Candidates for Guam Delegate face off in Guam Chamber of Commerce forum

Still undecided about who deserves your vote to represent Guam in Washington, D.C.?

As election day approaches, Congressional candidates democrat Ginger Cruz and republican James Moylan are making their final push to win you over, taking on pressing issues at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Congressional forum today.

From how these political opponents plan to tackle Guam’s workforce challenges.

“If we handle those two things, child care, and elder care, and really work to get those programs here on Guam, that is something concrete that can help more people get to work–can build our workforce,” said Ginger Cruz.

“Keeping workforce in Guam is important–how we do that is educate them here locally–providing the grants–especially teaching kids about the STEM programs as well, healthcare and cyber tech too. There are more grants available for that as well,” said James Moylan. 

To their plans on balancing the recovery of tourism while pushing for long-term diversification. This question comes on the heels of a recent report from Guam’s tourism stakeholders revealing the island’s tourism industry faces an unprecedented crisis.

Cruz proposes a fresh look at federal per diem rates and shares this solution.

“Investing in our villages–investing all across the island–in our small businesses to make it unique and special so that independent travelers want to come to and enjoy,” said Cruz.   

While Moylan said he has his eye on the Philippines.

“Introduce a Philippine visa waiver. Why are we having our allies who are helping defend the freedom of the INDOPACOM area have a visa waiver come to Guam,” said Moylan.   

Moylan pointed to a measure already in place for this solution, while Cruz counters, claiming Moylan has not acted on the visa waiver issue for two years, pledging to take action herself if elected.

The candidates also touched on education, public transportation, and more during the forum.