Camacho seeks final term, says work on Saipan is 'not finished'

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho formally filed his petition for candidacy at the Commonwealth Election Commission in Susupe on July 24, seeking what he said would be his final four-year term as mayor while pledging to complete unfinished projects, strengthen public safety, and continue building safer villages across the island.

Running once again as an independent, Camacho said the decision followed discussions with his family and reflected his belief that there is still more work to accomplish.

“I decided, you know, with the consultation with my wife, my children, you know, that I'm still interested, you know, to run again for the second term because the mayor is only a maximum of two terms,” Camacho said.

Reflecting on his first term, Camacho described it as demanding but rewarding.

“Well, the first four years, you know, it's very challenging. And I managed to, you know, challenge it,” he said. “I want to continue what I've been doing here.”

He said his platform for a second term centers on promoting peace and safer communities by working closely with faith leaders, ethnic organizations, residents, and government agencies.

“My next four years is to promote peace in our community,” Camacho said.

Public safety remains one of his top priorities, according to Camacho, who said he met with Drug Enforcement Administration officials a day before filing his candidacy to discuss what he described as increasing drug activity on Saipan.

“Yesterday, you know, I met with the DEA... and we discussed again about these high drugs in the community,” Camacho said.

He said he plans to send a letter to DEA headquarters requesting additional personnel for the CNMI.

“I'm going to appeal to the director of DEA... to bring manpower down here so we can eradicate this, you know, drugs issue in our community,” he said.

Camacho added that he previously met with both the DEA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, together with the mayors of Tinian and Rota, to discuss crime and drug-related issues affecting all three islands.

If reelected, Camacho said he also hopes to expand economic opportunities by encouraging agriculture and fisheries through affordable financing and greater access to public lands, while continuing village beautification projects following recovery from the recent typhoons.

He credited his administration with advancing projects such as the public cemetery in Marpi and said his office has shifted from major debris removal to restoring and beautifying villages.

Camacho also urged residents to play an active role in improving public safety.

“See something, say something,” he said. “We need to fix this problem. And this is not a one person's problem. It's the entire island.”

Asked about reports that his nephew, Rep. Joel Camacho, had decided not to pursue the Saipan mayor's race and instead seek reelection to the House of Representatives, Camacho said he appreciated the reported decision.

“I really appreciate, you know, for him considering that,” Camacho said. “I highly respect his decision for stepping down, you know, for allowing me to continue my second term.”

Camacho said he hopes voters will give him another opportunity to complete the work he started.

“I want to humbly seek the utmost consideration and support the entire community... so I can continue my project to promote safe communities, safe villages, and a clean island,” he said.