Former senator Pete Reyes eyeing corporate stint

After a long stint as a member of the CNMI Legislature, former senator Pete Reyes may be heading into the corporate world.

The 68-year-old former Senate floor leader was honored during the first regular session of the 19th Senate yesterday.

Reyes, in an interview with local media, hinted he is looking at the possibility of taking on a consultancy post for a private firm.

The former lawmaker did not disclose other details, saying only that things are still being finalized and that he has yet to make a decision to join the private firm in a consulting capacity.

Reyes also did not disclose the name of the potential company or the line of work he’s looking at, adding only that he is now a “member of the public.”

A commemorative plaque that lists his major accomplishments in 23 years as a lawmaker was handed to Reyes by his former colleagues during the Senate session.

Reyes told reporters he is deeply “grateful and honored” to receive the tribute. He said the honor “means a lot,” since he “worked with a lot of them” in the past.

His former colleagues said they will still turn to Reyes for guidance.

Senate President Victor B. Hocog (Ind-Rota) said the Senate will still seek Reyes’ advice, while House Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) said Reyes will always be known for his analytical view and institutional knowledge of the law as well as issues concerning the CNMI.

In an earlier report, Reyes bid his colleagues goodbye by reminding them to “not forget their loved ones and families.”

“I ask you members to please divide your time. Serve the public to the best of your ability but also take time to pay a little more attention to your family. They’re children now but before you know it they’re already teenagers,” said Reyes.

Aside from the value of family, Reyes also asked incoming members of the 19th Legislature not to forget prioritizing education, which he believes is the lifeblood and future of the islands.

“Never forget to assist and support the education of our children. Invest in our children,” he said.

The former U.S. Army veteran has donated over half a million of his salary as a legislator to the CNMI Scholarship Office. To the estimates of Reyes’ wife, Glenna, the senator has donated some $550,000 to the scholarship agency since 2000.