‘Goal for ‘better times’ will bear fruit’

The following is the text of the inaugural remarks made by Lt. Gov. Tim P. Villagomez during the Inauguration Ceremony on Jan. 9 at the Marianas High School gym.

As we take over the reins of government on this historic day, I hear the powerful echo of wisdom from the third president of country, Thomas Jefferson, about the size and role of government over two hundred years ago.

He said: “The government that governs best, governs least.” The governor and I subscribe to Jefferson’s towering wisdom that still echoes through to this day. Given the poor financial posture of our government, the CNMI can no longer afford unbridled spending. We must come to grips with the fact that our government is basically bankrupt!

It is for this reason that we issued a joint statement last week asking our people to be patient and understanding as we begin the difficult task of rebuilding the economic foundation of our islands. Yes, I will not deny the fact that things will get worse before they get better. But it will require the understanding and cooperation of everyone to turn this insolvency around.

With humility, we accept the confidence that you have given us to guide our government out of these cynical times into a hopeful and brighter future with promising opportunities for everyone.

We cannot deny the economic crisis plaguing these islands today. In fact, you are direct witnesses to a huge drop in investments over the last four years.

But we are optimistic and resolute that our goal for “better times” will bear fruition before the end of our first term in office. Yes, we must once again secure the ability to pay our debts and limit the tax burden that is imposed upon our citizens. This is a commitment and we will get there soon!

This responsibility entails a willingness to embrace change with new and realistic approaches in order to give way to new possibilities. In other words, we must remove old brands on the shelves or old approaches that have failed us over the years. It means major policy reform.

It means cutting down on expenses. It means returning confidence, trust and accountability into the conduct of government. It means training employees so they can efficiently and effectively deliver essential public services. It means true partnership and the assimilation of our multi-cultural community to building upon a brighter tomorrow for our children. In brief, we must bring under control unbridled government expenses once and for all!

Finally, as difficult as the next several years may be, you have given us a mandate, a mandate to revive the local economy, restore trust and accountability in the conduct of government upon which we can build a healthy economy for one and all. It is not an easy task, but we will honor our mandate and we ask that you join us to making these islands a better place to live.

Now, this day will not be complete if I didn’t pay my heartfelt tribute to my late father, Dr. Jose T. Villagomez, also known as “Dr. V” and to my mom and my siblings. It was only last year when my late father, “Dr. V”, struggled to say his last farewell to us if only to show his family his unconditional love and affection.

I also knew that he wanted to say a few words to Governor Fitial and I as we stood by his bedside. He couldn‚t utter a word. But he gave us his blessings to embark upon fully thought-out plans to revive the livelihood of our people.

I might note that, although he was a doctor, my father was a real political architect in the three-peat administration of his brother-in-law and my uncle former Governor Pete P. Tenorio. I know he looks down upon us on this historic occasion ever proud of a team willing to work long hours to rebuild an island paradise we all deserve.

Thank you dad, mom, brothers and sisters.

Si Yuus Maase, thank you, ghilisow, salamat and may God bless us all!