Democrats file legislative candidacies, tout 'quality over quantity'

Members of the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands formally filed their certificates of candidacy lasy Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Commonwealth Election Commission, presenting a lean legislative slate that candidates said is focused on public service, accountability, and addressing community needs.

Leading the Democratic candidates filing was Labor Secretary Leila F. Staffler, who is seeking a House seat in Precinct 5. Staffler said her decision to run stemmed from her desire to continue serving the community, regardless of the branch of government.

“What's motivated me to run is that I know that I want to continue to serve my community in whatever capacity I'm able,” Staffler said.

She said that while she enjoyed serving as Labor secretary, she believes the Legislature offers another avenue to improve government by updating laws and regulations affecting public agencies.

Staffler said she would begin her leave from the Department of Labor once her candidacy is certified, adding that she has spent months preparing succession plans to ensure continuity at the department, including work related to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program pending federal approval.

Asked about the Democrats fielding a smaller slate this election cycle, Staffler said the party remains confident in its candidates.

“We are always about substance and about quality versus quantity,” she said. “All of the Democrats that are running in this election are definitely quality Democrats. They are people who have integrity, people who believe in accountability and transparency.”

She also encouraged voters to support candidates they believe are best qualified for public office.

“I want to encourage people to vote for the people that they see as the most capable, and I see Democrats as being very capable,” Staffler said.

Retiree Gabriel Boki Babauta, who is running for the House in Precinct 3, said he is seeking office to fulfill what he sees as the Legislature's constitutional responsibility to improve the lives of Commonwealth residents.

“I have decided to run because I want to do the congressional responsibility that was established by the Constitution by way of structuring public policy to build and improve the life of our people here in the Commonwealth,” Babauta said.

Babauta added that he has long been passionate about serving the community and views public service as part of his civic responsibility.

Incumbent Rep. Denita Yangetmai, who is seeking reelection in Precinct 3, said she has unfinished work she hopes to complete if returned to office.

“My projects, they're not done yet,” Yangetmai said.

She identified completion of the As Felipe ponding basin project as her top priority, saying it is intended to help mitigate flash flooding in the area.

Asked how it felt to file alongside fellow Democratic candidates, Yangetmai replied, “It feels good to file with the blue. Viva blue!”

In Precinct 5, candidate Peter Francis R. Muña said he entered the race because residents continue to raise concerns requiring legislative attention.

“The reason why I'm seeking office is because there's a lot of work that needs to be done,” Muña said.

Muña said residents have repeatedly raised concerns about Kagman Road, particularly following damage sustained during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and said addressing those issues would be among his top priorities if elected.

According to its website, the Democratic Party's legislative slate also includes Ricardo Castro Cruz Jr., who is seeking a House seat in Precinct 1; Frances Marie "Kika" Guerrero Sablan, who is running for the House in Precinct 3; and incumbent Sen. Celina Roberto Babauta, who is seeking reelection to the CNMI Senate.