are at. We need to look at the black and white. We can not take people on their word alone anymore. We have had enough lip service.

The proponents are playing on our fears. They are using fear tactics to get this passed. They don’t argue the merits of the SCA they say that there is “nothing better”. That is no argument. Forget everything else look at this SCA. What is good about it? What problems will this cause us?

Don’t forget a job under the Saipan Casino Act is not really guaranteed unless you are a qualified NMD:

the act states:

“Employment. Give first preference to NMD residents in the Commonwealth.”

“In the event that after an exhaustive search the Commission or the Treasurer is unable to find a qualified NMD residents from the Commonwealth to fill a certain position, the Commission or the Treasurer may hire qualified persons from outside the CNMI.”

Look at the current situation with JVA’s and the search for “QUALIFIED” personnel.. many JVA’s are approved by employment services because the employer’s cannot find any “qualified” resident applicants on island.. so for those not working now, if you can’t find employment at this time, you should carefully think of these economic opportunities (jobs) that are promised.

John,

You state that, “a job under the Saipan Casino Act is not really guaranteed unless you are a qualified NMD.”

This is not the case. No one is gauranteed a job in the SCA.

If anyone has personally been offered a job with NMDI, ask yourself if you are ready to enact this Act for your own personal benefit? Are you ready to sell out for a personal job? What of the community as a whole?

No one is promised a job in the SCA. Not NMDs, not qualified workers, not foreign workers, no one.

Greetings Everyone,

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has copies of the full text of the four initiatives on this year’s ballot for anyone interested in reading up.

They are:

HLI 15-1 (licensing of post secondary education)
HLI 15-16, SD1 (run off election for governor and lt. governor)
Rota Casino Act of 2007
Saipan Casino Act

Thank you.

Kilili

Hello all,

Has anybody seen the online poll in the Saipan Tribune? It looks like the Saipan Casino and the Rota Casino will pass by a margin of 2 to 1 if the election is held today.

I am really concerned about this, but I guess that is what the majority of the population wants. At least we all tried.

Thank you

Ramona,

Online polls do not properly gauge what the community thinks. I have tried to vote as others have on the Saipan Tribune poll. An error message comes up. This poll is suspicous to say the least. Keep in mind that the owner of the tribune also owns 4 hotels on island. I will stop and not assume to much.

Lets say you are right and the online line polls are indicators. If your argument holds true then please visit glen’s site at :

http://www.glend558.blogspot.com/

his site has 63% of the visitors saying “no” to casinos.

Here is the same poll on another site:

http://www.jetapplicant.blogspot.com/

So i would have to say the out of 3 online web sites the polls show that there is no clear indicator of what way the 12,000 registered voters will vote in November.

Now lets get back to looking at the SCA itself and enough with the smoke and mirrors and fear tactics.

Killi,

Thank you for pointing out that a hard copy of the initiatives are available for viewing at the Public Library.

I must say however that I am disappointed that the SAIPAN CASINO ACT in it’s entirety is not posted online at the Election Commissions Web Site ( votecnmi.gov.mp ). There is a mislead link to what a web site visitor would believe is the SCA in its entirety on the right hand column. When a visitor clicks this link (Saipan Casino Act Link) they are presented with an abridged version of some highlights of the Act instead of the full text of the Act. This is very concerning. I believe your office was allocated $50,000 to educate the public on the details of the Saipan Casino Act (correct me if I am mistaken). I did notice there is a flyer that your office has put together listing pros and cons as seen by a few members of the community. This flyer, in my humble opinion, is nothing more than propaganda. It is filled with nothing more than speculation and opinion. The flyer your office had put together and distributed to the public did not even contain the SCA in its entirety or any direct citations to provisions contained within the SCA.

When educating the community on a pending initiative would you agree that the basis of that educational process should begin with each and every member of the public actually seeing the initiative? Should not that have been a basic fundamental focus of your education campaign? I commend you on providing a copy of each of the initiatives to the local Saipan Public Library, but this is far from enough.

What of the absentee voters who do not have access to our local public library?

What of the Rota voters who can not fly over to the Saipan Public Library?

I ask for your assistance in educating the community by posting a copy of the full Saipan Casino Initiative and all other initiatives online as soon as it is possible. If you would like help in doing so please send me the accurate and full copy ( pragmaticplato@gmail.com ) and I will assist you with posting it on your site. Is your site administered by Ron? If so I can work together with him to achieve this.

Please provide a full copy of the complete and finalize Saipan Casino Act and all other initiatives to the candidates and I will ask that they also post them on their sites. I fear that there is a very good chance the soft copies posted online may not be accurate. Things within the SCA may be changed and there is no way for an online visitor to see this. If we had a central location online (your office web site) that we could be assured that the initiative is accurate that would be very helpful.

Thanks so much.

plato,
I honestly don’t think the Election Commission should be coming up with manuals on pros and cons.. They should be publicizing the Act in its entirety (in Carolinian/Chamorro/English) and then let the people read the act and vote… have it available throughout the island in different languages and at many locations…

I would hate to insinuate anything, however, it sure looks like information is being withheld from the voters for the purpose of supporting the act..

I think there are so many reasons why this act is wrong for Saipan and those reasons are not addressed in the Con section.. but it seems like whoever produced the manual limited the manual to a page for the pros and a page for the cons.. and a page is definitely not enough space to address the meat of the act.. and as Plato mentioned the manual does not include the act in its entirety..

You can almost conclude that the manual was designed by someone who is not concerned about the act or by someone who is hoping the act is passed.. The format/write-up of each section is completely different and there is no consistency (bold headings on Pro section, location of Pros on the Left and Cons on the right, Pro section talks nothing about the act and only about economic conditions).. as mentioned, the commission should just have full copies available at multiple locations and not produce their version of pros and cons.. most voters will only pick up this manual and will never see the entire act.. especially when the manual is at Subway and other locations, and the entire act isn’t available…

john and plato,

you guys are a bunch of sore losers! why are you now accusing the tribune of conspiricy? are you guys that stupid that you cannot figure out how to vote online with the tribune’s poll on casino? what you did was tried to vote twice and that is why your second vote was rejected..in other words, the tribune does not accept CHEATERS like you folks….jeezzzeeeuuuussss guys, what did yo mamas teach you?

and please stop accusing kilili of not doing his job. you guys know where to get a complete text of the saipan casino initiative. you just want to blame somebody for your stupidities! i know what you guys are going to do…go crying to mama tina again!

accept reality, YES TO SAIPAN CASINO!

Thank you for your insight nicky. I know now that you will not help the community understand the Saipan Casino Act itself.

I hope others that frequent this site will please address the issues and focus on the provisions contained within the SCA itself. correct me if anything I have said is misleading or incorrect. Answer any of my questions and cite where it is within the Act.

Lets stop with the smoke and mirrors, the dog and pony show, the propaganda and lets get to the heart of this Act.

plato and john,

go to http://www.saipancasinoact.blogspot.com and read the saipan casino act. note that there is NO SMOKE SCREEN LIKE YOU ALLEDGE.

i hope that after reading the act in its entirety, you will VOTE YES TO SAIPAN CASINO.

thank you

Hello Plato and others,

Yes, I would have liked to conduct the same level of public education as we did in 2005. Yes, an appropriation for $50,000 for the legislative initiatives, and $20,000 for the Saipan Casino Act (note that no funds were appropriated for the Rota Casino Act of 2007) was enacted using strictly Saipan local funds.

Appropriating monies and authorizing its full use are two different things. This is a government where I do not control the money despite that I am the expenditure authority.

We are not required by law to publish the full text of the iniatives. We are required to publish legal summaries prepared by attorney(s) licensed to practice law in the NMI. We did that. If we had to publish the full text of the initiatives in the 3 languages, there may be a need for money in excess of $100,000 plus the translation cost. Not that it is not possible but it will be costly. The 2005 public education for the con-con question and the judicial retention questions cost us close to $80,000 and that was a discounted price.

I agree that it would be preferable that we publish more if not the full text. That is not what is required in the law and those who control the funds will not allow us to operate over the minimum requirement of law. Money issue again, or I was told. I wish we could have done more but there are other things outside of my control that matter (like RFPs, contract drafting and approval, funding obligation, contract approval [this goes through 8 reviews and signatures], etc.)

And speaking about money, I had to beg for the appropriations from the Legislature, succeeding with Saipan local funds, to get even this little public education going. OMB refused to give me $1 for this year’s program. Not $1. Without the local funds, there would have been no public education.

I did however receive a promise from OMB that there will be ample public education money sometime next year for a special election if the Legislature passes the Government’s sponsored initiative to allow it to borrow over $200,000,000.00 (yes, over two hundred million dollars) to “catch up” with what is owed the Retirement Fund and for other unfunded liabilities (deficit) charges.

As for the voter’s manual, our SOP is to obtain commentaries for the pro and con. We then print those unedited and anonymously so long as they are written within so many words. This is what we did in 2003. This is what we did in 2005. That is what we do this year. It is what the law requires. I do not necessarily personally agree with what is written but the comments are not my opinion. They belong to the authors and who am I to edit those. I apologize that I cannot divulge the names of those who wrote the pro and con comments on the voter’s manual because they are promised anonymity. If I were to write the pro and con, I could then be accused of taking a public position on the issues and that will not be right.

I read your comments above Plato and I am happy to know that you have read the Saipan Casino Act proposal. For those who have not done so, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has all the four initiatives.

I was also part of the handful of people who initiated the public debates on three initiatives. Thanks to Sam and his NMC students, these went well and cost us nothing. These were meant to augment the public eduation program.

Finally, the public education program for these ballot questions only came about after I was appointed to the Commission and I worked for the changes to the election law. It was, and still is, my intention to provide the program for the very important questions we are faced with these days. I hope that I will not be accused that I am taking a public position one way or another because the Commission, for very important policy reasons, is indifferent to the results of the election(s). Very simply, the pro want the initiatives passed…the con do not.

It may not be good enough for everyone (myself included) but it is the best I can do considering the circumstances I am faced with.

I do make one promise to our citizens. The counting of votes cast for the 2007 general election will be accurate. I do not know what those results will be but the count will be made with no bias one way or another. It is the least our citizens can expect from us.

Now for a personal observation. Why is it that those supporting the Saipan Casino Act think I will vote “no” and those opposing it think I will vote “yes”? Maybe it is because I have not expressed, one way or another, what my single vote will be. This (somewhat) gives me some relief.

So, citizens, please come out and vote on November 3, 2007. That is the poll that actually counts, after all is said here and elsewhere.

Thank you and I apologize for my shortcomings.

Incidentally, not all the funds appropriated for the public education will be spent. I estimate that about $30,000 will not be spent.

Kilili,

Thank you for your prompt response. May I ask for clarification?

So you are saying that the reason the Saipan Casino Act is not posted on your website in its entirety are the following reasons:

1. The CNMI Law does not require you to do so.

2. The cost of posting the SCA in its entirety online would cost and exorbitant amount of money. Money that your office does not have.

Yes and Yes.

plato,

you are just trying to make trouble with kilili. PLEASE STOP INFERRING THAT KILILI IS CONSPIRING WITH THE SCA PROPONENTS. that is not what yo mama taught you! i already gave you the site where you can download the saipan casino initiative so please stop crying.

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO! Biba KILILI!

Kilili,

Also one side note: I make no implications or assumptions as to how I believe you will vote in November. Thank you for your input. My goal here is to ask questions and probe all aspects fo the Saipan Casino Act in hopes that the answers I recieve assist others in making an educated decision come November.

I am truly open minded. I have yet to find justifiable reason why I should vote “yes” to the Saipan Casino Act Initiative.

plato,

how about voting yes to saipan casino to help improve our lives? . unless you have something else in mind? in so please let us know so that we could make a wise decision.

I am voting YES TO SAIPAN CASINO. and by the way, i read the initiative and i saw no hidden agenda contrary to what you have been saying.

thank you

In regards to putting the whole act on the Election website.. it costs absolutely nothing.. the site could easily create its own blog (for free) and post the entire act.. so $$$ as an excuse to not putting the entire act online is a bad excuse…

As Plato mentioned, there are many who might be favorable to allowing Casinos to operate and will be thrown off guard if they get the manual in their hands and not the entire act… they will not be able to analyze the act piece by piece and see that all control and approval of casinos will lie in the hands of the NMDIC.. and the NMDIC alone… this is wrong to not have this information available in the same venue that the manual is located at… All manuals should be pulled off the shelf if the entire act is not available at that location… I was eating a sandwich at Subway and was very upset that the manual’s were there and not the entire act.. Things should be done the right way or not done at all…

Nicky,
address the issues that Plato has laid down in the comments re. the Saipan Casino Act.. don’t get all defensive and start launching attacks that have no relevance to the act.. stick to the subject.. go back to when Plato entered this forum and address the issues he brought out about the act.. if you don’t, all should read and be sure they definitely VOTE NO TO THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT..

Pauline,

You are definitely a gambler. I am not. I can not blindly say yes to this act because of the litany of reasons that I have listed here. I have already stated that the passage of this Act will definitely cost the CNMI Govt (that is yours and my hard-earned tax dollars) at the very least $1.6 million dollars for at the very least 4 years (the Tinian casino took 8 years to open after the Tinian initiative passed).

Pauline, are you ready to pay these costs for the next 4years? There will be no income generated to alleviate these Mandatory costs. This means loss of Govt jobs. This could mean higher taxes. This could mean loss of some public services.

Pauline is this what you want for yourself and your kids? I hope you read my concerns I posted above. I am not trying to be combative. I am afraid after having read this Act in its entirety and asked questions that my finding are correct. That this Act will only benefit the 7 Commission members and the unknown NMDIC employees. Who is NMDIC?

Why are you so willing to do this to you me and our children? Why would you blindly do this?

Your argument is the same as a poor family saying it is okay to rob from their neighbor because there are no other options. This does not hold water. This does not make sense.

If my questions can not be answered (and I have posted quite a few) and you still vote yes, I am at a loss as to why? You can not say you will vote yes because no one is giving you any other choice. This is not logical.

If you vote yes and this Act goes through the CNMI will suffer more than it has ever suffered. This Act does not PROMISE CASINOS will come to the CNMI. It PROMISES TO COST THE GOVT MORE MONEY. More of our money.

I don’t know about you but I am personally sick of this Govt wasting my hard earned money. Giving my lands away for pennies on the dollar and not giving me anything in return.

Stop this madness now or at the bare least address my questions. And help me see what it is you see.

Nicky,

You are a lost cause. This is regrettable. Feel free to email me I would love to meet someone with this mindset that my hard-earned tax dollars are paying for. remember you stated earlier you are a member of the legislature. I only hope you don’t approach all issues regarding the CNMI’s future with such a ignorant mindset.

Kilili,

Thank you again for your quick response.

Can you please send me the legislation that mandates that your office hire attorney(s) to prepare a brief or summary that must be posted online? I have tried with out luck to find it.

Thanks in advance.

PS: Can you confirm that this link points to the final SCA that the voters will be voting on come November?

http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dd7vvphq_1dcrvts

Thank you again.

PPS: Do you have an email I can reach you at directly?

One more thing, the fact that you are entertaining my questions should be applauded.

Thank you for taking the time.

Plato

Plato,

This is the link: http://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/14/pl14-57.pdf

gkilili@pticom.com

the law mentions publishing summaries.. the manual on the pro side lists no summary of the act itself.. it is strictly personal opinion about economic conditions on island…

The voters manual is another requirement of PL12-18. Plato asked about reference to the summary not the voter’s manual. I responded to the request.

There are four (4) different voter’s manuals published. Again, read my posting above about voter’s manuals.

This is my final posting on this or any other blog on any issue pertaining to this year’s election. It appears that John’s argument is now against me or the Commission, not about the Saipan Casino Act. It is extremely difficult to please everyone.

my apologies kilili.. my argument is not against you. my worries are that the voters may not see the whole act and may make a decision based on the manual they see..

again i apologize if my comments might seem personal.. I just worry that the voters will pick up the manual and may go into the polls with only the knowledge they have read in the manual… my recommendation was to put a copy of the full act wherever the manuals may be so that if one were to pick up the manual the act would be also available as a reference…

Again, considering the environment you work in and the resources you are limited to (and notwithstanding this one concern) I believe you are doing a good job at the election commission…

what is your big worry john? you already lost the election so learn to live with it.

YES TO SAIPAN CASINO!!

nicky,
you have a govenmenrt job? yeah, right. must be a bush cutter, baby.

“i am a member of the legislature and my collegues will make LEMONADE out of you in case you get elected.”

but i thought you were a minimum wage earner?

“i am a minimum wage earner. hard working sob. never asked a penny from my mama.”

so what is it? i know our legislators don’t make minimum wage. do you cut the grass there too? or maybe you just smoke it.

FLAG FROM TINA: CALLING A FORUM VISITOR A “KNOW-NOTHING” VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3 — “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

please -know nothing nicky, keep your composure, I think nicky has clearly defined who he is in his comments.. thanks.

sorry, tina. but i am not attacking anyone. my name is nicky and i don’t know nothing. you can tell because of my use of double-negatives.

Bunch more info on this blog:

http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com/2007/10/148-fyi-saipan-casino-act.html

Not sure how to vote? Read this post for a bit more info on the SAIPAN CASINO ACT itself.

http://mustbethehumidity.blogspot.com/2007/10/scary-casino-act-clause.html

I do hope all voters read and understand the SCA before heading into the polls.

If after reading the SCA anyone has questions about anything they read please post your questions and findings.

why are you guys so hard on nicky? so what if nicky was once a legislator and he is now a bush cutter. all i can say is that nicky makes this blog exciting and interesting and he probably challanged all of you intelectuals to the point that you guys lost it.

i think nicky made some valid points and i did not see any of you intelectuals coming out with some sensible answers to nicky’s questions. all i hear is that casino is bad and casino is that. i know that one of you guys is a lowyer and probably not a very successful one. you just got frustrated when nicky challanged you and you cannot answer the question so you spin around and around.

by the way,did any of you people see the online poll result on the tribune today? 364 yes and 123 no. does that tell any of you anything? it does to me and the poll result is telling me that people are suffering and they are willing to give casino a chance. i think people realize that casino is not a perfect industry, but they are willing to give it a try. after all, i blame you anti-casino people for not giving pauline anything realistic on how can we revive our economy. the only thing you tell pauline is to go to school, improve her skills and then what????? economy bad=wala job..comprende?

Ramona,

I have never been hard on nicky. I have simply stated that nicky has not addressed any of my concerns or questions.

As for the statement you make, “people are suffering and they are willing to give casino a chance. ” Here is a quote from another blog that I think address this:

“This is insane…
But like a desperate woman, jobless and destitute, she has few options, she can choose to relinquish any morality she might have and walk the streets and make a few bucks, or she can opt to work two or three menial jobs, take some classes and work hard towards a better and more meaningful future. I’m worried that many voters are in such desperation that the first “trick” to come along looks pretty good.”

Ramona, the issue here is not about whether or not casino gambling is right for Saipan. The issue is whether or not the Saipan Casino Act Initiative is right for Saipan.

It may be hard for people to understand what I am saying so let me try and expand on this.

If you please believe that Saipan should legalize Casino Gambling then let us work towards creating proper legislation to do so. Let us draft a Saipan Gaming Act that ensures that we do not end up harming ourselves. There is no doubt that the heat is being turned up and we are all suffering but let us not jump so quickly that we hop out of the frying pan and right into the fire.

The Saipan Casino Act is severely flawed.

Here are the main flaws (all of which I have addressed in more detail in my previous posts):

1. ADDITIONAL GOVERMENT COSTS:

Once this becomes law a Commission, a Treasury, an Executive Director will be formed. Each of these will have staff, operating costs, travel costs, attorney fees, etc. The money needed to fund this will come from the CNMI Government. There is no way around this. No money has been earmarked for this. No planning has taken place to ensure that funds will be available but by LAW the CNMI Government will have to move money in order to feed these newly created positions. Money will also have to be taking from the CNMI Government in order to pay for all of their staff, travel expenditures, attorney fees, consultation, etc.

Ramona, where will this money come from? If your family is suffering now, as mine is, where are we going to get the money to pay for this? This could potentially cost people their government jobs. This could lead to cuts in government funded services. This could lead to less money to allocate towards improving our power situation, school system, etc.

You may say that this is no problem because once the Casino comes we will have the money to pay it back. I must tell you that there is no guarantee that a Casino will come (I will address my doubts on this later). If by chance a Casino Investor is found and they opt to set up a Casino in Saipan this will take some time. The Tinian Gaming Act was passed in 1989 and the Dynasty did not open their doors until 1997. That was nearly 8 years. And keep in mind the provisions for gaming in Tinian are much more investor friendly than the ones contained in the Saipan Casino Act. Once a casino does open this does not mean they will immediately begin generating a profit. It could take years before they pay off initial debts incurred to build the casino and purchases the necessary gaming equipment. All this time your’s and my hard earned tax dollars and my children’s’ will be funding a commission of seven members, a treasury, an Exec Director and everything else neseccary to keep them running (I approximate around $1.5 million a year)

How will a struggling CNMI bear this burden? Why should we be made to? Proponents of this Act focus great attention on the premise that our island is broke, that our government has no money, that our people are suffering. How can you say that and still agree to allow all this money to be shifted over to a handful of newly created government employees and their staff?

2. NMDIC:

The Saipan Casino Act not only creates the commission I mentioned above but it also grants sole Licensing Rights to one specified For-Profit Corporation: NMDIC. Why on earth would we as citizens and members of the community want to do this? Why would we not allow this newly created Regulatory Commission the ability to Choose who will get a Casino Gaming License?

Proponents may claim this is because NMDIC is owned by NMDs. So be it. There is nothing that would have prohibited making that a stipulation and requirement for granting licenses. This Saipan Casino Act specifically mentions and spells out a corporation: NMDIC. Why?

By doing this it basically takes away the basic regulatory control of the commission: the ability to revoke the license.

Other areas of concern for me are also in regards to NMDIC itself. Who is this corporation? What experience do they have in the casino industry? What experience do they have in business in general? What experience do they have in securing investors?

Ramona, do you know them? Do you trust that they can find Casino Investors willing to “partner” with them and share profits made from the Casino? Do you trust that they have the financial backing to pay the initial $300,000 the Monopoly License will cost them? Do you trust that they will be able to manage the money they make and ensure that they do not go bankrupt or fall subject to any type of corporate crime that causes the dissolution of the NMDIC?

What if that occurs? What if the NMDIC goes belly up? Guess what? There is no saving clause. All casino operations must cease. The commission can not find another licensee. The commission can not take over for NMDIC. Everything comes to a complete and grinding halt. Everything except one thing, our government will still pay for the Commission, Treasury and Exec. Director.

Proponents have said that the SCA states that NMDIC will have to sell shares to NMDs. This is true. Ramona, you can own a share in the corporation. I would like to point out though that if you can afford to purchase a share at $500 (I can not) this does not guarantee you any return on your investment. The SCA does not state this anywhere and if people are telling you that you will make a lot of money by owning a share in this company, ask them for the proof in writing.

3. PUBLIC LANDS:

Upon this Saipan Casino Act becoming law, NMDIC will have the authority to request any/all public land from DPL. DPL according to this act must issue that land to NMDIC for $1/year forever or until NMDIC goes belly up. There are no safeguards in place within the SCA to protect this from abuse at the hands of this For-Profit Corporation. The SCA does not state any restrictions to the use of the land that is taken. The SCA does not state any limits to how much can be taken. The SCA does not state any specifics at all concerning the land that is requested and issued.

This is the most alarming concern I have. Ramona, why would you give your public land to NMDIC for $1/year forever? Why would you give my public land to NMDIC forever? Why would you give our public land to NMDIC forever? Can they take elementary school land? Can they build a casino on Suicide Cliff? Can they build a casino at the Grotto. Can they build a Casino in front of my house?

Can they take the land and use it for other purposes? The SCA never states any restriction limits to what business NMDIC can conduct. Can NMDIC take public land and release it to whom ever they choose? Can they use the public land they take to build poker parlors in my village? Can they use the public land to mine Poozalan in Pagan? Can they request land in Tinian? Can they request Public Land in Rota be issued to them? The SCA does not limit any of this. The SCA does not explicitly give DPL the authority to regulate NMDIC.

Proponents do not address this concern of mine. They do not acknowledge it. They ignore it and pretend that it is not a concern. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN.

4. PENDING LAWASUITS:

Once the Saipan Casino Act is passed there have already been many indications that it will be subject to pending litigation. The SCA itself is littered with legal issues, discrimination claims, antitrust arguments, public land issues, and many other potentially violations of the Constitution. If these legal proceedings actually take place have the proponents of the SCA actually passed the Initiative by trustworthy and capable legal counsel to ensure that a court of law will not entertain these potential lawsuits? I think not. After reading it myself I have found that it is laced with legal problems.

Ramona, you have said yourself that our government is broke and we are suffering. Why do you want us to shoulder all of these legal costs? Where will we get the money to do this?

Those in favor of Gambling and Casinos in Saipan, vote no to this Initiative and let us draft up a proper initiative that legalizes Casinos in Saipan without all of the grey areas and with proper safeguards in place to prevent the CNMI from losing more money.

Ramona, you don’t have to answer to me. You do not have to post answers here to my questions.

I do hope however you read my concerns and you try to find any answers you can if the questions I have can not be answered by you.

I hope that if you are still hell bent on deciding to vote “yes” to the Saipan Casino Act that when you enter the polls on November 3rd and place your mark on your ballot you can sleep well that night knowing that you have just needlessly jeopardized yours and my wellbeing, as well as our kids.

Again this is not about whether Casinos are the right thing for the CNMI. This is about whether this Saipan Casino Act Initiative is right for us.

boy, you people are so smart and you guys can really write! please be simple so us common people can understand what the heck you all are saying.

i asked a simple question and i hope i get an simple answer…WHAT DO YOU INTELECTUALS HAVE IN MIND TO HELP US COMMON SUFFERING PEOPLE REVIVE OUR AILING ECONOMY??????? and please do not tell me that the SCA will cost us millions, that the SCA is unconstitutional, that the SCA is this and that. i’ve had it with all that B….L..S..I…..T! i just want to know WHAT YOU PEOPLE HAVE TO OFFER US THAT IS BETTER THAN THE SAIPAN CASINO? PLEASE NO SPINNING AROUND THIS TIME, JUST ANSWER THE PLAIN AND SIMPLE QUESTION. and please no CONVENTION CENTER, CLEAN BEACHES, ETC….

unless i hear something better, i want to URGE EVERYBODY TO PLEASE VOTE FOR THE SAIPAN CASINO THIS NOVEMBER 3RD. it is not the perfect, saintly industry, but it the ONLY CHOICE!

thank you

You are asking me what is better than voting yes to the SCA which will cost our Government (our taxpayers, us) more money?

How about voting “no” and not incurring more government debt, not risking people’s jobs, not threatening public services, not adding more problems to this problem laden economic situation we are in and not jeopardizing our Public Lands?

I would have to choose nothing at all over the SCA. Why would I ever want to help this become law?

It will surely cost the CNMI more money but there is no proof we will ever get anything from the passage of this act but more wasted tax dollars.

I love Gambling and Casinos but this Act actually discourages investors from choosing to set up a Casino in Saipan.

It forces any potential casino investor to “partner” up and “share profits” with NMDIC (the sole licensee).

Why would anyone opt to share profits and partner up with a company that has no background in the casino industry? If NMDIC goes bankrupt, is sued or falls victim to corporate crimes and is shut down then the Casino Operator is crap out of luck as we all would be. If NMDIC ceases to exist all Casino Operations must stop. The SCA has no saving clause to reassign the license to another indigenous corporation or take control fo the Casino Operations.

When you weigh that versus opening a Casino elsewhere (Macau, Singapore, Vegas, etc…) what reason would they have to take such a risk. Why on earth would any legitimate Casino Operator want to be forced to partner up with NMDIC?

Who is NMDIC?

Ramona,

I hear you. I see that you are looking for a quick fix to the mess the CNMI is in. The reason we are in this mess is because we have always looked for “a quick fix”. What we need to do is take a deep breath and start to clean things up. Everything. The government, our island, ourselves. That means not depending on others to do things for us anymore. Not hoping for handouts. Dropping the sense of entitlement we all have. That means getting our hands dirty and actually cleaning things up starting at home. That means taking part in our community. Taking care of our children. Educating them and counseling them. Helping our neighbors. Educating ourselves. Holding our elected officials accountable. That means asking questions. That means not blindly grasping at anything that comes along. That means not allowing ourselves to be taken advantage of. That means pointing out the wrongs you see in our community and holding people accountable for them.

That means asking not what the CNMI can do for you, but what YOU can do for the CNMI.

This Act is not good for the CNMI.

A better more legally sound Saipan Gaming Act can be drafted that protects my tax dollars, my land and my children.

A better Saipan Gaming Act can be drafted that is more investor friendly.

A better Saipan Gaming Act can be drafted, Ramona.

That would be better.

“What is better?” you ask.

“What could be worse than passing the SCA?” I respond.

plato,

thank you for your comments, however, i would like to ask you why didn’t you try and submit your suggestions to the SCA when it was being drafted? why wait until it is on the ballot? why haven’t you suggested something else (Saipan Gaming Act) and have it on the ballot this november 3rd? if you really are concerned about the well being of the cnmi people why then did you not make any efforts to gather enough signature to put your Saipan Gaming Act in the ballot this November 3rd?
Plato, you really sound so desperate in your posting and i think you just are jealouse of the SCA proponents because they DID SOMETHING FOR THEIR PEOPLE and you did not. It is you, who is trying to scare the CNMI PEOPLE into believing that once the SCA passes, it will not be possible to change it. YOU KNOW THIS IS A LIE AND YOU DAMM KNOW THAT ONLY THE CNMI PEOPLE CAN MAKE ANY CHANGES SHOULD CHANGES IS NEEDED IN THE FUTURE. there is NO PERMANENT DAMAGES IF THE SCA PASSES.

lastly, if you are a lowyer, like i suspect you are, then you must be one LOW, LOW, LOW, LOWYER!

p.s. you asked too many unknowns (uneccssary) questions in your posting.ie…you are worried about finding investors to invest in the SCA…WHY WORRY ONE TIME? HOW ABOUT WE ALL WORRY WHEN TIME COMES? YOU ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONALLY OF SCA? SO WHAT, LET’S WAIT UNTIL THE CHALLANGE COMES AND LET’S US ALL DEAL WITH IT. Relax, and let’s give the SCA a chance? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BIBA NMD! BIBA SAIPAN CASINO. OUR SALVATION!

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

Ramona,

I do not know why you keep attacking me. What have I done other than ask questions? What have I done other than point out my concerns with the SCA and ask others for clarification?

You attack me with the wrath of someone who stand to gain quite a bit if this Saipan Casino Act passes.

Now let me addressed your questions. I do not want you or anyone else claiming that I have been avoiding questions.

#1 : “why didn’t you try and submit your suggestions to the SCA when it was being drafted? why wait until it is on the ballot? why haven’t you suggested something else (Saipan Gaming Act) and have it on the ballot this November 3rd? if you really are concerned about the well being of the CNMI people why then did you not make any efforts to gather enough signature to put your Saipan Gaming Act in the ballot this November 3rd?”

When I first was told about a pending initiative to legalize Casinos on Saipan I asked for more information. I was approached by a signature gatherer. I asked for a copy of the initiative. I was told that they would get it for me. I tried contacting a few more people and also asked for a copy of the initiative. I had no idea what was written in it and did not want to sign my name to something I had not read. I asked friends of mine to get a hold of the initiative also. They were not able to. This went on until the Act was certified to go on the ballots.

As of today, I still am unable to get the certified, final Saipan Casino Act Initiative. I had a friend go to the Library the other day and she could not get a hold of a copy there either. I believe the Election Office is correcting this.

So to answer your question, I was never able to see the initiative.

A lot of the focus from both sides of the debate has been on Casino Gambling. I have been watching this closely. As I have said I do not have a problem with Gambling. About 2 weeks ago I came across a version of the SCA online on the proponent’s blog. I briefly went over it and I was stunned. It posted on this site a request at that time that everyone take a day to get a hold of the SCA and read it and then let us weigh in on the merits of the Act itself. That is what I have been doing.

#2: “i think you just are jealouse of the SCA proponents because they DID SOMETHING FOR THEIR PEOPLE and you did not.”

They are definitely “doing something” to their people. They are attempting to take their tax dollars and their land. This being the way I read it, I am in no way jealous of them. I am worried for my family, my community, our people. Again why attack me personally?

#3: “once the SCA passes, it will not be possible to change it. YOU KNOW THIS IS A LIE AND YOU DAMM KNOW THAT ONLY THE CNMI PEOPLE CAN MAKE ANY CHANGES SHOULD CHANGES IS NEEDED IN THE FUTURE. there is NO PERMANENT DAMAGES IF THE SCA PASSES.”

You have called me a liar. I do not understand why I am being attacked for reviewing the SCA itself.

You are taking my words out of context and attempting to slander me. I did not say it could not be changed. I said it would be extremely difficult and could not be changed by our elected officials. As a matter of fact I stated that it could only be amended or abolished by the same process that made it law. A petition to get it on the ballot and then 2/3rd of the voters. This is not an easy process. We know this first hand. Look at where we are right now. You are attacking me for wanted to review and understand the SCA. How simple will it bet o alter it under these same circumstances.

There is a permanent damage to government expenses if this passes. The only guarantee in the SCA is the funding for the Commission, Treasury, Exec Director and all their operating expenses and staff. This is money that once taken to pay these expenses and salaries will never come back.

That is Permanent Damage.

#4: “lastly, if you are a lowyer, like i suspect you are, then you must be one LOW, LOW, LOW, LOWYER!”

Again, why attack me? Ramona, in any of my previous posts did I ever attack you? If anything I feel I am helping you and everyone by reviewing the SCA before blindly voting on it. Why is education or review so wrong in your book that you are willing to attack me for trying to educate myself on the Act?

I am not a lowyer. I am however a worker in the private sector. I have been educated on Saipan from Sister Remedios to 12th grade. I am so happy that I still to this day embrace education and the power of dialogue and discussion.

Ramona, help me review and educate ourselves and other about the SCA. No name calling is needed. Let’s do the least we can do for ourselves, our families and our community. Let’s review a piece of legislation that will in the end have an effect on everything. Let’s not jump with out looking. My kids alone are reason enough not to do that.

#5: “you asked too many unknowns (uneccssary) questions in your posting.ie…you are worried about finding investors to invest in the SCA…WHY WORRY ONE TIME? HOW ABOUT WE ALL WORRY WHEN TIME COMES?”

I worry about the NMDIC not finding a Casino Operator/Investor for the reasons that I laid out in my previous posts. Simply put, once the SCA becomes law it will start costing our government around $1.5 million dollars a year. I don’t know about you, but that is a lot of money. Money I really don’t think our island has. Money that I don’t want to see wasted. The longer it takes to get an investor the longer we will sustain these costs. This is written into the SCA. This should worry every tax payer in the CNMI.

Ramona, for you to say “why worry” makes me wonder. Your initial concerns have been that the CNMI needs money badly. That the people are suffering. That the casinos are our best option. Yet now you say “why worry if they can or can’t get investors. This is not logical. How good an option is it if there is no hope of getting investors and casinos to set up in the CNMI?

Ramona, that is like going to a bank and asking them for a loan. The bank asks you for a business plan. You give them the plan and they can not understand the plan at all. The bank asks you to explain the plan. You tell them “ Hey, Mr. Banker. Why Worry????? Let me worry about that when the time comes. Just give me the loan.”

Ramona, This would never fly. This is what the proponents are asking from me, you and every other voter. Pay for the commission and don’t worry. If a casino comes, it comes.

#6: “YOU ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONALLY OF SCA? SO WHAT, LET’S WAIT UNTIL THE CHALLANGE COMES AND LET’S US ALL DEAL WITH IT.”

Ramona, we are dealing with legislation. The bare least we can do is try our best to ensure it is constitutionally sound. Why would this upset you?
Ramona, where will money to pay for the legal cases that will arise come from? Once lawsuits begin we will spend millions more of our tax payer dollars. I don’t want this. I don’t think the CNMI can handle it financially. Many people have already promised to challenge this Act should it become law.

Because of the Public Lands provision that gives away my land to a for profit corporation for $1//year forever with no safeguards, I will personally bring this to court, if this passes. I will represent myself and I will get a judge and the commission to finally stop the smoke and mirrors and look at the Act itself.

#7: “Relax, and let’s give the SCA a chance? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

I can not relax. I grew up with my mom teaching me to work hard. I grew up with my mom teaching me that if you want something you work hard for it. I grew with my mom teaching me not to expect handouts. I also was taught by my mom to ask questions.

Ramona, you are a gambler. I can not entrust my childrens live to “CHANCE”. Not when it would be ever so easy to avoid all the black and white concerns by halting the SCA and redrafting proper legislation.
Ramona, I hope I have once again addressed each of the questions you have posed. If you have more feel free to ask. I hope someday prior to Nov 3rd someone addresses even one of mine.

Thank you.

plato,

i am sorry to tell you that now i know that you are truly a liar because when the sca petition was being circulated, a copy of the act was ALWAYS attached to the petition.

please stop making excuses because you missed the boat. i can throw you a life raft if you wish and come onboard. we could always use your talents.

and oh, by the way, you still did not tell me what you have in mind to help our ailing economy. you don’t seem to hear my question. OR YOU JUST DON’T HAVE ANY IDEA? AND JUST DON’T GIVE A S..H…..T?

thanks plato..and trust me, we HAVE investors lining up as soon as the SAIPAN CASINO PASSES NOVEMBER 3RD. ask the secretary of commerce, mr. james santos.

have a nice day.

FLAG FROM TINA: THIS POST VIOLATES FORUM RULE #3, “BE RESPECTFUL. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS”

Ramona,

You are still very hostile to me. I do not know why.

Again, you call me a liar.

I stated clearly:

“I asked for a copy of the initiative. I was told that they would get it for me.”

I asked for a copy. I asked also if they could email it to me. I was never given a copy and I never received an email of it.

Ramona, what have I done to you? If I attacked you the way you are attacking me would you still try and be cordial to me? Try your best to focus on the contents of the SCA if possible.

As for other ideas, how about Casino Gambling but with properly drafted legislation? How about tourism? How about Software Development? How about alternative enery research? How about Small Business development?

The list goes on and on. To say there are no alternatives is not logical. There are many alternatives and the alternatives do not promise to cost me more of my tax payer dollar.

I tried to give James a ring over at the Dept of Commerce but he is out to lunch. I will call him in an hour or two and let you know my findings.

By the way you stated the “we have investors lining up”, are you an employee of NMDIC?

I am not challenging your claim but can I ask, do you have letter(s) of intent from any potential Casino Investor(s) that has read this SCA?

plato,

i was not attacking you, just telling you that your claim that you did not see a copy of the petition during the signature drive is totally a lie. you can get a copy of the initiative from http://www.saipancasinoact.blogspot.com. i don’t know why you are making a big deal about it. the SCA does not have any hidden agenda. and i am not an employee of the sca. in fact, if you read the act, you will note that the NMDIC is not yet in existance. it will be after november 3rd and you are most welcome to buy some stocks so you could have a say on whatever happens thereafter. and also please note that the mayor of saipan will be the authority over the SCA..please read the act and see that none of the proponents have any special interest in the SCA..they just want to see an industry that can help us economically..WHAT IS SO WRONG ABOUT THAT, PLATO?????????????????

you ideas about improving our economy sounds great! how about you initiating the move to make it happen? you mention tourism, alternative energy, software development and small businesses? can you please be more specific? let me now put the ball in your hands and hear your idea on how you can make things happen. CASINO WITH PROPERLY DRAFTED LEGISLATION? let’s hear your ideas. don’t forget that friolan tenorio tried millions of times to get a casino legislation through, but he was never successful…why, because tinian has three senators and we need at least one of their senator to vote for an initiative.

lastly, you need not bother mr. james santos…just read the tribune a week or so ago..

cheers

The above comment was not posted by me.

sorry plato, it was me, ramona who posted the comment. not sure why your name appeared on my posting.

Ramona,

Months ago, when the Saipan Casino Act was being circulated for signatures, I asked three SCA proponents — Felicidad Ogumoro, Paz Younis, and Jess Taisague — on three different occasions to give me the full initiative. Either a hard copy or an electronic version would have been fine. I asked others in that group to email me the initiative as well.

I had made it clear to all the SCA proponents that I spoke to that I had concerns based on what I had read in the papers and heard from others, and I wanted to read the full initiative for myself. I was assured by all of them that I would be given a copy “soon.”

I did not receive a copy of the initiative until AFTER the initiative had been certified by the Attorney General’s Office. Here’s a clip from an email I received from Jess Taisague, dated August 5:

“Hafadai Tina,

Sorry for not providing you the proposed Saipan Casino Act earlier when we last met for I was very tied up in the pursue of having the petition to be certified by the Attoney General. But now that it is certified and will be included in the November election ballot, it is appropriate timing for me to make sure that you get a copy of the Act for your perusal…”

Other concerned citizens have told me that when they were asked to sign the SCA petition, the full initiative was not attached to the signature pages, only a summary of the alleged benefits of the SCA. I believe that the failure to attach the full initiative to the signature pages may constitute a violation of the initiative regulations, and I will check with the Election Office to make sure.

Plato is right: this debate should not be about whether or not casinos are good for the CNMI. The debate should be about whether or not the Saipan Casino ACT is good for the CNMI, and we should absolutely be asking questions. There are many, many questionable elements about this Act. “Relaxing,” “not worrying,” and failing to ask all those “unnecessary” (inconvenient) questions that should be asked would be totally irresponsible. The fact that the initiative has been so difficult for questioning citizens to access before and after certification should also raise alarms.

Saipan Casino Act proponents often ask, “What other solution is being proposed right now?” But the premise for this question is all wrong, and it does nothing to alleviate legitimate concerns that citizens have about the Act itself. The question assumes that the Saipan Casino Act actually proposes a solution to our problems. It does not. The Saipan Casino Act only proposes more problems.

– Tina

New Questions Regarding NMDIC:

Should this Initiative become law,

Who (which individuals) will incorporate NMDIC?

Who will draw up their Articles of Incorporation?

Who will draft their Corporate Bylaws?

Who will pay the filing fee?

Ramona and the rest of the public,

I placed a call to the Registrars office and discovered that the Northen Marianas Descent Investment Corporation (NMDIC) is a formed corporation that already exists in the CNMI.

It was incorporated on December 21, 2006.

The Incorporators are:

Pedro R Guerroro
Paz Yuniz
Karl T reyes
Herman R Guerroro
Felicidad Ogamuro
David C Sablan
Isdro r Ogarto

I will stopping by tomorrow to pick up all the papers that they have filed (Their articles of incorporation, Bylaws, etc.).

It is very sad that the SCA does make it appear that this Corporation has yet to be formed as Romona also believed.

Ramona,

This is why I have been questioning all the provisions in the SCA. They are unclear and when things are not clear it makes it impossible for someone to truly understand what they are voting on.

I will post the Articles of Incorporation once I recieve them and scan them into the computer.

plato,

relax. you are making it sound like you have uncovered something illegal. you did not. the sca proponents are just doing what is right and that is to prepare for the approval of the SCA come november 3rd. if you read the act, this action is not prohibited so nothing illegal happened. the incorportors are only temporary and a general election will occur later on to elect new officers as called for in the by-laws.

and please post the articles and by-laws as soon as you obtain a copy.

thank you and cheers to you for being so smart.

hmmm. Sounds like you read the by-laws. If this is accurate than why did you state this earier:

“in fact, if you read the act, you will note that the NMDIC is not yet in existance. it will be after november 3rd and you are most welcome to buy some stocks so you could have a say on whatever happens thereafter.”

I will post anything I obtain in regards to this SCA Initiative. I only wish the proponents would as well.

Ramona,

You are correct to say that chartering the Northern Marianas Descent Investment Corporation is only a preparation in the event the SCA is approved by 2/3 of the registered voters. So not to have anyone or group use the name “Northern Marianas Descent Investment Corporation”, the incorporators listed is merely to just officially charter the name with the Registrar Office. They are not shareholders, not officers, not directors. They are just incorporators to hold the name. The Article of Incorporation was written by a lawyer and is legally sufficient.

When the SCA is approved by the voters, all interested NMD will be entitled to subcribe shares. Thereafter, all shareholders will then elect the board of directors to direct the business of the corporation.

Nicky, Martina, Pauline and margaret, thank you for supporting the SCA.
Continue to carry the message to all our people to vote YES to SCA.

Anyone or any group who would like to learn more about the purpose, objective and intent of the SCA, the proponent of the SCA is available to engage in productive discussions and to answer any questions.
Please feel free to call me at 287-0494 so we can schedule a meeting to answer all concerns and questions.

Please do not reply to this posting. I will appreciate your call if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Jess,

Would it not be beneficial to all that come to this forum to hear your take on the questions that were raised by those unsure of the SCA?

More beneficial perhaps than a one on one phone call?

A friend of mine has picked up the paperwork from the Registrars Office. I have yet to see it. But I understand from what has been read to me over the phone that the Board Members have already been identified in the Articles of Incorporation. They are the people I have mentioned in the previous post (HErman, Karl, Paz, etc.)

I think as a proponent of the SCA and someone who it seems has more knowledge about the drafting of it and its intricacies, can you try and answer any of the numerous concerns and questions I have posted in this forum?

Asking people to continuing carrying the message to vote “yes” without giving them the information to dispel concerns or answer questions directly related to the SCA will undoubtedly hurt your cause more than help it.

I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100% regarding Gambling, but it’s just my opinion, which could be wrong

By saying things like “do not reply to this posting” and call me for a one on one discussion, you make it appear as though the merits of the Act can not sustain public exposure.

If you can answer the questions and remove any concerns that have been raised in this forum, why not just do so for the benefit of everyone that stumbles across this site? At the bare least for those who have spent quite some time airing their concerns and questions only to get attacked personally and to have their questions go unanswered.

Sorry Plato, I don’t deal with PHATOMS and you can invite as many people as you can to engage in productive discussions with us. So if you want us to answer any of your concerns, we can arrange meeting with you and you are welcome to invite other people, as many as you can.

The merits of the Act can and will sustain public exposure. We are having weekly village meetings and you are welcome to join us (call me for detail information and please identify yourself). We just had a Q&A with NMC students and a debate at the Multi-Purpose Center. We met with public safety personnel and with concerned women. We appeared in the John Gonzales Show and another appearance tonight, 10/17/07 at 7pm. We will be meeting with the ACT organization as well as public works personnel, and other meetings are forthcoming. We will continue to reachout to our people so they, like yourself (if you do exist) can be well-informed about the SCA purpose, objective and intent.

People who are supporting the Saipan Casino Act do understand the merits of the SCA. Martina, Nicky, Pauline, and Margaret continue to carry the message to our people to vote YES on November 3rd and if you have any questions, just give me a shout at 287-0494. Thank you and have a nice day.

The Commonwealth Election Commission can send by email a copy of the Saipan Casino Act to anyone interested in reading up on the act as certified by the Office of the Attorney General.

Please send your request by email to: gkilili@pticom.com

ps. The Commission is presently housed at the multipurpose center and we are operating on dial-up, analog internet access. So, all requests will be entertained either early in the morning or early evenings when I can forward the iniative by dsl.

pss. We also have the two (15-1 and 15-16, SD1) initiatives for anyone who requests. We are working on the Rota Casino Act of 2007.

Kilili,

Thank you so much.

If the SCA is so great and if the proponents of the act have no doubt of its success bearing qualities, then why do the proponents continue to use trickery and mislead people rather than supporting it on its merits.

First you have a guy posting numerous entries on this forum claiming to be different poeple all in support of the SCA. Hell, I spoke to all of them (i mean all of him). Click here for more info on our friends nicky, mary, pauline, john jr., martina, carnaag, alice, etc…..

Then you have Jess T. saying that it is a great thing and applauding all of the supporters on this forum (uhmm… okay one with many names). And then refusing to entertain any of the many, many questions I have posted as well as others.

Then you have this editorial in the paper today:

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=73369&cat=15

This is the biggest piece of propaganda I have seen. It is like those little church gatherings where they stage a few people who come up on stage and say “they have seen the light” and fall over shaking on the ground just before the minister goes around with the collection buckets.

To all of the above cases:

Don’t insult our intelligence. If you are in support of the act then more power to you. Why the parlor tricks? Why the games? Jess’ response reminded me of the time I was approached by an Am*ay person (course he never mentioned the name of the company at all). They never tell you about the company. They never tell you about the details behind the business. They prey on your weaknesses. Then they tell you of how lucrative it can be. Then they invite you to meet them somewhere “one on one”. Then they insult your intelligence by trying to sell you membership into their pyramid scheme.

I thought I was worried when I first started reading the details of the SCA.

I am so much more worried now after observing the proponents of this Act.

Show support based on the merits of the Act. Stop with the games. Stop insulting your fellow citizens. Just because you bought into the hype doesn’t mean the rest of the voters will.

Add to my list of shady things:

John Gonzalez giving the proponents an open forum to sell the Act and never once opening up the lines for questions from the public. Even though he said the would take questions and gave the nuber to text them to he totally disregarded all of the text messaged questions that were sent in.

The porponents did not entertain a single question on last nights show.

John made sure to mention that the show will repeat 3 times prior to the election.

Oh that’s right, he did mention he would allow people that oppose the passage of the Act to be on his show…

…on Oct 31st (halloween) and just 3 days prior to the election.

What is going on?

It’s unfortunate for the date that was set, however, at least we got one and I ask all our opposing opponents to tune in as well as the lay people who need to know exactly what, who, how and when is this “ACT” of theirs is really all about!

Regards to All

P.S. VOTE WISELY AND SAY “NO” TO THIS MADNESS OF AN “ACT”

I was disappointed that there wasn’t time given for questions and answers on the Casino Initiative issue during the John Gonzales’ show.

With so much being said, both pros and cons, it would’ve been tremendously helpful to have the public accomodated. After attending the debate, and reading and hearing so much about the Casino, I would’ve like hearing answers (PUBLICLY) to some of the questions.

A show such as John’s is very helpful and needed to fairly and unbiasedly air ALL the information to the public. It is great that the proponets of the Casino Act had the opportunity to air their side (unfortunately with no time for Q’s and A’s). The opponents are being accomodated on Oct. 31st (bad timing, but…)to air their side. My question/comment is: WILL THEY ALSO BE GIVEN THE FULL TIME UNINTERRUPTED BY THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT THEIR SIDE? In this particular case, it would be the only fair thing to do…as the precedent has been set…but is the public being FULLY informed when their Q’s and A’s are not publicly accomodated.
Perhaps the best and fairest thing for all is to switch schedules between the opponents and the Zoning group or Galvin’s presentation, so that both sides are heard back to back. Set aside the 31st (or some other schedule) for both sides to accomodate questions and answers from the public. This would be most fair and informative to the public…and removes the appearance of biasm by the host… I think.

gloria w. hunter

Wow, once they were “outed” for having the same IP address, all the “Vote yesers” dissapeared. Well, maybe not “all” but at least “one” did.

My sentiments exactly, Mr. Salas.
Thank you Tina for exposing such trickery and deception.
SAD…VERY SAD!

gloria

The full text of the Saipan Casino Act as certified by the Office of the Attorney General is available at: http://votecnmi.gov.mp/downloads/saipancasino_full.pdf

Thank you, Kilili. I’ve been wanting to read that myself.

The full text of the Rota Casino Act of 2007 as certified by the Office of the Attorney General is available at: http://votecnmi.gov.mp/downloads/rotacasino_full.pdf

all we need is for someone to trace who that ip address is registered to. Now THAT would be interesting to see!

Personally I am against gambling because it teaches wreckless use of resources; when we need to be wise stewards of our limited resources. I question the claim of the casinos that a yes vote will get rid of the poker business. The former Diamond hotel had poker machines, but removed them because the tourists were not using them. If casinos are legalized they will be in the hotels while the poker parlors will still be in the communities. I doubt many of the poker moms and dads will quit their convient and close poker to go all the way into town to play at a casino.

While I applaud the Saipan Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring several past and still ongoing forums, there is just one underlying concern I cannot help but raise:

WHAT IS THE CHAMBER’S POSITION ON THE SAIPAN CASINO ACT?

If memory serves, the Chamber came out publicly and officially stated that it has decided to take a “no position” stance on the issue. Does this mean that it is neither against or in favor of the initiative?

I would expect more from an organization that is comprised of various businesses.

I firmly feel that the Saipan Casino Act issue should not be made a topic of discussion at any of the Chamber-sponsored forums for the reasons highlighted above. I mean, it is unfair to ask the candidates for their respective positions on the SCA when the organization sponsoring the Q & A events have yet to answer the same question itself. Equally unfair is the fact that the Chamber is so quick to publicly point out forum non-attendees and yet, continues to remain silent on Saipan Casino Act.

I heard from someone that they did have a couple of surveys sent out to members.. I think the survey showed most members did not want to see it go through but that was in contrast to the feelings of a few in command/control…. hence, no position..

maybe if any Board Members or the Executive Director from the chamber is reading they can explain why they have no position..

Nice forum Tina, but I would delete citizens that are unwilling to sign their name on comments.

Many of us would be pro casino if we thought it would be the savior for our community, but reason and research on other places with the same question before them confirm that it is not. We have one person on Saipan with vast experience in the gaming industry, so I asked him if he had read the referendum and he said it was a “certain recipe for failure”. The Chamber voted overwhelming against a casino, and while I don’t quote Chamber positions often, the point is, why would business leaders or a realtor be against a casino if we thought there was one chance in a hundred that it would bring wealth and prosperity here? I better stick with my original opinion in Chamberonomics.

Is A1 Real Estate in favor of casino gambling in Saipan?

NO- Any money made from gaming would be in the hands of a few. Look around San Antonio, Kagman, Koblerville, and ask yourself, “Do we want the leaders who gave us this to bring more crime upon us”. Casinos are followed by prostitution, money laundering, drugs and violence. Is that what we want for our future? Would you trust casino owners’ promises more than the opinions of Bishop Camacho, Pastor Lee, and our other local clergy with no proprietary interest in gaming?

Bruce Bateman’s column in today’s Saipn Tribune states:

“I notice that the most vocal anti-casino folks like Pelligrino and Bennett always sign off their diatribes with references to God blessing us all for voting no. As if they have some direct pipeline to God. They try to sneak in an implication that God is on their side and it is “godly” to keep yourself and your nation broke, barefoot and pregnant so be sure to vote no for something that might bring back prosperity or disturb their friends on Tinian. Last time I checked God was willing to help those who help themselves. May I suggest that you help yourself by voting Yes for the Saipan Casino Act?”

Why doesn’t Bruce ever address the issues that many anti-saipan casino act advocates have put on the table like the below that have been previously mentioned in this forum:

1. regarding jobs, the act reads:

“In the event that after an exhaustive search the Commission or the Treasurer is unable to find a qualified NMD residents from the Commonwealth to fill a certain position, the Commission or the Treasurer may hire qualified persons from outside the CNMI.”

– Look at the current situation with JVA’s and the search for “QUALIFIED” personnel.. many JVA’s are approved by employment services because the employer’s cannot find any “qualified” resident applicants on island.. so for those not working now, if you can’t find employment at this time, you should carefully think of these economic opportunities (jobs) that are promised, because it is very unlikely that you will find employment when the casino opens… how many qualified pit boss’ are running around Saipan? how many qualified card dealers are running around Saipan? look at the jobs that a casino creates and ask if those without a job now will be qualified? and minimum wage will follow suit with the current structure which will be awhile before we hit $7.25.

2. In regards to Public Land, the act states:
ARTICLE XII – Section 8. Public Land. The Department of Public Land (DPL) or any future entity responsible for the administration of public lands in the Commonwealth, upon this Act becoming law and at the request of the NMDIC, shall issue public land to NMDIC. NMDIC shall hold leasehold interest to all public land issue by DPL and pay one dollar ($1.00) per year for the land or lands issue by DPL for as long as NMDIC is in business. The land or lands issue to NMDIC shall not be transferable. Upon dissolution of NMDIC, the land including all improvements shall revert back to DPL or its future named entity without cost.

— If the SCA passes it will give NMDIC the rights to ALL PUBLIC LANDS at $1/year forever. That is right ANY AND ALL PUBLIC LANDS can be given to one for-profit corporation. The SCA does not state what the land can be used for. It does not state that it can not be sublet. It does not bar the NMDIC from doing anything at all with the land. This is huge. There is no saving clause in the SCA that gives DPL the power to deny any request for land from NMDIC. NMDIC can request ALL/ANY PUBLIC LAND in ANY DISTRICT. Yep Tinian and Rota too. There are no safeguards in place what so ever. So if NMDIC wanted to take over half of Marpi and then sublet it for 50million, NMDIC would get the 50 million and we(the CNMI/Public) would get $1.00… a whole $1.00, what a deal..

3. in regards to INITIAL FUNDING, the act states:

In the event the Delegation is not able to provide funding for the initial operating cost, the Commission and the Treasurer may incur debt from any government agency or private entity to fund the initial cost of their operation. The debt is not public debt, but shall be repaid.

— Do you know what this means? This means that money to initially operate the casino may come out of taxpayers’ pockets in the tune of $1.5 million per year. We are in an economic crisis right now, where will the CNMI get the money to fund this act? the commissioners will each make $48000/per year to meet 15 times per month.. the executive director and treasurer will get a handsome salary.. imagine how many current jobs in government will have to be cut to fund these 8 positions and startup costs? this could be equivalent to 60 government workers currently each making $25,000 per year losing their job.. and if things don’t take off quickly, this act could bury the CNMI govt.

(could it be that he wants to fill Porky’s every Friday until election day with Pro-Saipan Casino Act advocates)

aren’t there labor regulations for dealers in place now? why is there only one nmd dealer at the dynasty?

oh, i know the answer to that one. all you have to do is ask the dynasty why and they’ll tell you one of the brutal truths about the local employees over there.

sure it’s a generalization, but the people in charge of the tinian casino actually want people to show up to work regularly and on time.

they also don’t accept the seemingly endless parade of excuses for missing work (including those not illness related).

so let’s see here…

“In the event that after an exhaustive search the Commission or the Treasurer is unable to find a qualified NMD residents from the Commonwealth to fill a certain position, the Commission or the Treasurer may hire qualified persons from outside the CNMI.”

where will the cnmi find highly trained casino employees locally? will the casino be staffed with 100% rookie dealers mentored by 100% rookie pit bosses and a 100% rookie casino manager?

cuc all over again?

looks like we’ll be playing blackout instead of blackjack!

I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Gambling, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.

Very nice. Love this place! Keep up the good work!

I pray that you losers would stop pin pointing individuals against your “Yes” to casino act because you keep making it obvious to everyone that your intentions are not good and that you might be one of those commissioners promised a job. For tha last time, Stick with the issues and stop attacking individuals. They certainly aren’t attacking the NMDIC’s mysterious pockets and organization. Why don’t they just expose themselves and their investors.

Hmmm, you want soba?

I’m not telling you to vote yes or no for the Casino Act. Just educate yourself by reading the entire initiative. Only then will you see the light. The truth shall set you free, young grasshopper.

P.S. Buy MP Magazine today (shameless plug by the publisher…sorry)!

Well, I’m a professed pro-freedom of choice kinda person. I love casinos and think if they’re done right, they can indeed play a great role in the tourism industry mix.

On this act however, I am telling you to vote “NO”. If you vote “Yes”, you are dumb. Sorry, sometimes there’s some wiggle room. Sometimes there are just matters of differing opinions that have to do with weighing out the good and the bad of something.

As far as this initiative goes.. there is absolutely nothing good about passing a bad initiative. Thus, if you vote “Yes”.. you are DUMB.

Sorry Tina, I know you don’t like namecalling, and in fact, I’m not calling anyone a name (the voting hasn’t taken place yet). But when the voting has taken place, and if you are one who voted “Yes”.. you need to be institutionalized. We’ll determine what for after we interview you.

VOTE NO.. Because even those of us who love casinos.. hate this horrible casino initiative!

The Commonwealth Election Commission has received reports that there are individuals informing our citizens and registered voters that a “yes” vote means “no” for some of the questions on the November 3, 2007 general election ballot.

There are seven (7) questions for Rota and for Saipan and the Islands North of Saipan, and six (6) for Tinian and Aguiguan, that require a yes or no vote. The questions are all found on the right-hand side of the ballot and they are for the four (4) judicial retention questions and the two (2) House Legislative Initiatives and the Saipan Casino Act for Saipan and the Islands North of Saipan and the Rota Casino Act of 2007 for Rota.

For the record, a “yes” vote means that a voter is approving the question, whether it is for the initiative or for the retention of the judicial officers. A “no” vote is a vote in opposition, a disapproval, of the question.

Thus, if a voter votes “yes” on the Saipan Casino Act, for example, that voter is voting to approve the initiative. A “no” vote means the voter is not in support of the initiative.

The same goes for all the questions on the right-hand side of the general election ballot.

Anyone having more information about this issue is asked to please report the matter to the Office of the Attorney General, the Public Auditor or to the Commonwealth Election Commission.

Sincerely yours,

GREGORIO C. SABLAN
Executive Director
COMMONWEALTH ELECTION COMMISSION

In my opinion, I think that the people of Saipan should educate themselves on the Saipan Casino Act, walk into the polling places equipped with this knowledge, and vote accordingly.

Afterwards, they should respect and embrace the outcome. We, as a people, can no longer afford to be divided and sit back (all bitter and naive) expect our dear commonwealth to fix itself. We no longer have this luxury.

The point I am trying to raise here is, Not a single voter deserves to be told on WHO or WHAT to vote for!

We must always keep in mind that is our constitutionally protected right TO VOTE AND CHOOSE as we wish. Individuals or groups that disagree or tell you otherwise either belong to special interest groups or, are the candidates themselves. And those voters who succumb to this kind of political and pressure and campaign fever should consider themselves “infulenced” or worse, “confused” voters. Do the commonwealth a favor, come November 3, DON’T BE EITHER ONE OF THE TWO.

Biba Marianas!!!

In my opinion, I think that the people of Saipan should educate themselves on the Saipan Casino Act, walk into the polling places equipped with this knowledge, and vote accordingly.

Afterwards, they should respect and embrace the outcome. We, as a people, can no longer afford to be divided and sit back (all bitter and naive) and expect our dear commonwealth to fix itself. We no longer have this luxury.

The point I am trying to raise here is, not a single voter deserves to be told on WHO or WHAT to vote for!

We must always keep in mind that it is our constitutionally protected right TO VOTE AND CHOOSE as we wish. Individuals or groups that disagree or tell you otherwise either belong to special interest groups or, are the candidates themselves. And those voters who succumb to this kind of political pressure and campaign fever should consider themselves “infulenced” or worse, “confused” voters. Do the commonwealth a favor, come November 3, DON’T BE EITHER ONE OF THE TWO.

Biba Marianas!!!

I am no candidate and I am requesting all to educate themselves about the Saipan Casino Act.. and then please go vote “NO” on the Saipan Casino Act… it’s the right thing to do… for you, your children and the future of the CNMI (read all the above comments in regards to the Act and how the Act is sure destruction for the CNMI).. The problem is that the supporters of the act are not answering questions regarding the act and not helping to educate the voters about the act.. instead they are constantly riding the “this economy is going down” theme and there is no other solution for the CNMI..

Bottomline, please vote “No” to the “Saipan Casino Act” don’t let our CNMI out the door for a $1.00

Tina,
You did an awesome job on the Harry Blalock show this morning! Thank you for taking a stand and taking your time out to educate the listeners on the “Saipan Casino Act”. It takes a lot of courage for you to stand up for what is right and what you believe in and not worry about if you will loose votes or not. I have asked several of the candidates for their stand on the Saipan Casino Act, and none of them would give me a straight up answer as to if they were for or against it. So I applaud you for letting the voters know exactly where you stand on the issue! Your an inspiration and a Ray of Hope for many of us who have not given up on the CNMI yet!!! Biba Tina!

Tina, I agree with Tami…you did an AWESOME job (you all did) on the Harry Blalock’s show. You’ve told the people where you stand on this Casino Act, and you’ve explained why. Anyone who wasn’t ‘educated’ by the information given on the show, is closing their ears to the facts. Continue to inform the public of the truths, AS YOU HAVE BEEN! I agree with Kimo Rosario, that everyone must educate themselves, then go and vote accordingly…However, before anyone could educate themselves, they must be given the factual information. Some of us can’t read and understand a complicated Initiative, therefore we rely on others to educate us with the facts. So the proponets and the opponets have the obligation to dispense the facts…the truths. However, on this issue, the proponets have seen it fit to mislead the people whom they are claiming to want to help out of their miseries. If this Initiative goes through by some freaky, unfortunate reason, IT WILL BE TIED UP IN LITIGATION…and will not be of help to anyone!
It will NOT help any of those who might lose their jobs by December, and neither will it “boost the economy”.
To those trying to mislead us, I say, DON’T TRY TO SELL US SHIT…’CAUSE MOST OF US AREN’T BUYING!!!!

I’m still waiting for the Saipan Chamber of Commerce to decide on whether it supports or opposes the SCA. A no-position stance just doesn’t cut it. This organization constantly complains about the CNMI’s unstable policies but at the very same time, has chosen to take a hands-off, tight-lipped position on the casino initiative. ???

More times than not, the SCA doesn’t help itself or the CNMI. It’s sad really, as an organization that can be a force of real and good change in the community, they instead usually sit back and wait for things to play out. But considering how business has been done here by many for the past couple of decades, don’t hold your breathe for anything different. As the premier business organization, they should have come out with a statement on the SCA.

I’ve been tempted to vote “Yes” on the Casino Initiative solely because I abhor the pontificating of Ambrose (I love me; I think I’m grand. When I go to the movies, I hold my hand) Bennett.
And while I think that La Fiesta would be an ideal spot for two upscale casinos – one at La Fiesta 1 and 1 at La Fiesta 3, with restaurants and other non gaming activities in the middle- this current initiative is so full of holes it’s making my swiss cheese jealous.
So I’ll be voting “NO” to this initiative and “YES” for Tina Sablan on November 3.

Sorry… In my previous post It says “SCA” in the first line, that should be “SCC”-Saipan Chamber of Commerce.

Personally, I don’t need the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s opinion on the Saipan Casino Act. Any educated person that reads the initiative in its entirety will reject it because of its flaws. It is horribly written and will only benefit a few people. I would like to see a casino…on Pagan that is.

Vote with your brain and vote no on casino. Don’t do it because people are telling you to vote no. Do it because the iniative blows…

Regards,
Ed

I also hope we stop personal attacks on people. I think we should stick with the issues and the merit of the bills…

Regards,
Ed

On another note, I do want to wish you all a very safe weekend and hope you are not accosted at the election polls with people calling out your name…

Regards,
Ed

Isn’t that terrible Ed? I’ve always felt like accosted when I’ve gone into the polling place. It’s like running the gauntlet. They need to review the laws relating to this.. I say no campaigning on election day within 2000 feet of a voting station.

DITTO! ON CAMPAIGNING DISTANCE ON ELECTION DAY!

Greetings

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Hi people

As a fresh http://www.tinasablan.com user i just wanted to say hi to everyone else who uses this board