‘I serve everyone on Rota’

Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig described a petition against him as “crazy” but, on a conciliatory note, said the people behind it should just accept the outcome of the November election since “people have already spoken.”

At the same time, Atalig said his office has always been open not only to his supporters, but also to his critics since his duty is to help everyone who is part of the Rota community.

“We have always been a democracy and I am reaching out to them. We welcome everybody. My office has always been open to all—supporters or my critics. I’m open to talk about the daily issues that may impact the people of Rota. Everyone has room in my administration,” Atalig told Saipan Tribune.

The petition—spearheaded by Peter A. Camacho—is soliciting signatures from Rota voters to convince Atalig to disassociate himself from his office while his corruption cases remain pending in court. Thomas A. Manglona and Abraham M. Ogo were later named as also behind the petition.

The petition had already drawn 67 signatures yesterday.

“I have seen the petition and I think it is a crazy idea because the people have already spoken. They should accept the outcome of the election since we are a small community. We must come together and help each other,” said Atalig yesterday. “They just want me out but let us not anymore perpetuate hate. I am not forcing them but, hopefully, they could respond and we could meet and talk things over. We don’t want this to affect our services for the people of Rota.”

Atalig is facing corruption charges in the U.S. District Court for the NMI and in the CNMI Superior Court. He and his girlfriend allegedly used public funds for several personal off-island trips.

Atalig remains upbeat and is optimistic. “I’m not thinking of losing. I have faith in God and confidence in our judicial system. I stay positive. …I’m not afraid. It is a bit sad that they have to put out a petition against me. Why they have to go through a petition? The election is over. The people have already spoken and they again put their trust in me.”

In last month’s elections, Atalig emerged on top of a five-person mayoralty race on Rota. He won a second term, earning 576 votes for an almost 100-vote winning margin over independent candidate Julie O. Manglona (487), while outgoing Senate vice president Steve K. Mesngon came third with 345. Crispin M. Ayuyu (135) and Richard E. Taisacan (61) were the other candidates.