Marines moving to Guam and the media

The pending move of Marines from Okinawa to Guam continues to bring differing opinions to the airwaves of Newstalk K57. Conservative and liberal views abound on the air. Lotus Media Services and Sorensen Media Group Managing Director Evan Cohen said, "The Marines coming to Guam will have a huge impact on our community and it is important that we provide a forum for which people can express their opinions - whether conservative or liberal."
According to Cohen, 8,000 Marines and hundreds of their dependents will arrive on Guam in the coming years and that construction projects will begin at the same time. "It is our duty as corporate citizens to provide a venue for such discussion. I am also a firm believer in 'streaming'. This allows people from Guam who are living abroad to keep in touch with the issues that are affecting their friends or loved ones still living here. They can log on to www.k57.com for more," Cohen said. Streaming is important because it gives everyone a chance to know what is taking place on Guam.
There are people who favor Marines coming to Guam because it could mean a boost to the island's economy. I believe that national corporations will ultimately benefit from the construction projects that the bases on island will see. It is just a fact that Guam based companies cannot compete with national or multi-national corporations. Construction projects and infrastructure improvements will take place within the military footprint and those living outside the bases will just have to fend for themselves.
Cohen said, "We've invited Tony Lamorena from the Bureau of Planning to host a show. He has provided insight about what type of planning the government is conducting regarding the move." While I may not agree with all that is said on the radio about the move I am gaining some knowledge about how this will affect the Guam community and its people. It has recently been revealed that approximately 30,000 foreign workers will be needed to fill construction jobs. Imagine - all those workers bringing their families to Guam. If only half of those workers had only one school-age child ... that would mean 15,000 additional children in already overcrowded public schools. If each of those workers had just one car that's 30,000 more vehicles on the road. Now combine those figures with 8,000 more cars and people. I am an American and patriotic but I am concerned about the impact this move would have on a small community.