Apatang is sworn in as the new mayor of Saipan

David M. Apatang took his oath of office at 8:10am yesterday, with CNMI Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona swearing in Apatang as the new mayor of Saipan.

CNMI Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona swears in Saipan Mayor Dave Apatang in front of the Mayor’s Office at the Ladera Building on Beach Road, San Jose during yesterday’s inauguration for the new Saipan mayor. (Jayson Camacho)

Dressed in a navy blue suit with a light blue-buttoned shirt and a neutral gray diamonded-patterned tie, Apatang took his oath in front of his new office on Beach Road, San Jose, promising to take his responsibilities and duties as mayor of Saipan seriously.

In a speech that lasted from 8:15am to 8:20am in front of dozens of community members, dignitaries, Mayor’s Office staff, and lawmakers, Apatang said he can’t wait to get started on all the work that needs to be done.

“Today I stand before you–family, friends, and fellow people of Saipan–and I will admit there is no word that can accurately describe the feeling of humility, gratitude, and excitement that I am experiencing at this moment,” Apatang said.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence that you have bestowed on me to address the many challenges facing our island. Although I do recognize that this office has made many strides over the years, there are still a lot of work ahead of us and I am excited and committed to begin working with you,” he added.

Apatang wishes to build a cleaner, safer, and a better Saipan community.

“This is our community, our island, our home; therefore, we all should actively get involved in keeping Saipan safe,” Apatang said.

Apatang believes that everyone should work toward building a sustainable community that promotes business, growth, and development, yet protect the environment and preserve the cultural identity of Saipan.

“As one island, as one people, you must all subscribe to a culture that is dedicated to volunteerism and collaboration. I am confident that we will forge strong community partnerships in managing our resources and optimizing the talent and skills of those stakeholders,” Apatang said.

“I would like to thank Mayor Marian Tudela and the late Mayor Donald Flores for their selfless dedication and contribution and service to the Office of the Mayor and vow to continue to honor their legacies by ensuring continued effective, efficient, and essential responsibility for public services,” he added.

He also assured that the Mayor’s Office would remain steadfast and committed to fulfilling the office’s constitutional and statutory mandates by complementing and not duplicating similar services provided by other government agencies that share a common vision and mission.

Committee-to-elect Apatang vice chair James Cabrera said that he was the former chairman for Flores. “We will continue to build on Flores’ plan for beautification. … I have confidence in Apatang to do that,” he said.