‘Working relationship with feds is most critical issue for NMI’

Former governor Juan N. Babauta, who is running again for the post this November, believes that the most critical issue the CNMI is facing today is to keep a good working relationship with the federal government.
Babauta said that, if elected, he would push for the continuing CW workforce in the CNMI to keep the economy going and working with the federal government as a partner.

“Our partnership with the federal government is very critical and sometimes we tend to neglect that,” said Babauta.

He is running for governor with former education commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan as his running mate. They’re running as independent candidates.

The former governor said he wants to avoid a problem where the U.S. Congress is going one way and the administration is going the other.

Babauta underscored the importance of having to work with the federal government constantly, every step of the way.

“This is the only way we can prevent this issue of the lottery now that has come up,” said Babauta referring to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ decision to use a lottery system for the approval of the 4,999 CW petitions.

“They think it’s something that is fair. Well, it is unfair!” Babauta pointed out. “When you draw a lottery from 12,000 workers to make up to decide for 4,999 workers, you’re drawing CW workers from my pool of 12,000 that may not fit the critical categories of jobs that are essential here.”

Babauta said there should be a fairer way of selecting workers for the CNMI. He said the lottery system dilutes the criticalness of the workers that the CNMI needs.

“I’ve always viewed the most critical issue that we face today is to keep a good working relationship with our most important partner and that is the federal government,” he added.

Succeed
Babauta also assured that he wants to see the Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC succeed with its casino resort project on Saipan. “We have a contract with them through an enacted legislation. I would like to see that we implement the agreement.”

The former governor said he recognizes the contributions that Imperial Pacific is making to the community.

“We can harness that energy to make this partnership with them successful,” he said, adding that the only way that it can be done is to work together.

Babauta also underscored the importance of adhering to every law and regulation, whether local or federal, to accomplish the mission that is in the contract in order for the casino industry to be successful.

“I understand that there may be some financial issues going on but that something that we can work together,” he said.

Babauta said he is disposed to giving a helping hand to Imperial Pacific to make their casino industry succeed in the CNMI.