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To the people of the Northern Mariana Islands
You have elected me to represent you in the U.S. Congress for seven terms. I shall never, ever, forget this extraordinary privilege and will forever be grateful to you.
Recently, some of you have asked me to run for governor. Others advise that my seniority in Congress gives me the standing there to be of most use to the people.
Whichever road I choose, my goal will always be to help our islands and all who live here. And I know, whichever road I choose, ultimately the people will decide.
The 2022 election, however, is over a year away.
In the meantime, there is work to do in Congress and much to be accomplished for the Marianas.
So many of you have already been helped through the pandemic with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and stimulus checks and the $500 million operating funds for the Commonwealth government and the Public School System that pay salaries and keep services going.
Looking ahead we have an infrastructure bill to pass in Congress. There is an even larger American Families Plan that could include funding to modernize our only hospital and transform our schools. We must secure the money to keep our Medicaid program running.
The Marianas is too easily left out of these actions without active representation. So, because of the time difference between our home and Washington, I regularly work the midnight shift, attending caucus meetings with congressional leadership and voting in committee on legislation. That work schedule leaves little time for campaigning or planning the next election.
That is okay. I believe voters care more about what their leaders are doing for them than about slick campaign videos and expensive rallies.
So rather than working to get myself elected, I will keep working to make your life better, as I always have.
Election papers do not have to be filed until 90 days before the 2022 election. There is plenty of time for people to let me know what you want me to do next and how I can best serve you.
Stay safe.
