Expansion of Government Housing Assistance

 

 

  During Ricky’s administration numerous government housing projects were started and developed.  The first project is a “resort housing for senior citizens” in Tumon called "Guam Trankilidat."  Perhaps, one of the most notable housing developments were the various sub-divisions.

                                     

 

“Subdivisions completed, after many years of delay the long-awaited sub-divsions in Agat, Umatac and Merizo were finally completed through the efforts of this administration." - Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 11) 

Another significant development plan was Asan’s 16 Million-Dollar improvement and modernization plan.

Perhaps the most recognizable representations of public housing are the various GHURA housing developments.  During Ricky’s tenure GHURA 500 in Dededo neared 40 percent completion in 1977.  

“CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS WAS MADE IN MEETING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE.” - Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 10)

Despite the negative stigma of GHURA, presently, people have a roof over their heads and shelter from the rain.  We can attribute that fact through Ricky’s efforts.


Public Safety Initiatives

Bordallo demonstrated his care for the safety of the good citizens of Guam.  The most notable of his public safety initiatives is the New Neighborhood Patrol. 

 

                                           

   

"In a very significant innovation the administration brings the police closer to the people through the new neighborhood motorcycle patrol." - Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 19)  

 Ricky’s commitment toward fighting crime is supported by his statement: “There should be no let-up in our concern efforts to eliminate crime as a threat to our community” – Ricky Bordallo (Text of the Governor’s Message 1975, 11)


Role of Women Enhanced

Bordallo recognized the need for the increase of women's participation in politics:

 

“As a matter of public policy, I regularly tap the talents of women through appointment to cabinet and other key positions.  Today, Guam has talented women as Director of Budget and Management, President of our University, Director of Education and Deputy Director of Labor and Agriculture, and a Judge of the Superior Court of Guam – all appointed by me.  I have also placed more women on boards of commissions than at any time in the history of the island.”

– Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 5)

 

“During his tenure, he sought to strengthen the administrative system to make it work not just better, but smarter, identifying its weaknesses and idiosyncracies.  Ricky’s preoccupation with public accountability, complimented by his people-oriented philosophy towards improving and reforming government may not have influenced unwilling minds but it found its way into helping the people of Guam.”

– Dr. Judith Guthertz (Commemorative Ceremony Ricardo J. Bordallo, 12)