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McPhetres bares plan to run for DC Rep post
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Posted on Jan 19 2001
Former Northern Marianas College President Agnes McPhetres yesterday disclosed plan to run for CNMI Representative to Washington in the coming November elections.
She is seeking the endorsement of the Democratic Party as the official candidate for the post.
Armed with her long years of experience as an educator, Ms. McPhetres said she believes she will be able to efficiently carry out her job as an effective lobbyist for the Northern Marianas.
“In order for us to be effective and to be heard by Washington, we have to know how to negotiate,” she added.
Ms. McPhetres retired as President of the College in December 1999 after 18 years of service in the highest learning institution on the island. The NMC Board of Regents has named her President Emeritus in recognition of the work she has accomplished for NMC.
The Northern Marianas has always spent a huge amount in the hiring of a lobby firm to thwart threats in Washington of a federal takeover. Ms. McPhetres said the Northern Marianas may no longer need this if the Washington Representative becomes a voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representative.
“The real problem in Washington right now is we do not have a strong powerful base in Washington in order for them to listen to us,” she said.
However, before she pushes for the CNMI’s representative in Washington to become a voting delegate, Ms. McPhetres said she would have to consult the people first.
“Even if I feel that there’s a lot of privileges for us, if the CNMI people do not want that, then I will not do it,” she added. (LFR)
