Joseph S. Inos is Dems’ gubernatorial bet

Joseph S. Inos, a former Senate president and Rota mayor, will be running for CNMI governor under the Democratic Party banner in the November general election.

The Democratic Party announced the party’s candidate for governor at the Grandvrio Resort’s Tropicana Restaurant last Friday night.

According to a party resolution, Inos’ eight years of experience, his vision, and the depth of his legislative experience have prepared him for the position of governor.

As of press time, Saipan Tribune was still waiting for Inos’ statements about his candidacy.

Last November, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres confirmed his intent to run for re-election, with Senate president Arnold I. Palacios as his running mate under the Republican Party.

The Democratic Party’s chief executive officer, Stephen Woodruff, told Saipan Tribune that the party’s Central Executive Committee presented Inos on Friday with a resolution that named three potential lieutenant governor candidates he could choose from.

The three are former representative Tina Sablan, Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan), and former Public School System commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan. The three were not present during the party’s announcement.

Woodruff said the CEC views the three as excellent choices as potential lieutenant governor bets and suggested their names for consideration by Inos.

He said the CEC may add other names at a later time, and Inos may also identify other possible running mates. Woodruff said that Inos will make the final decision in consultation with the committee.

The Democratic Party said that, despite his considerable success, Inos remains a humble man who takes an interest in everyone he meets and respects the dignity of every individual. The party said that Inos has demonstrated over 30 years of integrity, dedication, and service to the people of the CNMI.

Inos served 16 years in the Senate, from the 1st through the 8th Commonwealth Legislature representing Rota. He served as floor leader in the 4th and 6th Legislature. He served as Senate president in the 7th and 8th Legislature.

Inos was first elected mayor of Rota as a Democrat in 1993. He was elected Rota mayor again in 2005.

As mayor, Inos made significant contributions to clarifying the relationship between municipalities and the central government of the CNMI, the Democratic Party said.

He is the brother of the late governor, Eloy S. Inos.

The Democratic Party is led by its chair, Daniel Quitugua.