Things to do for future governor

To the future governor, here are a list of things that a majority of reasonable CNMI residents would probably agree with me on.

Once you get elected into office you must create more jobs for all residents. Employment is what makes a country strong. There are so many people I know on Saipan who are unemployed because of the lack of jobs. You also need to consider the number of college students returning from off-island as well. You should try to attract more hotels to the islands. You need to attract more airlines as well. Tourism is key to the economy of the CNMI.

You need to consider improving the islands’ college as well. Many bright people on Saipan, Luta, and Tinian would love to get a higher education but are unable to because Saipan only offers two-year programs. Not everyone wants to become a teacher. Education is the only undergraduate and graduate major that I hear about. The Gateway project with NMC would have been a great investment since many international students go abroad to get educated in the U.S. I currently go to school in California and see so many foreign students out here going to school. The same applied when I went to school in Oregon. Remember that NMC applies since it is accredited by WASC. The CNMI has control of its immigration too which is another reason why the Gateway project would have worked. The CNMI has the perfect location since it is near Asia. We could charge the international students a good amount of money for tuition. This could create revenue for the CNMI.

Raise the minimum wage. Raise it slowly at least, in increments. It does not have to be at the same level as the federal. You must consider that the cost of living rises as time passes. You need to find other industries for the CNMI. The CNMI should promote outsourcing for companies in the U.S. mainland. I am an MBA business student and discussions about outsourcing are growing. Most outsourcing occurs in India, Philippines, and China. You should seriously consider outsourcing opportunities for services or manufacturing. Since pay is low, outsourcing could apply.

And please do not just hire your relatives or campaign buddies for all the government positions. Hire qualified personnel. Only corrupt governors abuse their power. Do not have an anti-business attitude. It was a shame not to allow the ferry company to do business and allow them to transport cars to and from Tinian and Saipan. A simple solution could have been to have them build another dock on the southernmost tip of Saipan.

Please consider all of the above for a better Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Si yuus maase. PS, if you do not take action then step down and let me have your job and I will assure you that I will pull through. You have four whole years. Do what the people elected you to do. Biba Marianas!

Jesse Torres
Martinez, California