RAMON ANGAILEN TEBUTEB

Personal Background

Date of Birth: August 25, 1958, born on Saipan
Spouse: Messilina DLG. Aldan
Children: Redie, Joseph, Grina Lee, Francisco, Reyzor, Rayna Lee
Ethnicity: Carolinian/Pacific Islander
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Hobby: Water Sports, Reading

Educational Background

– San Jose State University, San Jose, California, graduated courses

– University of Hawaii, extension courses

– University of Guam, bachelor of art in Education

– Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, Oregon, certification: Human Services

– Marianas High School, Susupe, Saipan

– Hopwood Jr. High School, San Antonio, Saipan

– Oleai Elementary School, San Jose, Saipan

Professional Background

– House Representative 13th & 14th CNMI Legislature

– Instructor (Economics): Advanced Development Institute

– Teacher Training Coordinator Division of Research Information Training Center/Staff Development, Public School System

– 1987-1993: Itinerant Teacher Special Education Public School System

– 1980-1986: Classroom Teacher, Public School System

Community Involvement:

1985-2005

– Coordinated all schools track & field events

– Volunteered for cultural heritage celebrations

– Volunteered for school lectures/visits

– Major sponsor to various sports team

1997-2004

– Coordinated canoe & water sports events

1997

– Organized Satawal Hokulea Canoe Voyage

1998

– Coordinated Saipan-Makalii (Hawaii) Canoe Voyage

2000

– Volunteered Youth Sports Camp

– Member, Board of Governor, CNMI Museum

– Member, Board, Chamorro Carolinian Language Commission

– Member, Board of Election

Q. What would you consider the top three issues and concerns facing the NMI that need immediate action from our government leaders?

A. The very immediate action our leaders should take is fixing the No. 1 economic driver of the CNMI—the tourism industry. It equates a number of motivated factors associated with progress for the CNMI. Our public (government) and private community play a very critical role. And there are a number of tourism related businesses.

The second immediate issue that must be addressed by our leaders is the spending plan (balanced budget) for the CNMI. Like any household, this plan should allow us to focus on areas we need, more so than in areas we want. This plan must set the priorities for the CNMI.

The third immediate action that our leaders must take is to focus on a collective and collaborative attitude for positive opportunities. Great leaders and good leaders gain great things if differences (and/or similarities) can be focused on to achieve positive results.

Q. What ideas can you bring to the table to revive the NMI economy?

A. The questions implies that the NMI economy is alive but needs committed help. One idea I would bring to any given table is my optimistic and positive attitude that focuses on solutions. A number of strong recommendations and suggestions made, relative to the NMI economy, from the private sector, should be evaluated and considered at these tables. Other alternative industries should also be explored.

However, I strongly believe that education is a key factor to any economic assistance. The CNMI’s greatest resources are its people, its islands and its culture. Money is secondary.

Q. What is your vision for the Commonwealth? And what are the steps that must be taken to achieve that vision?

A. To date, the Commonwealth is a contributing member of the United States of America’s family system. As we move further into the global network, the Commonwealth will continue to play a very critical role in protecting the borders of our nation. As such, we must strive to maintain positive relations with the federal government. Therefore, we must focus on the nation and more importantly focus on our constituents in our Commonwealth. We are in the hi-tech society and therefore we need to be kept abreast of the modern world.

Q. What needs to be changed in people’s ways of thinking and doing things as a means to achieve your vision?

A. It is always important to recognize the ways that people think and do things. It is equally important to understand that it is a challenge to change the way people think and do things. To achieve one’s visions and ideas, we need to be able to accept changes. We also need to constantly and consistently evaluate the new (and old) means and adapt for best results. In other words, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” The challenge to changes must be seen as opportunities. We ought to adapt to changes and at the same time appreciate our identity and uphold our individual cultures.