Apatang sets out several priorities

Newly sworn-in Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang has outlined several priorities for his office on what they would focus on during his term.

In an interview on his first day in office, Apatang said he already has several priorities for what the Mayor’s Office would do for the betterment of the community.

Apatang said that met with the community service workers and came up with the idea of splitting them into two groups—one for the south side of the island and the other for the north. The Mayor’s Office has about 23 employees that perform community services.

Another thing on Apatang’s list is to get their old grader fixed and procure more heavy equipment so they could start fixing secondary roads.

“First, we will start with just maintenance of the roads for Kagman 3 and then we will move on to other secondary roads so that it could stay maintained because the heavy equipment is needed, so that’s our focus,” Apatang said.

The Mayor’s Office will be receiving new heavy equipment this month and in February that includes a dump truck and two backhoes. They just procured a second bucket truck last year.

Apatang also plans on working closely with the Humane Society International for the dog control program.

“We met with HSI already and they gave us their survey and we went over it so we will be working with them and I am excited about this program because we need a big public education on this matter and help the community be more responsible,” Apatang said.

He plans to further engage in the cultural exchange program to strengthen the bond between Japan and Saipan.

Apatang said he will also work closely with the new Legislature and the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.

“Once they are organized, I will meet with the local delegation and work with them closely and find more funding for the office,” he said.

Apatang also wants to work closely with the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance office and their board and the Division of Parks and Recreation.

“I will work with Parks and Recreation because both our agencies share a common goal and that’s to clean up Saipan,” Apatang said.

“As for now we will focus on these and we’ve got enough programs to get situated, then after we can then start adding more programs,” he added.

Former mayor’s recommendation
In an earlier interview, former mayor Marian DLG Tudela said she believes Apatang already knows what to do with the office due to his experience as a lawmaker in the past.

Tudela urges the new Legislature to work with Apatang for better funding.

“What is really needed most at the Mayor’s Office are community workers because everything we do is for the community and when we are called to do something, sometimes we are short on our community workers and I urge the Legislature to provide that to the Mayor’s Office so it can continue doing its duties and responsibilities,” Tudela said.