Propst: NMI wants responsible governance

Representative-elect Edwin K. Propst won handily in Precinct 1 where 17 candidates vied for six House seats. As a public interest advocate, Propst believes the community wants responsible governance and is looking for leaders who will put the public interest first.

“I believe that unemployment and high utility rates are two of the biggest challenges facing the CNMI today,” said Propst. “For starters, the private sector must stop subsidizing the government’s failure to pay their utilities in a timely manner. It is equally important for the government to actively reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and to invest in alternative energy and other infrastructure that will last beyond the next 10 to 20 years; this will help CUC customers and ensure that we’re planning for the future.”

Propst said one of the major reasons he is endorsing Hofschneider and Yumul is that this team recognizes the importance of setting the community on a path to alternative energy and has a total commitment to infrastructure development that will last beyond the usual 10-year period.

“During our house-to-house visits, Heinz and Ray heard for themselves how hard it is for the average family to pay their power bills; they know what it is like out there and they have real, workable solutions,” Propst said. “I am a big believer in listening and fully trust that Heinz and Ray have taken to heart the expressed needs of our community and that they are prepared to follow through on their commitments.”

According to Propst, the other challenge facing the Commonwealth is unemployment, which he says will require greater attention to education and training. “Furthermore, “ he stated, “there is an increasing need for a well-trained local workforce in order to meet future labor demands if our economy is to expand and improve.”

“The CNMI must be in a position to meet the labor changes that will materialize with changes in federal law,” Propst said. “And we must adapt and begin to anticipate what these labor and employment opportunities will be, get ahead of the curve if you will, to ensure that our people have jobs. I am confident that Heinz and Ray can lead us in that direction.”

As a private citizen, Propst volunteers for a variety of community-related activities. He resides on Saipan with his wife and his four children.

Propst attended Northern Marianas College, Sophia University in Japan on a JAL scholarship, and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a B.A. in communications. (PR)