ARNOLD I. PALACIOS

Personal Background

Spouse: Wella Sablan Palacios
Children: AG, Nicole, Tiana, Eric
Parents: +Dr. Francisco Taman Palacios, Maria Indalecio Palacios
Parents-in-Laws: +Felipe Camacho Sablan, Joaquina Ch. Cabrera

Educational Background

Secondary: Mt. Carmel School, Diploma-1974
Post Secondary: Portland State University-Portland, Oregon
Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Adm/Management-1979

Professional Background

2003-Present Member, 14th CNMI Legislature, House of Representatives,

– House Minority Leader

– Member, House Standing Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, & Communications

– Member, House Standing Committee on Natural Resources

2001-2003 Member, 13th CNMI Legislature, House of Representatives,

– Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources

– Member, Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications

– Member, House Standing Committee on Ways and Means

1985-1997: Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Lands and Natural Resources

1981-1984: Fishery Data Program Manager, Div. of Fish and Wildlife, Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources,

1979-1981: Marketing Specialist/Economist, Office of the Director, Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources,

Civic Involvement

Ex-officio member, Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF) 1980-1984

Funding member, Saipan Sports Fishermen Association

Non-voting member, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, 1986-1995

Member, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council, 1996-1999

Q. What would you consider the top three issues or concerns facing the CNMI that demand immediate action from our government leaders?

a. Attracting outside investments and providing incentives to existing businesses to reinvest and expand in the CNMI;

b. Job creation—creating meaningful job opportunities for local residents in the private sector; and

c. Improving public services in education and health care.

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

a. Push for the establishment of a Cabinet-level position of chief economist within the Office of the Governor devoted to economic development planning and job creation. We must recognize and elevate economic policies and short-term strategic plans to guide the Commonwealth toward sustainable economic development.

b. Push for strategic funding allocation plan and accountability on the use of funds. We must live within constitutional mandate. That is, we must live within our means. This calls for the government to use its financial resources in a manner that reflects fiscal discipline.

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

A. I have a vision for a vibrant and progressive Commonwealth. I have always advocated for policies that promote a stronger private sector and entrepreneurship and emphasize the importance of education as a tool of empowerment and prosperity.

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

A. The Northern Marianas leadership must be realistic about our limited resources and funding sources. This presents a challenge and demands innovation when addressing the needs for services and the cost of providing such services. We can begin with what must make sense for all of us—setting aside our personal and parochial difference as representatives of the different islands and focus our energy and efforts on long-term solutions as the way to solve problems. Crisis management is not the usual way to run a government. Careful planning, effective management, and bold leadership are required to make this Commonwealth a vibrant and progressive community.