GOP power politics for them, not you

I was wondering why the governor was planning solely on him winning for the Republican Party to stay in control of the Executive Office and, true to form, the governor and Republicans are preparing to execute the same old “power play” they used when former governor Fitial was in trouble—they split into two attacking groups (the Republicans and the Covenant). With two GOP candidates and one Democrat candidate, it will really be two against one, so guess who has the best chance to win. I know Arnold and crew are trying to figure out what banner to run under since they can’t be Republicans so we can expect another “Covenant” or “Independent Republicans,” which should remind voters they have already seen this movie that didn’t turn out well for the people.

What the Republicans are really trying to do is against the law but we know that doesn’t matter to Republicans. There should be a GOP runoff with this special election to avoid the need and cost for a runoff election, which will surely happen with two Republicans in the race. But more important is the fact that if Lt. Gov. Palacios is not running with the governor, it is a clear signal that there is dissension within the party some downright skullduggery-scheming in a plan to keep GOP in power. In either case, the people of the CNMI are being preyed upon by the Republicans in a desperate attempt to stay in power.

But I truly hope and pray voters are smarter now and will do the right thing in the voting booth. If voters haven’t learned their lessons from our own history of GOP politics, then we the people are doomed to make the same mistake again that has already killed our Japanese market and our economy while destroying all the integrity in our government. Voters, don’t fall for this GOP power play that is designed solely to help the GOP and not the people because neither Ralph nor Arnold deserve to be our governor.

I do want to thank commenter el kapitan for his comments about the governor’s power politics that only help his people and not we the people. While it is not my job to research everything, el kapitan is right that the governor has two PIO at high salary who don’t tell us anything. Mr. Hunter’s wife got another pay raise and many more hires and pay raises taking place: Mr. Hunter’s wife, Armi Hunter, whose salary jumped 60% within two-and-a-half months of a promotion she received. According to documents, the Office of Personnel Management on Oct. 19, 2020, began processing Ms. Hunter’s promotion from Revenue Agent III at the Department of Finance Secretary’s Office to Technical Financial Analyst making $31,350.24 per year. She was even to receive a pay increase “upon lifting of austerity measures.”

Gov. Ralph Torres also hired a second public information officer under the Public Assistance Office. The personnel action for Cecilia R. Taitano, the Republican who ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the CNMI House from Precinct 4, was made retroactive to Feb. 16, 2021 at an annual salary of $40,000. Before her, the governor hired two project coordinators, each making $32,000 annually, to his office. Maegan T. Norita, daughter of Torres crony Clyde Norita, was hired retroactive to Oct. 26, 2020. Chantel M. Royal, the first lady’s niece, was hired retroactive to Dec. 7, 2020. The truth is we the people are suffering from the awful consequences of this governor’s manipulation of our government and our federal funds for his personal intentions, his Cabinet, and party royalty.

Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman III, Saipan