Tinian Mayor Aldan reflects on legacy as he prepares to step back from politics

After more than two decades in public service, Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan said he hopes to be remembered as a leader who remained accessible, open to criticism, and focused on the collective good of the community.

“I am blessed to be voted by the people of Tinian and for the trust that they have given me to run at any level,” he said. “My legacy would have been that I was always open to people, and I don’t shy away from controversies, and I deal with them day to day here on Tinian.”

As his second term comes to a close, Aldan said he will not seek higher office, explaining that he believes it is time to step back and allow younger leaders the opportunity to serve.

“I’ve been in politics for quite some time, I believe 2001 when I started politics, so I think it’s time for me to take a step back, no, and maybe take a break or just give a chance for the young generations that are popping up and are really interested. And they’re very good candidates who are willing to step up and serve the community,” he said.

Aldan said the decision followed discussions with his wife and family.

“I think for now, my option after talking with my wife and my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back for now...Once you’re in politics for this long, it’s very hard to let go, but sometimes decisions have to be made to give opportunities for other people to come in and also help in the community as far as elected positions [are concerned],” he said.

He acknowledged that there had been some truth to earlier rumors that he was considering a run for the Senate.

“There’s a little truth to it, and I’m not gonna hide behind the bushes. There was some truth to it, but after looking at [it], I’ve always been a party man, and like I said, that was one of the plans, but I see that my fellow public servants, people that have been in office for three terms, four terms, on the lower position, I see that they deserve also a chance to step up and get the opportunity to serve the community at a higher level,” Aldan said.

Reflecting on his seven years as mayor, Aldan said one of his proudest accomplishments was advancing infrastructure development.

“Putting things together and making sure that it’s pushed through and it becomes a reality, that’s been a proud moment for me to say that my administration would be more so into the infrastructure part of the development of Tinian,” he said.

The crowning achievement was rebuilding the island after the devastation of Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018.

“When we got hit by Yutu, you know, Tinian was ground zero, ground zero, absolutely. And then we had to struggle in the beginning, trying to come up in line with what [Federal Emergency Management Agency] had offered to develop and improve and increase resilience to the infrastructure that we are about to undertake,” he said.

Aldan said the municipality’s response to Yutu, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an extended economic downturn was strengthened by unity among local leaders and a shared focus on community needs rather than individual agendas.

One of the biggest challenges during his tenure, Aldan said, was the loss of casino revenues that had once supported a range of municipal programs.

“Before they shut down, it was like we were getting a million and a half to $2 million,” he said, noting that revenues were higher in earlier years. “In the first year, we were getting like $4 to $5 million.”

The loss of that funding stream forced the municipality to scale back scholarships, medical referrals, veteran assistance, and support for nonprofit groups and community events.

“We tried to be creative and really work hard with the administration, and especially the Secretary of Finance and [Office of Management and Budget]. It’s been a challenge, but nevertheless, they have always reached out and helped us in some way.”

Despite ongoing financial constraints, Aldan said economic activity on Tinian has increased due to major infrastructure and military-related projects, including construction activity at North Field and other developments tied to the U.S. Department of Defense.

He said the municipality’s tax contributions have grown significantly in recent years.

“We used to contribute $1.4, $1.5 million for tax,” Aldan said. “Now we’re at the brink of almost $12 million of taxes.”

While those revenues flow to the central government, Aldan said the local impact is being felt through job creation and increased commercial activity.

“Now people are getting hired. Now the stores are not empty,” he said.

He pointed to visible changes in local stores as an example of increased economic activity.

“We used to just get maybe eight kinds of ice creams,” Aldan said. “Now the stores, because of the activity and the contractors that are here, they have different flavors.”

Aldan said contractors working on current projects are actively hiring and offering competitive wages.

“Some of these positions are $15 an hour,” he said. “Then when you pass your probationary [period] in 60 to 90 days, then you get the actual salary, which is like $18, $19 an hour.”

As he prepares to leave office, Aldan said he plans to return to private life and spend more time focusing on personal matters.

“I really want to enjoy being just a regular job. I started my career as a regular job, just a police officer, and I want to go back and not have this pressure,” he said. “I want to just say, ‘okay, that was Mayor Aldan,’ now I’m just Joe Aldan.”

He thanked Tinian residents for the trust and support they gave him throughout his political career.

“I am blessed being voted by the people of Tinian and for the trust that they have given me,” Aldan said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”