In Their Own Words – Won

I was against federalization from the beginning but whether we like it or not, federalization is set to happen on June 1, 2009. Even with the lawsuit, we need to start preparing for it. If we wait for the result, it will be too late. Therefore, my stance on federalization is that we should actively participate in the drafting of the regulations to ensure our interests are protected. How will I approach it?

Without the drafted regulations, it is difficult to address this issue properly but the law states that “In recognition of the Commonwealth’s unique economic circumstances, history, and geographical location, it is the intent of Congress that the Commonwealth be given as much flexibility as possible in maintaining existing businesses and other revenue sources, and developing new economic opportunities…This subtitle, and the amendments made by this subtitle, should be implemented wherever possible to expand tourism … including aiding prospective tourists in gaining access to the Commonwealth’s memorials, beaches, parks, dive sites, and other points of interest.” As your delegate, I would vigorously communicate our need for all tourist markets because our only industry, the tourism industry, is an important source of revenue, directly or indirectly. We cannot afford to lose any market, let alone an emerging market, without it adversely affecting our businesses, not to mention our crumbling economy. Our Russian market is growing and is providing good economic benefits to not only our hotels but also the surrounding businesses. With the recent conflicts between Russia and Georgia, Department of Homeland Security could keep out this market. I believe our national security is the utmost priority but there should be undeniable facts and not just assumptions before finalizing anything.

The law also states “…the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands…may request that the Secretary of Homeland Security study the feasibility of creating additional Guam or CNMI-only nonimmigrant visas to the extent that existing nonimmigrant visa categories under the Immigration and Nationality Act do not provide for the type of visitor, the duration of allowable visit, or other circumstance…Consideration of such additional Guam or CNMI only visa categories may include, but are not limited to, special nonimmigrant statuses for investors, students, and retirees, but shall not include nonimmigrant status for the purpose of employment in Guam or the CNMI.” As your delegate, I will explore this because we have these types of visas now and I would like to see that the CNMI have the CNMI-only Retiree Visas, the CNMI-only Foreign Student Visas and the CNMI-only Investor Visas. Although our retirees’ visas are limited in numbers, it has potential to increase if we have the necessary health care facilities, along with accessibility to physicians from their home country. The retirees from colder Asian countries could see the CNMI as a potential winter vacation getaway if we actively market it. The benefits are additional businesses, income for local land and homeowners as well as improved health care for our elders and residents.

We need continued access to foreign students for edu-tourism. Middle and upper class Asian families are willing to send their children abroad to learn English. With our close proximity to Asia as well being a part of the United States, the CNMI has added advantage over other destinations. The added benefits are additional income to our local businesses because these students eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, stay in our homes or apartments and the increase in air-travel. They contribute to our economy. We need access to foreign investors. They also contribute to the economy by infusing fresh money into the community by leasing land and renting properties, by paying taxes, by paying salaries. These types of visas would be only applicable in the CNMI and would not be transferable to Guam or to the United States. I would like for us to be responsible for issuing and monitoring these visas under the supervision of the federal government, that way there are no unnecessary delays.

The law also states “…the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Labor may establish and maintain offices and other operations in the Commonwealth for the purpose of carrying out duties…” and “…shall recruit and hire personnel from among qualified United States citizens and national applicants residing in the Commonwealth to serve as staff in carrying out operations described in paragraph (1).” As your delegate, it would be my job to see that these offices are established and our qualified resident workers apply and are employed.

As for our guest workers, I believe we do not have the adequate local workforce to accommodate our entire business sectors. We will continue to need their services until we have a reliable local workforce. In the law it states “shall provide…technical assistance, including assistance to identify types of jobs needed, identify skills needed to fulfill such jobs, and assistance to Commonwealth educational entities to develop curricula for such job skills to include training teachers and students for such skills…In providing such technical assistance…assist in the development and implementation of a process to identify opportunities for and encourage diversification and growth of the economy of the Commonwealth and to identify and encourage opportunities to meet the labor needs of the Commonwealth.” How are we to meet the necessary labor needs? Train our local workforce through funded programs and gradually phase out the guest workers who will either move on through the federal system or return home.

I am not an attorney and don’t pretend to be one but I do read and I will consult my legal counsel for any clarifications and interpretations. Even attorneys consult each others regarding legal matters.

A wise man asked me “What do you do when life gives you a lemon?” The answer is you make lemonade. Although change is difficult and sometimes painful, we shouldn’t only look at the negative side but also see how this change could benefit the CNMI. We should work with the federal government so that there are compromises between us and that we benefit from it.

Again, I’d like to close by saying, “Some say he lacks experience” but I say experience doesn’t guarantee success. Look at where experience has led us. Lack of experience can be a good thing because it makes us ask “why” and “how” instead of “It won’t work” and “I know better.” It can motivate us and motivation leads to hard work and hard work leads to success. Some say “he’s an outsider” but I say my wife is local, my kids are local, so how can I be an outsider? Please don’t judge me for what I am but who I am, a husband, a father, your friend, your neighbor who is willing to make a difference for the betterment of the CNMI. Come this Nov. 4, I humbly ask for your vote of confidence.