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Mayor Tudela turns down political offers
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Posted on Feb 20 2009
After admitting that a number of political groups had approached him to run in the November elections, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela confirmed yesterday that he has rejected all offers, which included the position of lieutenant governor, senator, and representative.
“I made the decision not to run for any political post at this time,” he told Saipan Tribune, adding that the decision was reached after consulting with his family and relatives.
Tudela is in his second and final four-year term as mayor. He also served a term at the House of Representatives and one term at the Board of Education.
“My wish is to retire after this term…so I can have more time with my family,” he said.
Tudela admitted, though, that he may reassess his decision after a year of retirement.
“Who knows, I may go back and reassess my political decision after one year? But at this point in time, I am certainly sure of myself. I don’t want to run for any public office,” he said.
While out of office, the mayor vows to continue assisting the community in whatever way possible for him as a citizen.
When asked why he rejected the offers, Tudela said there are many factors that were considered. “There are a lot of factors and consideration. But the bottom line is, I can still go back to my political plans in the future,” he said.
In nearly 15 years in public office, Tudela said he has always won by a landslide. He said he owes this to the trust and confidence the people of Saipan gave him.
Tudela said the job of running a municipality is never easy, taking a serious amount of work, dedication, and perseverance. Besides road improvements and beautification projects, the mayor also administers important programs such as the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance.
Tudela was also instrumental in bringing in Japanese students through the NMI-Japan Cultural Exchange programs where hundreds of students were given the opportunity to travel here and in Japan.
Tudela’s office is also responsible for one of the biggest community events every year, the Liberation Day.
“There are several good programs under the office…and I want my successor to fulfill and continue them,” the mayor said.
