Democratic hopefuls make their case for CNMI Legislature

Five Democratic candidates for the CNMI Legislature used the party's candidate meet-and-greet to make their individual cases to voters, with their pitches ranging from economic recovery and infrastructure to government accountability and community service.

The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands held the Aug. 29 gathering at Morae Kitchen & Bar, where candidates for House Precincts 1, 3 and 5 addressed supporters.

Ricardo Castro Cruz Jr., who is running for the House in Precinct 1, said his decision to seek public office stems from wanting to serve the community where he grew up.

"The reason why I want to run for office is because I want to give back to the community that raised me," Cruz said.

He said his professional experience has also shaped what he believes he can bring to the Legislature.

"My career in customer service, banking, and hospitality has taught me the value of listening, finding solutions, and serving people," Cruz said.

Incumbent Rep. Denita Pialur Kaipat Yangetmai, meanwhile, kept her pitch for another term in Precinct 3 brief and centered it on completing unfinished work.

"I am seeking re-election so I can continue with the undone process," Yangetmai said. "I really need to finish them for the good of everyone in Precinct 3 and for the other precincts as well."

Fellow Precinct 3 Democratic candidate Gabriel Boki Babauta gave a more extensive presentation, telling supporters his decision to run was based on his desire to continue public service and his assessment of the Commonwealth's economic problems.

Babauta said he spent considerable time examining economic conditions in the CNMI and developing concrete proposals he could bring to the Legislature rather than simply ideas and opinions.

"We have to make a smart decision in allocating our resources toward what we economically need, not just once," Babauta said.

He identified infrastructure as one area where government resources should be directed, specifically mentioning the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., and the airport and seaport. Babauta argued that improving those institutions would help build confidence among residents and businesses and make the Commonwealth more attractive to investors.

He also emphasized rebuilding trust through government performance, stability and long-term public policy.

"To build trust in this government, we have to show good, stable government," Babauta said.

In Precinct 5, Peter Francis Reyes Muña said his campaign has been shaped by what he has heard directly from residents after Democrats began what he described as a listening tour last year.

Muña said he has continued going house to house and hearing concerns affecting Precinct 5. He said his research also showed funding was available for a road project sought by residents.

"And I found out that there is money for the road," Muña said. "Somebody just needs to take the leadership in doing it. So I'll be that candidate."

Muña also raised the possibility of Democrats working with independents in the next Legislature.

"And then maybe we can have a coalition with the independents," he said. "And then we'll get things done. Because we can't wait anymore. The time is now."

Leila Fleming Staffler, also running in Precinct 5, emphasized problem-solving, collaboration, transparency and good governance.

Staffler said she examines how government systems operate and believes they can be improved.

"And in doing that, I look at how systems work," she said. "And I see how our government is a lot of different systems. And I think that our systems could be better. And that is why I run."

Staffler also stressed that addressing the Commonwealth's problems requires cooperation.

"I am a collaborator. I cannot work alone," she said.

She then made a broader pitch for the Democratic slate, saying the party stands for transparency, accountability and good governance.

"We are Democrats because we stand for transparency. We stand for accountability. We stand for good governance," Staffler said.

She said elected officials must remain answerable to the public.

"We will work for the community, and we will always report what the government is doing," Staffler said. "Because you are our bosses."