By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Caught off-guard by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s scanty announcement about plans to build a new hospital in Mangilao, Sen. Christ Barnett today demanded details.
“No more backdoor deals, governor. We demand honest answers,” Barnett said.
“Who are the property owners? What is the proposed acquisition cost for the government of Guam in relation to these properties? Are the properties situated within a flood zone?” the senator asked.
During her visit to Guam Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, the governor said the remaining balance of $100 million from the American Rescue Plans will be obligated to the project before the federal funds expire on Sept. 30.
Plans to build a new medical campus in Adacao in Mangilao have been absent in public discussions since the legislature shut down the governor’s proposed site—until the governor spilled the beans on Tuesday.
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“It's disheartening that the longstanding tradition of dishonesty in politics has made telling lies seem like an acceptable tactic in political dealings,” Barnett said.
“Once again, we find ourselves in a situation where the governor and her team play hide-the-ball with crucial decision-making information about the location and plans to build a new hospital,” he added.
Barnett noted that the administration has yet to disclose details about the $10 million land acquisition deal she asked the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority to pursue earlier this year.
“Based on (GHURA’s) statements, it’s evident that the governor and her team have been involved in some part of the land acquisition process,” he said.
Barnett authored a bill that would designate the old hospital site at Ypao Point in Tamuning as the location for a new medical facility. The governor vetoed the bill, which didn’t get enough support for an override.
“Right from the start, the governor vehemently opposed the construction of the new hospital at the abandoned Ypao Point site, citing a range of reasons from an infestation of little fire ants to congested parking and a fault line as significant as the San Andreas Fault in California,” he said.
With regard to the governor’s new plan, Barnett sought facts about the conditions of the mystery land where she intends to build the hospital.
“Are there any sinkholes present on any of the properties? Are the properties being acquired at their assessed value as indicated in the most recent Department of Revenue and Taxation Real Property Tax Assessment Roll, or is the government contemplating purchasing the proposed properties at the asking price?” he asked.
“These critical questions demand transparent and honest answers. The importance of transparency in political decision-making cannot be overstated,” he added.
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