Ex -Guam governor endorses Ben & Tim

Former Guam Gov. Joseph F. Ada flew to Saipan over the weekend to personally endorse the gubernatorial candidacy of his college classmate and good friend House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial.

Ada, in his remarks during Saturday night’s midterm rally of the Covenant Party held at the Civic Center in Susupe, said that he has been a Republican for all his years in politics, but his trip to Saipan is to support Fitial who he calls “my brother.”

Ada served as Guam governor from 1986 to 1995. He is reportedly the first in Guam’s political history to serve two consecutive terms as governor.

Before becoming governor, Ada was elected to the 12th Guam Legislature, got re-elected and became Speaker of the 13th and 14th legislatures.

The political veteran told the Covenant Party’s crowd, estimated at 800 people, of Fitial being “a good friend” and “a center of attraction” during their years in the College of Guam.

“Ben was a center of attraction. He’s life of the college. He’s so talented that if you need some help, academic help, he’d willingly help you. He’s the [first] guy that I heard to say ‘nobody has the monopoly of knowledge,’” said Ada.

The former governor also said that Fitial “helped in some entertainment.”

“He would play the guitar and entertain us—classmates, professors,” he said.

Ada also admired Fitial for being multilingual.

“He’s a linguist. He can speak different languages. He can learn fast,” he said.

Above all, he said that Fitial is “very considerate, kindhearted, and helpful.”

He recalls that during their college days, Fitial raised $200 to help him solve his problem when his car crashed.

Ada also describes Fitial as “a great communicator.”

“What impresses me most is his communication skills. He can explain complicated issues in simple terms,” he said.

“I’m a Republican for 37 years…but he [Fitial] is my brother . If there’s a need for a leader to move this island, it’s Ben. He can work well with everybody—political leaders in Asia and the U.S.,” he said.

Ada said the CNMI would be up for “better times” with the Covenant Party’s tandem, Fitial and Vice Speaker Timothy P. Villagomez.

“You deserve better times, better employment opportunities. You deserve Ben and Tim!” he rallied, prompting applause and cheers from the audience.

“These are the two guys who can better handle the situation you’re in,” he said.

He said Fitial knows innovative ways to drive up the economy.

He said Fitial has in fact been “very instrumental” in the formulation of economic policies in the CNMI as a congressman.

“It’s because of the laws and bills he introduced,” said Ada.

In a separate interview with reporters, Fitial said that when he became speaker of the 3rd Legislature, he introduced economic measures that must be set in place.

“I went ahead and introduced needed legislation that would open up the economy to foreign investors. We began this task of legislating good economic reforms to stir the economy,” said Fitial.

Before this, he said that the NMI under the Trust Territory, had only $5 million in annual revenues.

When investors began to come in as a result of pro-business measures, he said that CNMI revenues climbed to as high as $268 million during the economic boom years.

Now, he said the revenues went down sharply to $213 million, and possibly $200 million in fiscal year 2006.

Unlike what the Babauta administration professes, Fitial told his audience that “the economy is pretty darn bad.”

Fitial said last night’s crowd turnout indicated “a huge following.”

He said he is confident that he will make it in this year’s election.

“I’m very confident,” he said.

Fitial is running against Republican Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Governor Diego T. Benavente.

Also competing for the CNMI’s highest elective post this year are the Democratic Party’s tandem of former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio and Antonio Santos as well as independent candidates Reps. Heinz S. Hofschneider and David Apatang.