‘Compromise to move NMI forward’

Almost all members of the House of Representatives hewed to one message in their opening speeches yesterday, saying that collaboration and compromise would help move legislation that would benefit the people of the CNMI as the Commonwealth continues to recover from Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu.

All 19 members—incumbents, returning, and rookies—also took turns honoring the late representative Francisco S. Dela Cruz (R-Saipan), who passed away last Jan. 6 while visiting family on Tinian. They remembered the former vice speaker as a lawmaker who would meticulously study every piece of legislation before casting his vote.

Vice speaker Lorenzo I. Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan) said the House must work in spirit and in harmony. “Together we can strive in a unified common goal for the betterment of our great Commonwealth.”

Richard T. Lizama (Ind-Saipan), one of the seven rookie lawmakers, vowed to focus his efforts in working with the other members of the 21st Legislature. “We are not divided by party, we are unified by our desire to work for our own people of the Commonwealth.”

Rep. Roman C. Benavente (R-Saipan), one of three lawmakers returning in this Legislature, said, “We might have differences in various areas but let’s be collective to serve the people.”

Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) said the opening day of every Legislature has always been hopeful because all work begins right after their inauguration. “We…must always put the people that we serve in the highest regard, that we will be transparent and find creative ways to put our constituents first.”

“I hope that we will treat each other as professionals regardless of our political affiliation and no matter how much we may disagree on matters of policy,” Sablan said. “My hope is we seek opportunities to collaborate with each other in bipartisan and productive ways, and constantly challenge each other to improve our work always for the benefit of the people we serve.”

Rep. Joseph A. Flores (Ind-Saipan), another freshman lawmaker, hopes to bring new energy and ideas in solving problems with focus on advancing policy that support equality and opportunities. “To make a new start to move forward to meet the challenges we face in the CNMI.”

Despite being a Tinian representative, Rep. Antonio SN Borja (R-Tinian) said he would support legislation that would benefit everyone. “As a public servant, I will stand for the interest, not only for the people of Tinian, but for the entire Commonwealth. I will support legislation and programs that would better all people.”

“I ask my colleagues to offer each other our hands of cooperation. To work in order to find solution for our islands’ needs. Our people could not expect us to solve all the problems, but they can expect us to do our best.”