Gubernatorial hopefuls snub Chamber forum

A forum organized by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce will not push through after three candidates seeking the Commonwealth’s highest post either backed out or expressed disinterest in participating in the meeting.

The Chamber has scheduled for Friday the forum to coincide with its general membership meeting to allow gubernatorial hopefuls present their political and economic agenda for the Northern Marianas.

“Everyone was disappointed because we are all looking forward to the meeting which we believe is very important because not all the business people have time to attend village meetings,” said Lynn Knight, president of the Chamber.

Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan did not reply to the Chamber’s invitation. CNMI Rep. to Washington Juan N. Babauta at first confirmed that he was attending the forum but backed out later. Former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio was also not interested in attending the forum.

But the Chamber has not lost hope. The candidates will still be given the chance to present their political and economic plans for the CNMI at a later date. If the candidates do not want to meet together, then the Chamber would be more than glad to schedule separate meetings for them at their convenience.

“It is important to look at issues instead of family names. So we will still give them the opportunity to answer questions to some important issues,” Ms. Knight said.

The Chamber members will still push through with the membership meeting on Friday to discuss among themselves their position on various issues confronting the Northern Marianas.

Ms. Knight said the business people will submit their position on various issues to the government leaders and the candidates.

The forum was originally meant to be a debate but the Chamber decided to change the format into a forum so that the candidates would feel at ease and not turn the event into a confrontational meeting.

Earlier, the Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands has scheduled a general membership meeting last Sept. 14 with Mr. Babauta and his running mate Rep. Diego T. Benavente as their guests. Unfortunately, the two changed their minds.

The Chamber forum would have allowed each candidate five minutes each to introduce themselves and present their platform, after which participating past presidents will pose questions that have been pre-selected from the Chamber members ranging from education and political to economic and environmental issues.