Igisomar announces intent to seek re-election

Igisomar

Sen. Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan) has formally submitted his intent to run for re-election under the CNMI’s Republican Party. He officially transmitted his intent to party president James Ada, on Jan. 12, 2016. Igisomar, a freshman senator, won the CNMI’s special election by a landslide during the 2014 Special Election for Senate—Saipan.

Despite having a significantly shorter term compared to his colleagues, Igisomar has introduced bold initiatives to include the introduction of a Medicinal Marijuana bill, in addition to new legislation, which aims to allow for Economic Development Bonds, which have no government obligation for repayment. In addition to these initiatives, the senator has been a staunch critic of air service provider, Cape Air. His continued advocacy for quality service for the islands includes correspondence to United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Igisomar is the chairman for the Senate Standing Committee on Public Utilities Transportation and Communication (PUTC), vice chairman for the Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation (SNILD), and chairman for the SNILD Standing Committee on JGO.

“I believe that my commitment to the people of Saipan and the greater CNMI, has been illustrated in the short time that I have held office. It is a privilege to serve the people of Saipan and I firmly believe that there is still much work to be done. I know that I can’t tend to everyone’s needs and that I will have my share of critics, however I have and will continue to introduce measures and implement initiatives that meet the needs of the broadest spectrum of my constituents as I possibly can. I want to serve our people again and I ask them once again for their support and trust to continue to serve them,” said Igisomar.

For the retirees, Igisomar was active and vocal in working with the Legislative Leadership and the Administration to look-out for the welfare of the retirees and make sure there is stable funding for their pension and strongly advocating and supporting for the passage of the following laws:

• House Bill No. 19-136, SD1, entitled, “To amend Public Law No. 19-08 to specifically authorize the Governor to reprogram Executive Branch Appropriations to pay for the 25 percent pension payments; and for other purposes” – now public law 19-35;

• House Bill No. 19-137, HD1 , SD1 , entitled, “To amend 4 CMC § 1803, Distribution of Revenues Marianas Visitor Authority and the Retirement Fund and to repeal 1 CMC § 8365, Tax Revenue; and to make the Act apply retroactively; and for other purposes” – now public law 19-36; and

• Saipan Local Law 19-12 To appropriate the Two Million US Dollars ($2,000,000) allotted to the Third Senatorial District under Public Law 18-56 for the retirement 25 percent pension.

Igisomar has initiated the process for his intent to run for re-election, the Republican Party will need to adhere to its internal process prior its public endorsement for its slate of candidates in the upcoming election.