To Ms. Julie S.

I cannot fault you for expressing your negative view and opinion of Froilan Tenorio as each of us is entitled to our personal thoughts and feelings of others but your previous letters concerning Froilan appears to distort the true character of this gentleman merely because of personal dissatisfaction rather than that of substantive reasoning. As such, constructive criticism appears not to be the driving force behind your comments, but rather more of a character attack toward the individual himself. Of course, Froilan Tenorio was known to change his decisions often during his term as governor. Of course, the gentleman is well known for his persistency and aggressiveness while he was governor. And certainly, he is very well known for his direct approach when expressing himself or his ideas. But a true leader has to act and make both popular and unpopular decisions, even if it sometimes results in his/her being lambasted for such actions taken, as long as it benefits the public interest and that of the Commonwealth. And one thing is definitely farthest from the truth: Froilan does not intend nor had he ever during his tenure as governor pursued his political ambitions based on self-interest or benefit.

And with all the above so-called habits and character that this gentleman had been labeled with, there are several positive achievements made possible by him that most people cannot deny. Froilan Tenorio during his term as governor established, pushed for, and made possible the implementation of the Earned Income Credit that helped and assisted many families who were in dire need of subsidized income so their lives would not result in extreme hardship. He stood up against U.S. politicians to defend our Covenant agreement from being violated, when no other local politicians did so because he understood how important it was to protect the rights of our indigenous people as agreed upon in the Covenant. He acted in the best interest of the Commonwealth and its people, and that’s the bottom line, regardless how the pie is cut.

It is also an undeniable fact that many of those whom this gentleman had helped are the very same individuals who had turned their backs on him when he needed their support most. And above all, people seem to remember only the bad in others, while neglecting to highlight all the good that had also been accomplished. This type of behavior and conduct is what I define as overshadowing the truth with a cup full of lies. I had known Mr. Froilan Tenorio for a period now, and have grown to admire and respect him highly for no other reason than because he is an individual who is never afraid to risk his good name and reputation to act in the best interest of the public and that of the Commonwealth. I have also observed and noticed the deep sincerity and indisputable desire within this gentleman to want to serve our people, and the interest of the Commonwealth as a whole. Yet he has been lambasted by those who feel threatened by this gentleman’s straightforwardness merely because this is the only man who has the fortitude to defy the United States when it comes to infringement upon our Covenant agreement and that of our people’s rights under the same.

Therefore Ms. Julie S. I am not disputing your views and opinion of Froilan Tenorio because you are truly entitled to you comments. However, may I suggest that before you denigrate the integrity of this gentleman, please attempt to contemplate both what he did wrong as well as what he had done right. Be open-minded because everything in life revolves around both the good that we all have achieved, as well as the bad that we all have encountered sometimes during our lives. I’m sure that you are a very warm and considerate person yourself, and it’s just unfortunate that you feel the way you do about Froilan Tenorio. Nevertheless, you are entitled to your own views and opinion and I will respect that.

Jack T. Quitugua
Garapan, Saipan