Borja joins gubernatorial race

Confident of his political victory in next year’s elections, former Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Borja yesterday announced his decision to run for governor under the Democratic Party.

Speaking before family members and supporters, Mr. Borja stressed the need to restore hope in the future of the Northern Marianas amid the economic recession besetting the CNMI.

Criticizing the Republican Party, Mr. Borja said many people are already tired of the administration’s failure to improve the economy, ties with the federal government and education of the children.

“The task is daunting but I am prepared to guide our people through these challenges, working in unison with our local leadership. We must rebuild hope and confidence in our collective aspirations to make these islands the land of real opportunities for our children and our children’s children,” he said.

Mr. Borja believes that the victory of the Democratic Party in last year’s polls proves that the party has bounced back and regained its strength to dominate the political arena in the Northern Marianas.

“I personally think that the people deserves prosperity to as good as a life can get. With my team, we will be able to reach that goal,” he said.

Many people on the island have lost hope as a result of the continuous decline in the island’s economy. “My candidacy and the team that I am going to be with is a sign of hope for the Commonwealth,” he said.

In partnership with public and private sectors in the community, Mr. Borja emphasized the importance of having talents and visions to gain stability and prosperity that will improve the quality of the people’s lives.

“With vision, commitment and partnership, I am confident that we can restore hope for a brighter future for our children. I am ready with my team to set a bright new agenda to make our islands a deserving paradise for one and all,” Mr. Borja said.

Mr. Borja said his supporters are still choosing from the list of qualified candidates his running mate which he will announce soon.

Mr. Borja attempted but lost in his bid to seek the highest elective post in the Northern Marianas in 1997, when he ran as an independent candidate. The former lieutenant governor and ex-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio both lost to incumbent Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, a Republican.