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‘Right time for me to take my shot’
L.J. Castro signs his certificate of candidacy yesterday at the Commonwealth Election Commission office at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center. Castro is seeking one of the three elective posts on the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council. (Jon Perez)
Luis John “L.J.” Castro believes this is the right time for him to seek public office that’s why he’s going to try and clinch one of the three seats on the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council.
Castro filed his certificate of candidacy a few hours before the 5pm deadline yesterday at the Commonwealth Elections Commission at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center.
He was a former member of the CNMI Youth Congress, host of various events, an announcer in fights organized by Trench Tech Saipan, part of the cultural group Simiyan Mañaina-ta, and for almost two years now, a public information specialist at the Governor’s Office.
Castro, more popularly known as L.J., said he believes that the office or the title of the person working in government does not matter. “Everybody that is involved in helping run the islands, their role is important.”
“So I figured, now is the time for me to take my shot. My life has always revolved around public service. I started in public service during my Youth Congress days. And there are a lot of things that I learned there that I still use in my professional life,” said Castro.
“That why I wanted to try to see what more I can do for our islands and our people. What other capacities I can give. I think, there’s no better time than now.”
Castro, if elected, said his focus would be working closely with the other members of the council and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang. “We must look at the issues at the villages that needs attention.”
“If elected, myself and other Municipal Council members must develop a good working relationship with the mayor. I always love working with the mayor and see what issues in our villages that need further attention.”
He added that if he gets the chance to serve in the council, they would reach out to the other branches of the government to see what they could do to improve the islands. “All issues here affect all of us.”
“That’s why, if I would be given the chance, I’m looking forward to roll up my sleeves up and work, whether with old or new members of the Legislature, and find ways to address the issues that affects Saipan and the Northern Islands.”
