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Ex-Democratic Party chair explains why he joined Babauta-Torres team
Former Democratic Party chair Benjamin M. Cepeda said yesterday that leaving the political party of his forefathers was painful but he said this election year “is not about party but about who can serve our islands and people best.” Cepeda joined the independent gubernatorial team of former governor Juan N. Babauta and former senator Juan S. Torres.
“The decision I made comes from the heart and belief in certain candidates currently running for office,” said Cepeda, speaking for the first time about leaving the Democratic Party barely three months since it was reorganized and about joining the Babauta-Torres team. Sources confirmed his resignation and move to the independent team last week.
“While I appreciate serving in this important [Democratic] party position, even if only for a few months, I must say that I am greatly honored to have been a part of the once upon a time major party in the CNMI,” he said.
Cepeda is seeking a House of Representatives seat representing Precinct 1 under the Babauta-Torres team.
He enumerated CNMI problems that he said were because of the government, including the 25-percent cut in retirees’ pension, high costs of utilities, lack of training programs for U.S. citizens, political hiring, favoritism involving businesses, and relationship with the federal government.
“Upon consideration of these key issues facing our islands, I have no choice but to resign and join the Babauta-Torres team as they are the most qualified to lead us during these difficult and challenging times,” he said.
Besides the Babauta-Torres team, there are three other gubernatorial teams for the 2014 elections: Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan) of the Republican Party; independents Heinz S. Hofschneider and Senate floor leader Ray Yumul (Ind-Saipan), and Edward Deleon Guerrero and Danny Quitugua of the Democratic Party.
