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Bolis: We need better representation in Congress
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Posted on Apr 13 2012
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Reporter
Despite declining the Republican Party’s nomination to run as delegate on Wednesday night, John Oliver “Bolis” Gonzales believes that the CNMI needs “better” representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gonzales, the executive director of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, said he declined the GOP nomination “for personal reasons.”
“There are a lot of pressing issues I have to attend to,” Bolis told Saipan Tribune, adding that he’s not closing his doors to politics and said he leaves it all up to God.
He echoed Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s statement that some 73 percent of the current CNMI voters are between the ages of 18 to 35.
“A new generation of voters will vote for people who have unblemished record,” he added.
Gonzales finished third in a nine-way delegate race in 2008, the first time the CNMI held an election for delegate.
Gonzales was invited to attend the GOP meeting at the governor’s private residence in Gualo Rai on Wednesday night, but he couldn’t make it and sent a one-page letter instead to the governor.
Ramon Salas, GOP treasurer, said those who attended the meeting were hoping that Gonzales would reconsider his decision.
“We were surprised by his decision, but we respect it. He said he didn’t accept it because of personal reasons. A lot of people were there that night, even those from Rota,” Salas said.
Salas said the GOP committee may have a new nominee by next week.
Gonzales also said he’s stepping down as vice campaign manager for Saipan senatorial candidate Illuminanda “Lumi” Bermudes.
Bermudes, in a separate interview last night, said she respects the decision of Gonzales, her close friend. Bermudes said her new campaign manager is Dr. Jessica Taylor. Bermudes’ first campaign manager, Kimo Rosario, stepped down a few days ago.
So far, Sablan is the only one running for delegate. He is seeking a third term.
Sablan, an independent aligned with Democrats in Congress, has been endorsed by the CNMI Covenant Party and the so-called Independent Republicans.
Fitial, now chairman of the Republican Party in the CNMI, wants Sablan to be replaced with a Republican.
