Shai elected as Tinian Republican Party president

Members of the Tinian Republican Party chose Edward Shai to be the 2009 party president in an election held March 21 on Tinian.

Shai thanked the Central Party committee members for their confidence in his ability to lead the party through the 2009 election.

“We are at a critical time in our island’s history. Because the airport has not been completed and the dump has not been moved, our casino revenues are in danger. In the future, the Marines will be arriving on Tinian. We need new leaders who can lead us into the 21st century,” he told members.

The party also elected as its 2009 officers Antonio S.N. Borja, first vice president; Anthony U. Hofschneider, second vice president; Carmen Q. Dela Cruz, secretary; and Gabriel DLC. Evangelista, treasurer.

Ramon Muna Dela Cruz, the 2008 party president, opened the meeting, thanking his fellow Republican Party officers and members for their support last year. “Every single member of this party has demonstrated their dedication to maintaining our strength through these difficult last four years. Many of you have sacrificed your livelihood because of your dedication to the party. As a result of your efforts, and the failure of this incumbent administration, we are stronger today than ever before, and I thank you for your sacrifices. I am confident that with your continued support, we will win this election,” he said.

Sen. Jude Hofschneider said, “Tinian cannot continue with an administration where only a few have bread and the rest crumbs. We must restore integrity to our municipal government by properly enacting annual budgets that fund priority issues. I do hope that the people of Tinian will support the Republican Party in this election so that we can bring back open and honest government to Tinian.”

Former congressman Norman Palacios agreed that it is time for change on Tinian. “All we have heard from this mayor is broken promises. He has lost touch with the people. We need to elect new leadership that listens to the needs of the people and will work for the people, not for themselves.”

Former councilman Francisco Quichocho Cruz said he did not run for re-election two years ago “because I could no longer be a part of what is going on in the mayor’s office. I was a Republican before, I am a Republican again, and I will forever be a Republican. I am here now to work with the leadership of the Republican Party to elect the leadership we need for the 21st century.”

Former Mayor Francisco M. Borja said, “The vast majority of Tinian people I meet today are dissatisfied with the incumbent administration. We need serious leadership that can face the serious problems our island faces today and produce the serious changes that must be made if our island economy is to grow. Only within the Tinian Republican Party do I see that quality leadership. Therefore, I have decided to join the Tinian Republican Party and give my full support to the candidates they select for this November’s election.”

Shai closed the meeting by inviting all residents of Tinian to join the movement for a new leadership. “We are an open party. We welcome all who support the concept of open and honest government. Our party meetings will be made public and we invite each and every concerned citizen to join our cause. Together, we can make a change in 2009.”[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]