Ambrose for governor

I knew the title would be an eye catcher but it is not about me but who I believe is best for the CNMI. I stopped writing letters to the editor because there comes a time when it’s time to stop talking and to start walking your talk and doing something. Like many educators I have stayed away from publicly supporting any candidate but the reality is, if educators don’t start being more active about politics in the CNMI, we are bound to continue making the same mistakes when it comes to voting for candidates. Not only do students look up to and respect teachers for guidance but so does the voting public.

Teachers and educators in general are considered to be the most informed group of voters in almost every modern society and it is our job to promote civic education through the application of current events in our society. Although we are forbidden to promote candidates and their political agendas in school, it shouldn’t deter educators from being more vocal and active in the politics of the CNMI. In fact, an overwhelming majority of teachers in the mainland play a major role in deciding who wins in their districts through their unions, who are courted by political candidates for support. Our teachers are not organized and we have remained virtually powerless and silent on the politics of the CNMI and it’s time for real change!

I’m sure all the gentlemen who are running for governor care about the CNMI but former governor Juan N. Babauta has been the only politician in the 17 years I have taught in the CNMI to really put forth a genuine education platform that he tried very hard to implement but he was met with opposition by the CNMI State Board of Education. I know because I was on the board that fought him and they fought against me for trying to help teachers. Too often we have seen other politicians use education as a vote-getting tool and didn’t deliver anything. Educators must change and use their votes to determine the politician. Given the closeness of the past elections, educators have the collective power to make a difference in determining who will be the next governor and lieutenant governor, senator or representative.

Given our economic situation, which is tied directly to federalization and the need for us to work with the federal government, we need a governor with an established record of working with the federal government first and foremost and it is no secret which candidate is best suited for working with the feds. Our living conditions make the decision we are facing in this election the most serious decision for governor since the creation of the Commonwealth.

I’m sure everyone with common sense knows this election is not about the past but the future of the CNMI. I will be the first to say we must consider the past record of candidates but more important and the ultimate goal is to determine the best candidate with the potential for a better future. I encourage everyone to speak out on the election regardless of the candidate they support, especially educators, but please stick to the candidates and issues—not me.