Senate to further address NMI’s issues

By JON PEREZ
jon_perez@saipantribune.com
REPORTER

With all the formalities done, the 19th CNMI Senate declared they are ready to buckle down to work in order to further strengthen a revitalized economy and address other issues that continue to hound the people of the Commonwealth.

Members of the 19th CNMI Senate, from left, Sens. Jude U. Hofschneider, Teresita A. Santos, Justo S. Quitugua, Arnold Palacios, Victor B. Hocog, Francisco M. Borja, Steve K. Mesngon, Francisco Q. Cruz, Sixto K. igisomar pose for a group photo after the first organizational session yesterday. (JON PEREZ)

Most of the senators’ messages—whether veterans or first timers—were all centered in finding solutions to provide better health care, lowering utility rates and further improving the educational system for the youth, which would someday be the lifeblood of the CNMI workforce.

Former Commerce secretary Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan) said he would look into updating some of the CNMI’s outdated laws in order to help generate revenues for the government.

“Many of our laws are outdated and needs to be taken care off. We need revenue generation so the government can meet its obligation of improving the lives of the people of the Commonwealth,” he said.

“We must enact laws to improve the lives of the people and basic education, lower the utility rates, and provide better health care,” added Igisomar, who will chair the Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications committee.

Sen. Arnold I. Palacios, the Senate floor leader, said that with the election over it is now time to set aside all political differences and focus more on the agenda for the people.

“Today is not the victory of our election to office but our goal must be to advance the high quality of life. We must listen to the voice of the people and work for the best interest of the CNMI,” said Palacios, who will head the Federal Relations and Independent Agencies committee.

“The CNMI has been through a lot the past years. Indeed, our lives have improved. Education and awareness of preserving the environment and resources have improved. We see and feel economic recovery but we must nurture this.”

“All of the challenges can be addressed with the economy on the rebound. We have the collective ability of addressing these challenges. Challenges are to be conquered and problems are to be solved. We must innovate and be creative in handling our affairs. And only then that we can achieve our goals,” he added.

Sen. Teresita A. Santos (R-Rota), who is the lone lady legislator in the 19th CNMI Senate, said with the economy gradually building strength, she and her colleagues must remain focused on doing their job of delivering for the people.

“Our economy is gradually building strength, yet it continues to be one of the greatest challenges we face for the reason that our economy dictates public services, programs and projects which are essential to the community. The loss of which will definitely impact the lives of our families and most especially our children,” said Santos, the Health and Welfare Committee chair.

“With this challenge in mind, there will be times to make hard decisions, there will be times to negotiate and compromise, there will be times to hold firm on issues and not deviate for our conviction,” she added.

Former lieutenant governor and now Tinian Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, who will head the Rules and Fiscal Affairs, said he would also focus on helping Tinian establish its own local economy and have a well-trained workforce for the CNMI.

“The CNMI has been through a lot of challenges in the past years. There’s still a lot of work to be done. I will work to have a local economy for Tinian, which the island is longing for. Tourism and hospitality remains the main source of our economy and we must be equipped with a well-trained workforce.”

Sen. Justo S. Quitugua, the only non-Republican member and the chair of the Education and Youth Affairs, said the CNMI must further move forward.

“Know that nothing is impossible if we work together. We must do our work well for our diverse community. Our decisions should answer what is the best for our people and not of personal interest.”

Victor B. Hocog will serve as Senate president; Francisco M. Borja the vice president and the chairman of the Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs; Francisco Q. Cruz will head the Executive Appointments and Government Investigations committee; and Steve K. Mesngon (Judiciary, Government and Law) are the other members of the CNMI Senate.