Though we are in a midst of global recession, we must not forget that before this current turmoil, Puerto Rico's economy had been stagnant or declining for several years. Throughout this same period of time Puerto Rico has been loosing its competetive edge.

We may still be graduating more university grads, more female engineers or more NASA engineers than any other state, but these often quoted stats only accentuate the problem at hand. Regardless of the qualities we might want to hold on to, the Island as a whole is loosing its allure. Hundreds of thousands of its own citizens have left over the past 8 years. Thousands of businesses have filed for bankruptcy and many multinationals have left or are re-evaluating their ongoing operations. According to the Brookings Report only 47 percent of our population that is of productive age and able to work is gainfully employed. Of this group, forty percent is employed by the government. Puerto Rico needs urgent and swift change!

Business, local and foreign, agree: Puerto Rico needs smaller government with transparent transactions that is more agile and effective in serving or responding to its taxpayers and citizens needs. 

Thanks to overwhelming victories by Republicans in the local elections the time is ripe to deliver this change.

Governor Fortuño's plan for a more responsive Government that enables the economic and social development of the Island is multifaceted in its approach:

• Salaries of all top government executives were reduced by 10%
• Agencies were asked to budget for a 10% reduction in operational expenses
• Incentives were presented to promote early retirement and voluntary labor reductions
• Ongoing study to identify and fuse redundant operations among agencies.
• Paydown debt and regain faith of our creditors and investors.
• Public Private Partnerships to enable projects, streamline building and management costs and improve quality of service to citizens.
• Invest on government online transactions and interagency communications to reduce unnecessary government transactions and minimize the time to realize them.
• New government bonds to fund valuable infrastructure projects.

This plan touches all levels of government. It looks to improve our credit, search out new investment and invites all citizens to become investors in their own future.

But change is not easy, especially when the loudes voices heard are those opposed to change, those who want assurances from birth to the grave. Change needs a voice, it needs YOUR voice. Speak up or with your silence enable others to speak for you and continue the status quo: more bankruptcies, more professionals fleeing, more students migrating, multinationals closing operations, taxes paid for salaries and mediocre services. This is the status quo. Lend your voice to the change!