Now it’s your turn to vote

I really thought you elected officials are our representatives. I do not comprehend how hard can it be to vote yes or no? To our elected officals, when it comes to critical issues that will have an impact on our lives here in our CNMI you either abstain from voting or are absent from the hearings. What is the deal?

Senator Crisostimo, last time this bill (austerity Fridays) was introduced, you abstained from it. This time…absent? Then why are you there? Same goes to anyone who abstained or is absent from the hearings. You make us feel awful, at the same time question our choices when we cast our trust in you to represent us. For once, when you decide to abstain from voting on House bills or make amendments, think about ALL of US, people that voted for you. Think about the people of CNMI that made you a Senator, Congressman/woman or Governor.

Let us rewind: What did we do when you came knocking on our door asking us to believe in you and to make the right choice and to vote for you? Ah yes! We went to the polls and voted for you. We did not abstain or were absent from the polls. You are there because of us, the people of the CNMI.

Maybe we need to change our menu, station, or channel once in a while. Instead of staying up there in our small cubicle offices, why don’t we try going out and inhaling CNMI’s fresh air by going around the villages or around the islands to see what needs to be improved? How many of you have actually done this since you came into office? How many of you have made unexpected visits to departments that you chair so that you can be aware of their necessities, complaints or any issues that is hindering their performances in that department instead of waiting for the director or employees to make an appointment with you? Or better yet, how many of you have gone back to the homes that you last visited before the election so that you can ask us want we want or tell you how we feel about your actions in office lately? Maybe if you try at least one of these approaches then you might get an idea(s) on how to improve our CNMI.

Or better yet remind yourself why you are in office! Sometimes it’s best to speak to someone that is looking in from the outside because we get a better view of what’s really going on. Not only do we see; we hear as well!

To our elected officials, in the near future when you are casting your vote, think about all of us here in the CNMI. Stop dancing the “limbo rock” and change your tune to the Chamolinian station or Island Issues. Vote yes or no! It’s not so hard. We did it too! We voted for YOU. Make our vote count. Election is just around the corner.