Democrats oppose Saipan casino, name more candidates

Democrats said yesterday they oppose the Saipan casino law, the application process, and alleged illegal appropriation of revenues for retirees’ 25-percent pension. The party also announced additional candidates for the November elections including those for Saipan senator, mayor, and representatives.

Edward M. “Tofila” Deleon Guerrero, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, and his running mate Daniel O. Quitugua, said there has been “disrespect of the will of the people,” who have already rejected initiatives to allow casinos on Saipan.

They said they can only support casino gaming on Saipan if it’s decided by the people instead of only a few elected officials.

When asked about their plan to restore retirees’ deferred 25-percent pension, Deleon Guerrero and Quitugua said this will be through cost-cutting and streamlining the government, but suggested no major revenue-generating bills besides opening the qualifying certificate or tax-abatement program for those that have heavily invested in the CNMI rather than new, big companies.

Quitugua questioned the legality of the process of appropriating what is considered general revenues to pay for retirees’ deferred pension.

They also pointed out that only a portion of the revenues earned in the CNMI stay on the islands because, for one, foreign workers remit to their families back home. They want to continue to focus on tourism.

Rosiky F. Camacho, the new chairman of the Democratic Party, also announced additional party candidates for the November general elections.

These include Jesus I. Taisague, who is seeking a Saipan senatorial seat; Antonio P. Mareham as Saipan mayor bet; Precinct I candidates Francis B. Angel, Vince Cabrera, Nelson P. Rios, and Calistro I. Reyes; and Precinct II candidate Bruce Iglecias.

Camacho, a former representative and now a teacher at Mount Carmel School, said they continue to look for qualified candidates.

Besides the gubernatorial tandem of Deleon Guerrero and Quitugua, the other candidates that have long been announced are delegate candidate Andrew S. Salas and Tinian mayor candidate David Cing, a former Tinian senator.

“As we move this campaign forward and promote our plans, we pledge to do so without the need to engage in innuendos to destroy or malign one’s dignity,” Camacho said in a prepared statement.

Camacho said “as a consequence of 37 years of miseries and despairs under Republican administration, our people just can no longer continue to bear these hardships in silence.”

The Democrats have to contend with three other gubernatorial teams in the November race, setting the CNMI up for a gubernatorial runoff.