Governor Apatang on his Travel Outside the Marianas, Acting Governorship

A statement from Governor David M. Apatang Regarding his Travel Outside the Marianas & Acting Governorship

I want to clarify a few things regarding my two-day trip to Guam and the statements that have been made about it. First, I left the Commonwealth on September 10, not September 9.

This was an official trip. I met with Department of War and Guam National Guard officials regarding regional military developments and matters important to the CNMI, including the potential for a National Guard unit here in the Marianas. I also attended the commissioning ceremony for sons of the Commonwealth who are being commissioned into the Army National Guard in Guam.

As an Army veteran, that ceremony is especially meaningful to me. I know what it means to take that oath and make the commitment to serve. These young men and women have chosen to serve their country and their Commonwealth, and I am proud of them. I congratulate each of them and their families, and I wish them every success as they begin this next chapter of their lives.

There has also been some discussion about why I did not appoint an Acting Governor before leaving.

The answer is simple: the Constitution already provides for it.

Article III, Section 8(a) provides the process that takes effect when the Governor is physically absent from the Commonwealth and the Lieutenant Governor is also absent or unavailable. There is no requirement in that provision for the Governor to make a separate appointment or delegation.

Some governors have chosen to issue a formal delegation when they travel. That is within their discretion. It does not make it a constitutional requirement.

I also want to address the suggestion from the Lieutenant Governor that, if I wanted to help the Speaker of the House with his campaign for Lieutenant Governor, I should have appointed him as Acting Governor.

I do not make constitutional decisions based on somebody's political campaign. I certainly would not use the office of Governor to give someone a political advantage.

The Constitution provides the process. It is not a matter of choosing who is politically convenient or who may benefit from the appointment.

We are in an election year, but that does not mean everything I do is about politics. My job is to be Governor. That means working with our federal and regional partners, representing the CNMI, supporting our military and veterans, and dealing with the issues that affect our people.

Today, especially, I think we should remember that there are things bigger than politics.

On September 11, we remember the thousands of Americans who lost their lives 25 years ago. We remember the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, the families who lost loved ones, and the service members who answered the call in the years that followed.

As an Army veteran, September 11 carries a special meaning for me. I remember why so many Americans chose to serve after that day, and I understand the commitment that comes with putting on the uniform and taking an oath to defend our country.

That is also why being there for the Commonwealth's young men and women as they take that same oath is important to me.

To those being commissioned today: congratulations, and thank you for choosing to serve. You have made your families and your Commonwealth proud. I wish you Godspeed and a safe and successful career in service to our country.

Today, let us remember those we lost, honor those who served, and support those who continue to serve.

That is what service is about. And that is what I will continue to do as Governor.