Torres vows CNMI comeback at GOP meet-and-greet

Former governor Ralph DLG Torres told hundreds of Republican supporters last Saturday, Aug. 1, that he remains undeterred by years of accusations and criticism directed at him, promising to revive the CNMI's economy, restore government services, and attract new investment if elected governor during the CNMI Republican Party's meet-and-greet at Veterans Memorial Park in Susupe.

The event, themed "Together, We Can Build Our Future," was hosted by Ambrose Ogumoro, his family, and friends.

After several days of sweltering weather, overcast skies and a refreshing breeze greeted supporters, who gathered under red balloon-decorated tents while Republican campaign music filled the park.

The rally began with a 30-minute road-waving campaign in which a sea of supporters carrying red placards lined the roadside as passing motorists frequently honked in support. A traditional local lunch followed before Republican candidates for the Nov. 3 general election were introduced.

Newly installed CNMI Republican Party president James Ada, who succeeded Patrick Cepeda after the latter decided to run for the House of Representatives in Precinct 1, welcomed the crowd before introducing lieutenant governor candidate Benjamin M. Jones Jr., who later presented Torres.

Torres acknowledged the criticism he has faced throughout his political career but told supporters it has not discouraged him from seeking another term.

"For everything that I've been accused... they've tried everything, said everything, thrown everything at me. But my people here in the CNMI and everybody that's watching, I'm still here. I'm still here because I know what it takes. I know what it takes to make your life better."

Torres said his experience as governor gives him the knowledge to rebuild the Commonwealth's economy and respond to future disasters. He argued that during his administration the CNMI enjoyed stronger tourism, more airline service, and higher government revenues, and said he wants to restore those conditions.

"I know there's a lot of things I don't know. But there's two things I do know. One is the disaster, and two, how to bring our economy up."

According to Torres, he has maintained relationships with airlines and prospective investors that could help bring additional flights, private investment, and new industries, including ship repair, to the Commonwealth.

"We have the network. We have the will. And I know without a doubt, we will bring our economy back to the CNMI."

He also pledged to improve funding for education, strengthen support for retirees, and urged voters to judge him by his record in office.

"Look at what has been done during my administration, and that's the administration that I can promise you. That's the administration that I can give you, [and I give you] my word."

Torres said his record in office demonstrates that he knows how to restore the Commonwealth's economy, pointing to what he described as stronger tourism, healthier government finances and larger investments in education during his administration.

He told supporters that the Public School System's budget reached about $60 million during his tenure, compared with what he said is about $31 million today. He also said the Commonwealth's overall budget reached roughly $260 million under his administration, while the current proposal stands at around $105 million to $110 million.

Torres also contrasted the tourism industry during his administration with current conditions, saying the Commonwealth once had 117 commercial flights a week, compared with 17 today.

"I was able to bring in Jeju, T-Way, Busan, Skymark, United Airlines."

According to Torres, the Marianas Visitors Authority generated about $400 million in indirect economic benefits during his administration, and additional airlines and investors had been preparing to enter the CNMI market before those efforts stalled.

He said those relationships remain intact and pledged to use them to attract more air service, bring new private investment—including ship repair—and rebuild the Commonwealth's economy.

"We have the network. We have the will. And I know without a doubt, we will bring our economy back to the CNMI."

Torres also pledged to strengthen funding for education, restore economic opportunities and fully fund retirees' pensions, urging voters to evaluate his candidacy based on his previous record in office.

"Look at what has been done during my administration, and that's the administration that I can promise you. That's the administration that I can give you my word."

Earlier, Jones explained why he accepted Torres' invitation to join the Republican ticket, saying years as an educator and school administrator exposed him to the struggles facing many families across the Commonwealth.

Jones said home visits and conversations with residents convinced him that many people are weary of merely getting by and are looking for change. He said those experiences led him to join Torres' campaign.

"That's a big reason why I said yes... I said yes to my partner, [former] governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres."

Jones described Torres as an experienced leader who understands how to rebuild the economy and reconnect government with the community, saying he believes the former governor's experience will benefit the Commonwealth.

The Republican Party also introduced its candidates for the Nov. 3 general election.

The GOP slate includes incumbent Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for the U.S. House; Senate candidates Vinnie Sablan and Marco Peter (Saipan), Tito S. Hocog II (Rota), and incumbent senators Jude U. Hofschneider and Francisco Q. Cruz (Tinian); Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog seeking reelection; and Tinian Mayor Antonio “Friday” San Nicolas Borja.

For the House of Representatives on Saipan, the party is fielding Roy Ada, Alfredo Cabael, Cecelia Taitano Fitial, John Demapan, Benusto Piteg and Patrick Matagolai Cepeda in Precinct 1; Keith Ada in Precinct 2; Ed Arriola Jr., Yvette Sablan, Andrew Orsini, Del Benson, and Quaid Ogumoro Ngirchongor in Precinct 3; Malcolm Omar and Kennedy Benjamin in Precinct 4; Ted Deleon Guerrero in Precinct 5; Northern Islands mayor Keli Tenorio for the Northern Islands, and Tinian House candidate Joseph Evangelista Santos.

Torres also asked supporters to back his brother, Joaquin "Jack" Deleon-Guerrero-Torres, in the race for attorney general.