‘CNMI on the same boat as all 50 states’

The high price of fuel and the economy in recession dominated the National Lieutenant Governors Association Winter Meeting held recently in Washington, D.C., according to Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez.

Villagomez, who attended the event at The Madison hotel from March 10 to March 13, said the Winter Meeting served as an eye-opener for him as it showed that the CNMI is not alone in feeling the pinch of higher pump prices and the sluggish economy.

“I just came back from a conference and those two were the major issues from all the states that were represented, they’re having problems with the economy and the high cost of fuel. We are no different and I think they’re doing the right thing because they are looking at ways of building their economy and looking at alternative energy. So we are on track. Just because we are out here in the Pacific, it’s not to say we’re not immune to the problems that’s being faced in the U.S,” he said during an interview at the Covenant Day celebrations held at Minatchom Atdao Pavillion Monday.

The Fitial administration is currently looking at privatizing the government-run Commonwealth Utilities Corp. as well as looking at alternative energy to wean the islands from its dependence on fossil fuel-based sources.

“We should not be dissuaded with what is happening on our island because what’s happening here is no different from what is happening in the U.S. The [National] Lieutenant Governors [Association] conference was attended by all lieutenant governors of the U.S. and all of us have the same problems,” added Villagomez.

Villagomez, who along with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial announced their re-elections bid during the Covenant Day celebration, said he is happy to team up once again with Fitial and thanked his family for supporting his decision to seek a second term.

“As a standard bearer, I can safely say [that]…more people [are] beginning to believe in what our administration is doing. Very, very seldom do they see the governor and lieutenant governor having the political will to do what is right. By sticking to this philosophy, I strongly believe that the Covenant Party, and the people of the Commonwealth for that matter, will support the lieutenant governor and I in continuing our mission to turn around the economy for the betterment of the people,” he said.

The National Lieutenant Governors Association conducts a State Federal Meeting annually in Washington, D.C., in March. Participants meet with members of Congress and the administration to enhance intergovernmental relations. Topics focus on federal work that will affect the states.

The annual meeting is hosted each summer by a NLGA member. It averages an impact of more than $360,000 to the state which hosts.

A Fall Meeting is held in November for the Executive Committee and newly elected members. The meeting focus is association business and professional training.