Administration’s response

“This request by the House minority and their associates demonstrate their obsession with taking down a governor that they simply do not like, as well as their inability to respect legal processes by instead passing judgement without full context. 

“The documents in question were in response to an Open Government Act request that has been answered by the Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance. None of the documents in question were leaked or discovered in secrecy. They were, without hesitation, furnished to the requestor in accordance with the OGA. All information is public, and communication between the governor, the Legislature and the public is open and available through the OGA, which has been abided by the administration and will continue to be so. 

“At the heart of this entire issue is a coordinated attack—months in the making—by the House minority and their supporters who are disgruntled by an election outcome unfavorable to them, and individuals of questionable character posing as a Guam-based news outlet. 

“Instead of focusing on the most pressing issues that impact our families and villages, like growing our economy, stabilizing our finance, funding education and healthcare, winning the ‘War on Ice,’ and ensuring the public’s safety and security, the House minority are using their time and efforts to divert attention from their lackluster legislative record toward a governor they refuse to accept as having won the votes of the people in an unprecedented margin. 

“2019 was a very challenging year for the CNMI and this administration fully understands how it has affected families and residents because of forces beyond its control.

“Before Super Typhoon Yutu in October 2018, Gov. Torres worked to grow the economy to its highest levels in decades and worked tirelessly to prevent it from collapse by saving the CW program, which ensures U.S. workers keep their jobs in critical industries, keeps families of every background together, and raises wages for everyone. Gov. Torres worked to revitalize our historic Japanese tourism market by bringing in Skymark Airlines, the first Japan-based carrier since 2005. He also worked to ensure law enforcement officers’ salaries were increased so they can continue to go out and protect the villages.

“At the Governor’s Office and in our departments and agencies, the work hasn’t stopped. The administration remains focused on serving the public, rebuilding our islands, and continuing the goal of bettering the quality of life for everyone who calls the Marianas home. It’s beyond politics, and we will not waver from that goal. With today’s request, the House minority and their supporters want to further divide our community because of politics that seeks to disrupt a vision of a stronger and more prosperous Marianas.” (PR)