I am aware that there is a great deal of public interest in the Wal-Mart Bank application; however, I believe it is important that the application be processed in a manner that is consistent with current law,

The same considerations apply to homeowners. All else being equal, interest rates are higher now than they would be were real estate valuations less lofty, and if real estate prices begin to erode, homeowners should not expect to see all the gains of recent years preserved by monetary policy actions.

We and our mainland compatriots are of the same blood. We share a common interest and destiny. We ride on the same boat.

The silver lining on this is that it confirms that the Federal Reserve will not be raising interest rates anytime soon, which is good news for the market.

If the past is any guide, the effect of rising interest rates is likely to be felt most visibly in housing markets.

I thought I was acting, not improperly, but in the best interest of the county.