Tina Sablan announces House candidacy

Sablan

Former House lawmaker Christina “Tina” Sablan intends to run again as an independent candidate for a Precinct 2 seat in the House of Representatives.

Precinct 2 includes Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, As Lito, Fina Sisu, As Perdido, and Laly 4 on Saipan.

In a statement yesterday, Sablan, a Susupe resident, said she is running for public office this year “because I want to help build the movement for a safer, healthier, and more beautiful Marianas.

“I want an economy that raises the quality of life for us all. And I want a government that is transparent and accountable,” Sablan said.

In the statement, she expressed concern about the direction the CNMI is going, which she described as “poorly planned.” Sablan, who holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, pointed out that “unchecked economic growth may have generated more revenue in recent years, but it has come at a heavy price.”

Sablan said voters can expect her to be open, transparent, and to put the wellbeing of the community first. She promises to prioritize public funding for the Commonwealth’s healthcare system, public safety, infrastructure, education, village revitalization, and environmental protection. She also said she will champion long-term planning and development.

“My commitment is to represent the people of Precinct 2 and the Marianas with honesty, integrity, and respect,” Sablan said.

Sablan noted that she is running in this 2018 election with a coalition of other independent candidates and supporters who share similar values and goals.

The independent candidates who have announced their candidacies so far include: Edwin Propst, Lino Sablan Tenorio, Joseph Arriola Flores, Franklin Reyes Babauta, and Samantha Birmingham-Babauta for Precinct 1; Isabel Pangelinan Matsunaga for Precinct 2; Edmund Villagomez for Precinct 3; Sheila Babauta for Precinct 4; and Vinnie Sablan for Senate.

“I am proud to be part of such a hopeful and dynamic coalition,” Sablan said.

Sablan is presently the deputy communications director and outreach coordinator for Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP). She has previously served as a news reporter and anchor for KSPN2, and as a representative for Precinct 1 in the 16th Legislature.