Propst is Legislature’s next minority leader

From left, representative-elect Sheila Babauta (Precinct 4); representative-elect Richard Lizama (Precinct 5); representative-elect Donald Manglona (Precinct 7 – Rota); Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Precinct 3); Rep. Ed Propst (Precinct 1); and representative-elect Tina Sablan (Precinct 2). (Contributed Photo)

By unanimous consent of the incoming minority members, incumbent Rep. Ed Propst of Precinct 1 has been selected to be the minority leader of the 21st House of Representatives.

The other members of the minority include are representative-elect Tina Sablan (Precinct 2), incumbent Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Precinct 3); representative-elect Sheila Babauta (Precinct 4), representative-elect Richard Lizama (Precinct 5), and representative-elect Donald Manglona (Precinct 7).

The group met last Friday to make their selection. Villagomez, who is currently the minority leader of the 20th House, nominated Propst, and urged the other minority members to support him as well. During discussion, Propst described his leadership style as inclusive and supportive, and pledged his commitment to building trust, teamwork, and open communications among the members. Following a question-and-answer, all the members agreed to support Propst as their next minority leader.

Propst thanked his colleagues for their confidence in him, making special note of Villagomez. “Our current minority leader, [Rep.] Edmund Villagomez, graciously offered me his support, and I thank him for passing the torch to me.,” Propst said. “Edmund has been a mentor, a dear friend, and a minority leader who leads by example with great humility, respect, and compassion for all.”

Members of the minority lauded the smooth transition of minority leadership. “It has made me so proud of our team,” said Lizama. “I am looking forward to working with minority leader Ed Propst and with everyone as well.”

“I’m happy with our decision,” Babauta said. “Ed is capable, outspoken, and has the Commonwealth’s best interest at heart. We will help him and he will help us be better leaders for the people.”

Manglona said: “Ed laid out his platform and I am confident with the goals he set. …I look forward to working with my colleagues in addressing the Commonwealth’s needs as well as ensuring the wellbeing of our constituents.”

During their meeting, the members also discussed their shared values and goals. Sablan noted that this has been an ongoing conversation among the independent members since before the election.

“We all ran as independents, but we all recognized the importance of cooperating and supporting each other as a team to be effective,” Sablan said. “And I look forward to working well together in the 21st Legislature because of the values and goals that we have in common, and because of the different strengths and experiences that each of us brings to the table.”

The members agreed that their group will be governed by three core values: trust, respect, and communication. They agreed to share information and engage regularly with constituents, through public forums, social media, news releases and position statements, and a periodic minority report. And while they agreed on the need for a strong, vigilant, and vocal minority to continually press for solutions to challenges like healthcare and education funding shortfalls, economic insecurity, environmental degradation, and weaknesses in government accountability, they also agreed to actively seek opportunities for bipartisan collaboration with incoming House Speaker B.J. Attao and the members of the majority.

Propst said he is grateful to be part of a “dynamic team” of leaders.

“Together we will introduce and promote good legislation that benefits our people,” he said. “We will collaborate and assist each other in all precincts, pitching in to keep our community clean and beautiful.”

Propst is entering his third term as representative. He has served on the House committees on Education; Health; Commerce and Tourism; and Federal and Foreign Affairs.

Prior to joining the Legislature, Propst worked in education and owned a photography business. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and lives in Dandan, Saipan with his wife, Daisy, and their four children. (PR)