Today we thank our family, friends, supporters, and the people of Guam who came out to rally for change during this election. Voters had a choice before them that was critical for the future of our island, our children, and grandchildren. The Gutierrez Gumataotao gubernatorial team offered a different direction than Calvo Tenorio are taking the island. We offered a chance to bring government back to the people. We wanted to preserve and promote those characteristics of our island and government that put people first. We congratulate Governor Eddie Calvo and Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio on their re-election and urge them to change course, to reach out to people, even their critics, and embrace them so our community can begin the tough process of healing. Let friends return to being friends, and families to being families. That is what makes Guam special — our love for one another. I urge Governor Calvo to reject political retribution and open his arms to embrace different opinions and those who might not agree with him on important issues. We must work together — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — to put behind the partisan bitterness and focus on things we can agree upon. We need to stand together on common ground and fight the growing apathy and complacency among voters. When we look at the number of eligible voters who decided not to register, or simply not to vote, we are deeply troubled. We are worried for our island, our future, and our democracy. The quality of government and leadership we have is directly linked to the level of engagement of the people in the electoral process. Not only are people not voting in droves, even fewer are willing to step up to the plate and run for office. This should be of deep concern to the governor, our senators, and everyone who cares about our island. Yes, the Calvo Tenorio team had enormous resources at their disposal, the Office of the Governor, and the treasury of Guam to assist their bid for re-election. We had a modest amount of cash and few resources. But we had an abundance of love and hard work. Yet, the sad truth is, too many people have dropped out of the process of democracy and simply given up hope, given up believing government can and will work for them, and given up trusting the promises of politicians. Looking at the low voter turnout is a wake up call for all of us in public service and those concerned about our island. Its time we come together regardless of our party or our differences and fight this growing disease of apathy. Its time we work together to reconnect government to and with the people. Its time we put aside political retribution and let the dark clouds of fear dissipate. Its time we join together, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, to restore trust in leadership and hope in government. Its not too late. We call upon Governor Calvo to demonstrate what we who are called to govern are challenged to do each and every day — to stand up, put aside the past for the greater good, and lead the way. I implore the governor to reach out and make a sincere effort to bring our community back together again. Nothing less than the future welfare of our island, our children, and our families is at stake. May God always bless and keep our island safe and whole in goodness. If called upon, we are more than willing to help bridge the divide, heal past hurts, and come together in the spirit of inafamaolek — striving for harmony to make our community a better place to live, serve and enjoy, because neither of us can fathom losing the special tight-knit closeness of Guam. Throughout this campaign we have gratefully reacquainted with family and friends and even enjoyed meeting and greeting new faces along the way. And that makes us feel like weve won the most important thing of all: the mutual love, respect and appreciation that comes with nurturing worthwhile relationships. To the people of Guam, once again, Si Yuos Maåse, maraming salamat po, and thank you from us and our families. Your support, faith, encouragement and love are deeply appreciated and will carry us forward into the future. With deep love for you and for Guam, Carl T.C. Gutierrez Gary Wayne Francis Gumataotao
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 05:40:04 +0000