Propst, Sablan lead independent bets

Former representative Tina Sablan, left, and Rep. Edwin Propst thank the local Democratic Party for endorsing several independent candidates like them. (Jon Perez)

Rep. Edwin K. Propst and Tina Sablan are two of the big-name independents who are hoping to keep the balance in the CNMI House of Representatives, with the latter making a comeback after serving in the 16th Legislature.

The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands has endorsed Propst and Sablan, though both are running as independent candidates for Precinct 1 and 2 after the Democratic Party fielded only two candidates this election—Glenn Muña for Precinct 1 and Peter Muña for Precinct 5.

The party is also backing the independent gubernatorial ticket of former governor Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita A. Sablan, aside from the senatorial bids of former House speaker Heinz Hofschneider and former local Labor secretary Edith Deleon Guerrero.

Franklin Babauta and Samantha Birmingham-Babauta are two other independent candidates for Precinct 1 that’s also being supported by the local Democrats.

Propst said the law that granted salary increases to many in the CNMMI government—Public Law 19-83—is one of the hotly contested issues that need to be addressed in the coming Legislature. P.L. 19-83 became law even with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres or then-acting governor Arnold I Palacios not signing it.

A case is still pending in the Superior Court after the CNMI Attorney General’s Office sued the government on the constitutionality of the salary increases for elected officials.

“There are several critical issues, including repealing the 80-percent salary increase bill and the governor and lieutenant governor’s lifetime annuity bill that doesn’t even require them to serve at least one full term,” said Propst. “[Other issues are] ensuring poker doesn’t return to our villages, ensuring all businesses, big and small, are treated fairly, to ensure that we focus on sustainable tourism, controlled development, and better health care for our people.”

Propst said that public servants are elected to improve the lives of the common people. “Public servant leaders must remember to enrich the lives of our people before enriching ourselves.”

“We can start by supporting H.B. 20-39, a bill that Rep. Ed Villagomez and I introduced in February of 2017 that would eliminate the 80-percent salary increases for elected officials.”

He said that it is too late for him to change his affiliation but is thankful for the endorsement of the Democrats. “I already turned in my petition to the [Commonwealth Election Commission] with my committee and family.”

“It stated I am running as an independent candidate. It is too late to change that. The Democratic Party has graciously agreed to endorse our independent candidates, and we independents agreed to do the same.”

Propst added that some independents like him have been working closely with the Democrats to help the people of the CNMI. “To ensure that our government works for the people and puts the needs of our people first.”

Sablan is hoping to return to the House after serving as one of the six Precinct 1 representatives in the 16th Legislature. This time, she’s running in Precinct 2 with the same reasons that some independent candidates are fighting for.

“We are concerned with the direction that we’re going as a community. People are falling behind in this new economy and we wanted to stand up for them. There’s so much potential to make these islands healthier, safer, and happier,” said Sablan. “We’re hoping to make a government that really works for all the people and not just a few or for special interests. I think I have something to contribute to that.”

She congratulated the local Democratic Party for a successful convention last Saturday at the Grandvrio Hotel’s Fiesta Room. “I know a lot of hard work, personal time and resources went into preparations that this event is in so many ways a labor of love for the Democratic Party and the principles for which it stands, and also for our community, our democracy, and the future we are striving to create, together.”

“I’m excited by all the independent and Democratic candidates that are stepping up, where we share common values and ideas. There’s a lot of momentum happening now. So I want to thank you, Democrats, for your efforts to rebuild the party, and for your efforts to build bridges with the independent candidates with whom you share common ground.”