During the recent Micronesia Mall "Meet the Candidates" event, Guam News Network asked candidates for Lt. Governor three questions related to crime and drugs. Each candidate said no single approach will address drugs and crime on Guam and both called for a "multi-prong approach" combining interdiction, prevention and treatment.
The first question posed to both candidates asks if the drug problem on Guam is a law enforcement failure or a rehabilitation failure. Edward J. Calvo said it's both but called it a shortfall rather than a failure.
"We need to support not only getting the drugs off the street, and limiting the supply on the island, number one, but at the same time provide that treatment capacity so that we can get anyone that is suffering at this time—get them the help they need," Calvo said. "And you have to do both, otherwise it's cyclical. So, I would say the shortfall is on both ends, and if you approach both with equal attention and focus, you will produce results, and we will start seeing healthier Guam."
Sabina Perez described herself as a "holistic thinker" and framed the issue partly as supply and demand.
"We need to do a multi-prong approach when it comes to drugs, addressing drugs and crime on our island. And so, when it comes to drugs, you know, of course you have— you can consider a supply-demand problem, right? So, we need to increase interdiction of drugs on our island," Perez said. "Also, the other very important component is prevention. So, we need to strengthen prevention measures in addition to ensuring treatment. So, I think, of course, with prevention, you're going to get the most impact when it comes to prevention. But I think it's a combination of all those."
When pressed to pick single priority, funding more police officers or rehabilitation, Calvo said balance matters, but he would lean toward facilities and treatment.
"I would say to bring balance, that's very important, just like we just discussed. But at the end of the day, I believe that I'd probably focus on the facilities and treatment so that we can help those that are currently suffering. And at the same time, work to provide more resources to get drugs off the street, get it reduced the amount of drugs coming onto the island. But there's also different tactics that can be used to address those issues. But we have to help people that are currently suffering," Calvo said.
Perez said she would again follow a multi-prong approach.
"And it can't succeed with just one using one approach. And so, prevention, of course, I think that one is very key to a lot. You're going to get the most impact, but it's not going to be your only means of addressing drugs on Guam. Of course, you have to increase enforcement and interdiction. As well as, for those that are addicted, treatment and rehabilitation is also critical. So, it has to be a multi-prong approach," Perez said.
Asked how each administration would address the need for a new prison facility for the Department of Corrections, Calvo pointed toward the project already moving forward.
"There is movement that we're learning about from this administration that they took in steps, and we need to continue that progress and get a new facility built to be able to have the capacity for DOC, as well as relocate any lockup out of Agaña. And ensure that we can, you know, taking care of people and providing that opportunity to be rehabilitated and come back and be a part of the community once again. So that's a major initiative that affects everyone on the island, and we sometimes forget that how important it is. So, it will be done," Calvo said.
Perez who currently serves as a Senator in the 38th Guam Legislature, agreed a new prison facility is "critical."
"I think it's one of the things that we have to prioritize. Of course, other capital-improvement projects get a lot more attention; this is one that really, we really need to jump on. And, you know, we have to review what this plan is about, because I know we need to make sure that we prioritize. I think the key is prioritization. We already passed laws to allow for the enable DOC to procure CIP for this. And it needs to be prioritized," she said.