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‘My door is always open’
Lieutenant governor-elect and Senate President Ralph DLG Torres (R-Saipan) believes that with his insights on the inner workings of the Legislature, he can serve as a bridge between the Executive Branch and the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The 35-year-old vowed to his colleagues in the Senate that he would continue to work with them even as he takes up residence at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office next door.
“As I move over to the other side, rest assured I would give even more effort and every energy that I have to work with you as I know the process from House and the Senate. I know what you guys need and what you guys want. My door is always open for all of you guys,” he said during the Senate sine die session last Tuesday.
Before winning a Senate seat, Torres served as lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
Aside from promising to cooperate with the Legislature, Torres also thanked his family and supporters during his farewell speech at the upper chamber.
Most especially he extended his love to his wife, Dianne, and their five children. Torres even managed to get laughs from his fellow senators and the gallery when said he’s done his fair share of work not only in public service but also in his household “with five kids in nine years of marriage.”
Torres also took the time to thank his three older brothers—Vince, Victorino, and Joaquin. His voice almost cracked when he thanked their mother, who gamely campaigned for her youngest son during the elections.
The Senate president also gave kudos to the community for voting for him and Gov. Eloy S. Inos in the 2014 general elections and the subsequent runoff elections.
“Throughout the election it was never easy, as you all well know. We encountered a lot of criticism both personal and political issues.”
Torres said he looks forward to working with Inos and forging a better future for the people of the Commonwealth.
“It’s a different party. But I know his heart and my heart are the same. Both of us want to help the people of the CNMI.”
Before rejoining the NMI Republican Party last year, Inos was the head of the Covenant Party, which merged with the GOP when Inos and Torres agreed to run together.
