Change elections so voters can enact laws
Guam voters passed an initiative to reduce the number of senators. But that was a legislative submission. Not one from the voters getting it on the ballot. This means the people of Guam have never enacted a law by initiative. The process needs to change.
First, at least 3,000 voted in the last election and left the initiative question blank. Under our law that counts as a no vote. This has to change. An initiative should pass if there are more yes votes then no votes.
Second, we need a process whereby the people can place a question on the ballot, for example, how the superintendent of education should be chosen: appointed by the governor; appointed by the elected school board; or elected by the voters. This can be on the primary ballot and the top two advance to the General Election and the one selected becomes law. Or if one receives more votes than the other two combined in the primary then it becomes law.
Third, another process for voters to make laws can be an optional method. Like vote yes or no on each item: bingo is allowed if operated by nonprofit; bingo is allowed if operated by private business; slot machines allowed but only inside airport where passengers are to depart; casinos allowed but only in hotels with guest signed in for three or more days. Place all these items on ballots. Each one people vote yes or no. Those that receive more yes votes than no votes become law.
MARK "PAPS" MARTINEZ
Don't lay blame; help kids overcome drugs
In response to the submission of Daniel John Padilla in Voice of the People "Parents, be active to keep kids off drugs." To state, "If parents want a good future for their kids, they should not let them do drugs," is absolutely ludicrous. First of all, no parent would ever "allow" their child to do drugs. And those who do need to get the help that is available for both parent and child.
To also state that parents should check their child's bags for drugs, well, here's a lesson: even if your child does not bring a bag to school, it does not necessarily mean he/she is unable to get it elsewhere.
It is easy for someone to lay blame on parents, and that is just how our world works. Just because a child does drugs does not necessarily mean the parent does as well. That's just stereotyping. Drugs affect all types of families. You do not have to be less fortunate to be affected by drugs.
And regardless of how active you are with your child, it does not mean that your child will not be exposed to drugs or any type of illegal substances. I am glad that Mr. Padilla was lucky enough to escape the evils of drugs. Not many children and families are. And he, as well as many others, is entitled to his opinion about who drugs affect. But with great counseling from Judge Arthur Barcinas, the wonderful staff and counselors at Juvenile Division at Superior Court of Guam, kids do succeed. But as a community, we cannot lay blame on anyone.
We have to make sure we guide these children and their families to get the help they need and use the resources that are available to help them on that journey.
JO ANN M. AGUERO