Sablan wants Saipan projects prioritized

Instead of just dividing appropriations equally among precincts, Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) would like to see that projects on the island be prioritized based on their importance.

And this is what he wants to implement if he wins the chairmanship of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation. Sablan is vying for the post with 18th SNILD chair Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb (Ind-Saipan).

“What I plan to do is ask each member to look into their precinct-level issues and projects that they propose to do. Put it on the table and do appropriations based on priorities. Look at the important projects here on Saipan. I want to ask our members to gather what they feel is important to develop and instead of just dividing the money among members, we should base the appropriation by prioritizing what’s best for Saipan,” he said.

Sablan, who didn’t take any standing committee chairmanships so he can vie for the SNILD top post, said he’s open to seeing the whole gamut of projects considered for Saipan, whether it’s for tourism, infrastructure, or the likes as long as it grows the economy.

“We have a lot to do here with the promising casino buildup and with the construction of more hotel rooms. We need a lot of new infrastructure because of the magnitude of the new development here on Saipan.”

With regards to the election for the SNILD chairmanship, Sablan said he hopes Tebuteb will call it soon so they can organize the local delegation.

“I’m assuming it might be next week or the following week but I’ve read the rules and it has to be no later than the fourth Monday of January,” he said, adding that since Tebuteb was the chair of the previous SNILD, his chief rival for the post is the one responsible for calling the meeting.

Sablan said right now his energies are focused on convincing the 18 House members and the three senators from Saipan to support him as he seeks the SNILD chairmanship.

“I’m still vying for the chairmanship. I’m still trying to get my numbers. I don’t want to use the word confident but I’m hoping that majority of members will support me for this position. I’m going person to person. We have actually approached everybody to let them know about my intentions.”

In fact, Sablan said he would have a closed-door meeting with nine House members from Saipan in the leadership today to specifically talk about his candidacy. He needs a simple majority or 11 out of the 21 members of the SNILD.

Sablan also happily reported that he’s now comfortably situated at the former corner office of Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) after the latter finally moved to his new office.

“I’m all set. I’m ready to do my fiduciary duty,” he said.