The 2005 Positively Local Awards
 

by Tony Blaz - 
KUAM's Political Insider
January 6, 2006

The Positively Local Awards for 2005 are important for our program. 

The Positively Local Hero Award: our loyal men and women of the United States armed forces that are stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Cape Horn Africa, Korea, in every sector of the world that our soldiers are fighting to preserve the freedom and security for the people of Guam. The unsung hero is Richard Degracia Naputi, Jr. the fourth son of Micronesia and the only son of Guam that died in Iraq in 2005. The people of Guam are saddened by the tragedy of the loss of Richard Naputi, Jr., whose fearless and brave support we honor and cherish.

The Milestone Award of 2005: the late Tony Leon Guerrero, the CEO and president of the Bank of Guam, who served our people and our island, a native Chamorro hero who has made history on Guam and the Western Pacific. The late mayor Joe Rivera for his outstanding service, love and devotion to the village of Dededo, and the late mayor Lucas San Nicolas for his service to the capitol city of Hagatna for numerous terms. Pope John Paul II, the world is a better place having been enriched by a man of God of faith humble unassuming a gentle and a compassionate man. John Paul II's life is proof positive of the wondrous love God has for his people.

The Smartest Move: Governor Felix Camacho and the 12 senators who supported the COLA retiree issue. 

The Dumbest Move: the numerous indictments and trials of former governor Carl Gutierrez, which has resulted in a number of dismissals and the verdict of not guilty. Thousands and thousands of dollars were expended for nothing. 

The Not-Forgotten-And-Not-Here on Guam Award: Bill McMillan. 

The Best Idea: the COLA retiree issue, which gave COLA to thousands of hard working dedicated and loyal retirees who are aged, sick and disabled. 

The Bad, Bad Idea: Bob Klitzkie for his anti-COLA retiree stance and his anti-Civil Service Commission idea, which will not provide the rights and responsibilities of GovGuam employees.

The Worst Idea: Attorney General Douglas Moylan's lawsuit for the tri-annual appraisal and his opposition to the Governor's bridge financing plan, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars for these lawsuits; the tri-annual appraisal idea that we can't even afford and the bridge financing bill which the AG has lost in the Superior Court, and the Supreme Court and has not done anything to ensure the Retirement Fund contributions for retirees, the income tax refunds for 2003, 2004, 2005 and the EITC. Dali Mr. Ag Moylan!!!

The Creative and Innovative Award: Governor Camacho for his adamant stance for a cost of living allowance for our retirees, the six schools to bring on educational opportunities for our children; road repairs and great infrastructure for our people; his relentless efforts to ensure water and waste water projects; and his stance to ensure EITC. Biba, Camacho!

The Great Campaign Idea: Senator Frank Blas Aguon Jr., for his political signs and various messages saying Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy New Year, etc. A seasonal message for our people is a great campaign idea.

The Rallying Cry Award: AG Moylan and the Child Enforcement Division for their "Love Your Kids" slogan.

The Movies of the Year Award: the Micronesia Mall Stadium Theatre.

The Political Pundit of 2005 Award: Dr. Ron McNinch.

The Spoiler Award: how can you be mean Mr. Grinch? (I'm sorry, Mr. Bob Klitzkie.)

The Winner of the Year Award: the Iraq election and the political suffrage of the people of Iraq. How about the political suffrage and the self-determination of the Chamorro people of Guam?

The Person of the Year Award: former speaker Carlos Taitano of the eight Guam Legislature, the Hero of the 1949 walkout who helped to bring U.S. citizenship of our people, a distinguished historian and a statesman of highest regard.

And the Biba Guam Award: our callers and listeners for their strong and relentless ideas and opinions to help to improve, inspire, and better our island and our people. Biba Guam!     

Tony Blaz hosts "Positively Local", a radio talkshow on Isla61-AM everyday from 6-10am