By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Public Lands’ administrative hearing officer, Ramon S. Dela Cruz yesterday announced his intention to run for Saipan senator as the Covenant Party’s candidate.
Dela Cruz will challenge incumbent Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, D-Saipan.
Dela Cruz, the brother of Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, Covenant-Saipan and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jose S. Dela Cruz, said he decided to run for public office in the wake of “challenging issues.”
He said these include the political relationship of the CNMI with the United States, the economic slump and land alienation issues.
Ramon Dela Cruz said he has already submitted his letter of intent to Covenant Party chairman Alvaro A. Santos.
He said “it has been his aspiration to be part of the legislative process and to contribute in coming up with quality legislation that will improve the lives of every person in the CNMI.”
He said his intention is to help uplift “the the standard of living here.”
He believes that with his work experience and educational credentials, he can be an effective legislator.
Born and raised on Saipan, he earned certificates in administrative law and adjudication and dispute resolution from the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.
He got his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota and graduated magna cum laude when he obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Guam.
He worked as a clerk with the CNMI Supreme and Superior Courts and in the law offices of Vicente T. Salas prior to his employment with DPL.