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CNMI appeals for Bush’s assistance
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Posted on Dec 18 2000
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said on Friday he is looking forward to working with President-elect George W. Bush to enhance relations with the CNMI and federal government.
Citing his administration’s policy of constructive engagement with federal officials despite differences on labor and immigration issues, the local chief executive asked the incoming U.S. leader to help the islands, particularly in the economy.
“We will continue to follow that policy and we’re looking forward to working with the new administration,” he told reporters in an interview after the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Kagman Community Center.
“[I will ask the Bush administration] to please help us because we need help, especially now with our economy is still stagnant,” added Mr. Tenorio.
Although he did indicate whether he will attend the inauguration of Mr. Bush, he noted governors all over the United States and its territories are given “customary” invitation to the ceremony.
“I was fortunate to attend few occasions in the presidential inauguration,” he said.
Mr. Tenorio was on the last year of his second term as governor when Mr. Bush’s father and namesake was the president of the United States.
He had also met several times with the president-elect during the annual conference of all governors across the nation as Mr. Bush was governor of Texas before being elected to the White House.
The Republican candidate emerged the victor in his tight battle with Democratic Vice President Al Gore five weeks after the Nov. 7 polls.
CNMI officials and business leaders have hailed his victory, saying this would help their efforts to thwart federal takeover attempts waged by the Clinton administration and Democratic members of the U.S. Congress.
The island government has always counted on the support of Republican majority in Congress in trying to block legislation that would extend federal immigration and minimum wage laws to the CNMI.
Several measures have been introduced over the past five years to implement such polices on the islands, but they largely been unsuccessful due to the unwavering support from GOP leaders in Congress.
