2018-Election-Supplement.Pdf
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THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION EDITOR’S NOTE ov. 6, 2018. That’s the date of the general election this year. There are 18,975 registered voters as of mid-October. Considering the high voting rate of the Commonwealth, it would be safe to assume that this year’s turnout will also be astronomical. A high number will choose their leaders from about 90 Nwho have offered their services and pledges on behalf of the Commonwealth and, democracy being participatory, those who show up and cast their votes at the polling booth will have the say on which direction they want the Commonwealth to take. The Saipan Tribune is issuing this election supplement as a means by which we hope to educate voters about their choices and to give our candidates a free forum where they can make their case on why voters should choose them. The newspaper solicited responses from candidates on three basic questions only—What is your vision for the Commonwealth? How do you plan to achieve that vision? What qualifies you for the position you are running for?— and the responses printed here are those that made it to the deadline. Other candidates chose not to participate; that is their prerogative and we respect that. This election has also been highlighted by much acrimony, not only among the candidates but also their supporters. The Saipan Tribune’s choice to sidestep and not take part in that will hopefully guide our voters in making well-reasoned choices come November. JAYVEE VALLEJERA Managing Editor 2 NOVEMBER 6, 2018 SAIPAN TRIBUNE SUPPLEMENT PLEASE VOTE! # EDWIN K. 5 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PRECINCT 1 | INDEPENDENT PENDING SAIPAN TRIBUNE SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 6, 2018 3 FOR GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Q: What qualifies you for the position you are running for? A: We are the most qualified candidates for the governor and lieutenant governor posi- tions because we have the strongest record of progress for the people of the CNMI. In lifetimes of service, we, Ralph DLG. Torres and Arnold I. Palacios, have committed our- selves toward recognizing the problems our people face and meet them head-on with solutions and a commitment to collabora- tion and progress. Ralph DLG Torres: In the past three years alone, Gov. Ralph Torres led the recovery and rebuilding of CNMI after typhoons Soudelor and Mangkhut. Torres has presided over the economic recovery of the CNMI after years RALPH DLG TORRES/ARNOLD I. PALACIOS of austerity and economic depression. He (CNMI Republican Party) has improved government services, made the decision to maintain the full payment of re- Q: What is your vision for the Q: How do you plan to achieve that vision? tiree pensions, and has improved the financial Commonwealth? A: We have begun the work of achieving this condition of the CNMI government, while A: Our vision is that of progress. Progress vision. We have achieved the fastest econom- paying the largest sums to land compensation comes in many forms and requires address- ic growth in the country in 2016, we continue and past-due government obligations. ing a wide range of persistent issues facing to pay 100 percent of our retirees’ pen- Arnold I. Palacios: Palacios has distin- the people of the CNMI. Progress can be sions, increased average hourly wages by 42 guished himself in his lifelong service to the achieved in creating a government with a percent, increased U.S. citizen workforce by public, most notably as an elected official and strong financial management to pay down 27 percent, decreased unemployment, crime head of the Department of Lands and Natural longstanding obligations such as land com- is down by 65.3 percent, long-term debt Resources. He has served as representative, pensation claims and reducing the recurring is down by $10 million, and more money speaker of the House, senator, and now serves government deficit. Progress can be achieved than ever has been invested in our education as Senate President in the CNMI Legislature. in fostering a vibrant economy with new ser- system, our workforce development network, Through his leadership, he created the Saipan vices and opportunities for residents and our and our healthcare system. Higher Education Financial Assistance growing number of visitors. Progress is jobs The work is not yet finished. Realizing Program, which has supported the attain- that provide incomes suitable for families this vision requires a constant pursuit of ment of higher education for thousands of across the CNMI to secure a higher standard the solutions that will benefit the lives of the CNMI’s students. He has championed of living for themselves. Lastly, progress is our people. We will take advantage of the the protection of our environment and accountability to the people—from our man- strength of our economy to further invest spearheaded the creation of the CNMI’s first- hoben to our man’amko—listening to their in our education system, increase public ever Office of Planning and Development concerns, allowing their voices to be heard services, continue to innovate in govern- to plan and manage our islands’ growth. As in their government and responding to meet ment services that address the needs of Senate President, Palacios has a consistent their needs in an evolving world. the public like the creation of the CNMI’s and proven track record of accomplishments This vision includes greater investment in first-ever public transportation system or that will continue to serve the interests of the our infrastructure—our airports, our roads, the HOPE substance abuse rehabilitation CNMI people. our utilities system, and our public facilities. center, and find solutions to our longstand- Together and along with the CNMI We will have a 21st century infrastructure for ing issues of community health. Republican Party, we have created a vision of a 21st society. This vision is for a diversified We will invest in the next generation of our progress that includes all who call the CNMI economy fueled by a local workforce edu- islands workforce, and continue to support home. We have a record of success in improv- cated and trained in world-class institutions. the needs of our retirees and our man’amko. ing the lives of our people. We have commit- And this vision is of a growth that benefits We will reach out and grow our economy in a ted ourselves to creating more jobs, a stronger everyone in the community, with high wages safe, sustainable, and managed way to ensure economy, higher wages, the protection of our and a confident middle class that are kept safe the protection of our environment and the retirees, the support of our students, and the by a well-supported public safety system. This advancement of our culture. And we will do improvement of our islands’ health and will is not just a vision, however. In the last three all this and much more with the interest and continue to do so if elected. We stand by our years the Republican Party has done much to the voices of all who call the CNMI home in records and ask for your support and your see this vision become a reality. our hearts. vote this coming November. 4 NOVEMBER 6, 2018 SAIPAN TRIBUNE SUPPLEMENT FOR GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ JUAN N. BABAUTA/RITA SABLAN (Independent) Q: What is your vision for the n Create job opportunities and imple- My 28 years of work experience in the pub- Commonwealth? ment a livable, fair, and equitable wage. lic sector as a teacher, school administrator and A: Our vision for the Commonwealth of the n Provide affordable housing. education commissioner gave me the oppor- Northern Mariana Islands is to restore public n Protect our environment. tunity to work and collaborate with individu- trust in government and improve the quality als, parents, government entities, legislative of life for all people. Q: What qualifies you for the position and executive branches, business sectors, and you are running for? non-profit, non–government organizations Q: What is the kind of CNMI do you A: Juan Nekai Babauta: I believe that I am faith-based and service organizations. envision? very much qualified for this position because My doctoral education degree in leader- A: A CNMI where the government is of my education but especially my experience ship and organization has prepared me to transparent, accountable and responsible and having served the people of the CNMI as an effectively make day-to-day organizational where people will want to stay and call the elected official for 20 years as senator, Wash- decisions, strategic plans and approach chal- CNMI their home. ington representative and governor. lenges from a leadership perspective. More importantly, it is my desire to help In my most recent work experience as an Q: How do you plan to achieve that vision? our people to live in a healthy, educated, and entrepreneur, I have consulted and mentored n Restore public trust and confidence. a robust economy that is enjoyed by all. The teachers, school administrators and other n Ensure responsible management CNMI is paradise. We should all be living a school personnel. My volunteer work with and sustainable economic good life. Kristo Rai, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, development. Rita Aldan Sablan: I believe that my edu- and the Employer Support of the Guards n Promote and strengthen healthcare cational background and work experiences in and Reserves have given me the opportunity services. both the public and private sectors have given to work with but also contribute back to the n Provide quality and affordable me the essential leadership knowledge and community in a faith-based setting and to education. skills to seek public office, and in this case, the those who are service members and their n Support and strengthen public safety.