It is important to note that the bill was handed to the members just hours before the session (a session that was called just a day prior).
Nearly $5 million was appropriated for the following pet projects:
- $3 million for the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance;
- $100,000 for the SHEFA operations;
- $45,000 for the 2009 Liberation Day activities;
- $50,000 for the CNMI Little League;
- $25,000 for the Fishing Derby;
- $20,000 for the Agricultural Fair;
- $15,000 for the Flame Tree Arts Festival;
- $75,000 for the Saipan Zoning;
- $30,000 for the A&E design and construction of the Anthony T. Benavente Baseball Field on Navy Hill;
- $111,400 for road improvement and paving of Gloria Drive on Navy Hill;
- $200,000 for road paving and drainage improvement of Egigi Road, Piligro Lane, Sea Coast Lane, Rota Place, and Orhopay Place;
- $100,000 for the construction of a pavilion, procurement of children's playground equipment, and improvement of the public facilities at the Capitol Hill Children's Park to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- $200,000 for road paving of Gangoche Road to Pika Road in Precinct I;
- $200,000 for road paving and drainage improvements and renovations of public facilities in Precinct II;
- $10,000 for the improvement of public facilities at Pakpak Beach Park;
- $21,000 for repairs and maintenance of Dandan Elementary School; and
- $100,000 for the Northern Marianas Trades Institute
road pavings, baseball fields, fishing derby, lib day festival, playgrounds, etc...
How in good conscience could anyone pass this bill at this time?
If your father recently got fired and your mother's salary was cut in half would it be appropriate to ask them for a new swing set and cash for a rod and reel?
CUC is crumbling, Retirement fund is looted and about 700 million in the hole and growing, PSS is in need of funding, the list goes on and on.
$5 million to these projects is ludicrous.
Time to speak up.
Time to rise up.
