By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Four senators expressed elation over their new colleague in Hokkons Baules, who was sworn-in by Associate Judge Kathleen Salii last Wednesday morning.
Baules said that the people who voted for him are those from with the lower income, the people who are in need.
Sen. Caleb Otto said they’re happy that Baules spoke of unity and vowed to work for the desire of the people of Palau.
"We have a lot of work to do. He told us that he will carry out the people’s wish and help the Senate move," Otto told reporters shortly after the oath taking ceremonies attended by Baules’s immediate families, wife Lori, sons Tmetuchl of the Palau Chamber of Commerce and Marsino.
Before that, a Resolution was adopted to confirm the results of the May 9 special polls, as well as to judge the election and qualifications of Baules and seating him as an OEK member.
Only two Senators were absent but were excused. Sen. Alfonso Diaz attended his son’s graduation at Head Start while Floor Leader Alan Seid was on an official trip in Washington DC.
Sen. Ykiwo P. Dengokl said Baules should be an asset because of his experience in the Second OEK as a Senator.
Dengokl said that Baules is very supportive of the grassroots.
Senate President Surangel Whipps welcomed Baules and said they will have to work together in both Houses of Congress as well as with the Executive Branch.
"We will work with the President but if he is not doing his job then it is the duty of Congress to check him," he said.
Sen. Santy Asanuma said they’re glad that the election is over.
He said that Baules’s experience would definitely be a plus to the Senate being an established businessman and community person.
Asanuma said that Baules presence would have an impact in the stability in the Senate adding that Baules is a very sincere person.
According to Asanuma, Baules vowed to dedicate his time and facilitate all the pending work of the Senate for its remaining term.
Asked for comment, Baules said the in his discussions with the people he said they want unity in the Senate and they want the Senators to do more rather than talk more.
"They want us to look over Palau and remember those who are in needs," he said.
Baules identified four issues that he said were raised by the people -- social security benefits, affordable power and utility costs, hospital bill.
Asked what committees he wanted to sit in, Baules said it will depend on his colleagues.
"I will just be part of the team. Whatever they will give me I will accept," he said.
A press statement from the Senate Public Information Office said that Baules was born on June 7,1948 to Baules Schelong, a former Senator and framer of the Constitution.
He attended Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, Palau Mission Academy and a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in History at the Philippine Union College.
Baules was a Senator in the 2nd OEK from 1985-1988, where he chaired the committee on Foreign Affairs.