Benson throws hat back in political arena, cites economic urgency

Del Benson announced another run for the House of Representatives in Precinct 3, highlighting what he called an urgent need for economic reform in the CNMI.

“I can’t shut my mouth. I’m frustrated. We are on the Titanic, and we’ve hit the iceberg, and we’re sinking. We have to change our way of thinking to approach it from an economic standpoint that is much bigger than us. Airplane flights alone are not going to solve our problems.”

Benson also cited his previous electoral performance as a sign of support after getting 930 votes in Precinct 3, saying, “that tells me that I’ve got a good shot.”

He said geography and market realities limit reliance on the U.S., and that CNMI must focus on broader business and economic strategies.

“We have to realize… the distance from the U.S., we’re not going to have much of a U.S. market. It’s an Asian market. The reason I’m running is I want to see if I can help make things better legislatively to be more attractive to businesses.”

Running this cycle as a Republican, Benson acknowledged the challenges of working within the Legislature.

“If the relationships aren’t formed and communication doesn’t happen, I could end up being worthless. And if I’m worthless, I don’t want to be up there. I have no reason to do this other than try and build the CNMI.”

On his personal connection to the Commonwealth, Benson emphasized his long-term residency and commitment to the community.

“Some people misunderstand me because they think, oh, you're a Haole from the States who's been here 35 years, who loves Saipan. This is my home. And I don't think of it as not my home. These are my people, I say. Because these are where my friends and where I connect are. So I want it better for my grandkids to live here.”

Benson also criticized energy policies, including proposals to introduce unions and reliance on commercial solar projects.

“Solar is not going to solve our problems. I can tell you this—most of you think that… now, if you put it on your house, that’s one thing, but you still have a long payoff, typically, depends on how much you use. But a commercial grid-type solar panel system—first off, the talk is about $150 to $200 million, I’ve heard. They will be the provider for CUC, and they will buy power. CUC will buy power.”

He floated proposals on land use, agriculture, and tourism, including preserving the former fishing base and promoting local digital marketing.

“I want to see that fishing base turn into a state park… we put money into our people, becoming experts in social media marketing, writing, photography, and video. We sell the nuances of the islands that people don’t get otherwise.”

He also criticized the CNMI’s current relationship with the federal government.

“We need our own immigration service… we’re really a new colony, neo-colonial… we really don’t have control of what we are here.”

Running as a Republican this cycle after his independent approach in 2023, Benson said economic development must be prioritized, linking it to labor and immigration.

“Our economic development… is affected by immigration… we have a lot of people leaving… we’re probably the population of 1988.”

On CNMI’s lone economic driver—tourism, Benson called for a shift toward locally driven digital marketing.

“We put that money into our people… and we sell nuances of the islands… creating viral videos.”

Regarding the U.S. military presence, he said the CNMI has limited influence.

“We really don't have a lot to say. I mean, the military has got the lease, the building up. We are a colony. We're going to be essentially told what to do. Or we can pull our funds. That's where we're limited with military… They’re going to do what they’re going to do… we have no voice or say.”

On deep-sea mining outside CNMI waters, he downplayed local control, “They’re going to do what they’re going to do… we have no voice or say.”

He concluded with a message of experience and perspective.

“Because I love Saipan. This is my home. I have had enough life experiences beyond Saipan to see other options and other ways of looking at it. I have not been employed by anyone since I left being a school teacher 30 years ago. I've been self-employed. I've been in various businesses. I've traveled a lot of the globe. My perspective is broader and I think I can bring some other ideas to the table.”