Representing everyone’s interest

This is in response to Francisco R. Agulto’s letter to the editor (A New Delegate, Saipan Tribune, April 13, 2012), where he stated, “As a voter and in answer to his probing question, who is best to represent the CNMI and the indigenous people of the Northern Mariana Islands?”

First of all, the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan represents the interest of all ethnicities on our island chain and not only for the interest of the local population. Based on my knowledge, Mr. Sablan is mandated by law to represent anyone who lives within his district and he has to entertain anyone within his district who asks for his assistance relating to federal jurisdiction or matters.

We had volunteered to different non-profit organizations in the United States, dealing with individuals with their issue involving the Internal Revenue Services, Immigration Naturalization Services, Social Security Administration and the so-called Aid to Family with Dependent Children, etc. The first thing we usually do was communicate with the federal and state elected officials in the State to solve our clients’ or constituents’ dilemma. Based on our past experience, it takes four to six months for any elected officials in the United States to reply to our request on behalf of our clients. Honorable Sablan broke the U.S. Congress’ record by acting on our request less than 24 hours when his office received our inquiries or complaints. Our Delegate acted to protect our interest immediately and he was not mandated to do it expediently.

You do not have to compare Honorable Sablan’s accomplishments with another delegate from the CNMI, because Mr. Sablan has accomplished more for his constituents in the CNMI than majority of the U.S. Congress in the United States. We have dealt with the U.S. Senate, Congress, and the California Assembly in the past relating to issues affecting our constituents or clients throughout the U.S. mainland, the State of Hawaii, the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. So we can justify that the Honorable Sablan has acted above and beyond for the people he represents.

Mr. Agulto, we are entitled to our opinion and we have freedom of speech, protected by the U.S. Constitution. We respect your rights, but at times we need to stand up and do what is right for our society as a whole. We have no political affiliation, but we give credit to individuals who earned it and the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is one of them.

Segundo Castro 
San Jose Village, Tinian