Former governor says niece eager to serve community

Former governor Juan N. Babauta said his niece, Sheila Therese Jack Babauta, has always been keen to serving the community.

The younger Babauta filed her candidacy as an independent for House of Representatives under precinct 4 last Thursday at the Commonwealth Election Commission.

Precinct 4 covers Tanapag, San Roque, Capitol Hill, and Northern Islands.

The former governor said as a young child her niece went to school in Hawaii and came back.

“She’s so eager to come back and be part of the community. She’s been trying to figure out how she can play a larger role in the community,” Juan N. Babauta said.

He said Sheila finally decided that running for public office is probably a way that she can play that role.

“And here she is today accompanied by a lot of supporters, family members and friends. I’m very happy for her. I’m just so eager to see her serve the people,” the former governor said.

Sheila, a director of the Marianas Young Professionals, submitted her petition for nomination surrounded by her uncle, his gubernatorial running mate Dr. Rita Sablan, other independent candidates, family members, and supporters.

Juan Babauta and Sablan are also running as independents for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.

Sheila Babauta, in an interview after filing her candidacy, said after returning home, she has been serving the community and that now she feels that it’s time that she can serve on a larger platform and really help the community that way.

“I can’t wait to serve the people, serve the community,” she said.

Sheila Babauta thanked everyone for their enthusiasm, support, and encouragement.

“It means a lot throughout this journey and I am really excited. I am more excited than anything this coming election,” she said.

Sheila Babauta said she is really pro-residents and that her campaign and platform is based on the values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Empowerment (RISE).

“Respect for our land, culture, and community through planned development,” she said.

Sheila Babauta said “I” stands for Integrity through transparent, regular, and accessible communication.

“Service through opportunities for our village residents that strengthen community relationships and the heart of our villages,” she said.

Babauta said “E” is for Empowerment through education that supports the youth, health and well-being, small business, and higher education programs.

“I’m young. I’m educated. I’m proactive. And I’m a woman,” said the 29-year Sheila Babauta, adding that all such qualifications are needed on Capitol Hill as that she feels she can make positive contributions.

“It is time we take responsibility and do our part to contribute to a better CNMI. It is time to RISE together,” she said.

Sheila Babauta has a fundraiser on Aug. 4 at Aqua Resort.

“So we’re inviting everyone go come out. It’s gonna be a fun time,” she said.

Sheila Babauta is a former contracting officer’s technical representative with the CIP/Office of the Governor.