creating a direct link between the people in the community and the government.
“The mayor’s office is an instrument where the community can get direct assistance from the government, facilitate so that the voices of the community can be heard and for the issues to be resolved, and putting the right person in this very important office is of the utmost importance,” Flores said.
Tourism as top priority
If elected into office, Flores said his first priority would be to hone in on developing the tourism program in the communities.
“The opportunities for our residents to promote tourism abound in our islands,” he said. Flores added that with a strong partnership between the communities and the mayor’s office, the influence of the Japanese in the communities during the early days of Saipan’s growth can be revived.
Flores said that maximizing the capabilities of the mayor’s office to receive grants and working hand in hand with private land owners are the very tools needed for the communities to develop Saipan as a prime tourist destination.
He said that the island’s rich history, culture and historical sites are advantages that can be developed to boost the ailing tourism industry.
OTHER PRIORITIES
Village representatives
Stressing on the value of the opportunity to be heard, Flores said his next priority is to have representatives from each village who will be the voice of the people.
With over 30 villages and as diverse from each other in terms of size, population, needs and other factors, Flores said that having representatives from each village would make the distribution of services and implementation of programs much easier.
“The one-size fits all” approach is not applicable to a wide diversity of population because each one has different needs,” Flores said. He added that the village representatives will be elected by the people and who will then act as a channel for the villager to get quicker and better access to the mayor’s office.
Scholarship program (SHEFA)
Flores is a firm believer in education as a key to improve the welfare of Saipan’s communities. With this, he is in for the continuity of the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance scholarship program.
He said the children who continue their education must be provided the financial means to stay in school, buy learning supplies and support for living expenses.
With this, Flores vows to ensure that all applications for the scholarship will be processed quickly and accurately, and to come to decisions at the shortest time possible.
“I will coordinate with the legislature on identifying new sources of revenue that could be tapped to increase the scholarship funding level,” Flores said.
Beautification projects
Saipan residents deserve a first-rate living environment, and with this, Flores said that he will look into the need for the communities to be landscaped, organized and cleaned of any “eye sores” like litter, metal scraps, unsightly vegetations, abandoned structures.
Environment
With sufficient laws and regulations on environment protection already in place, Flores said that aggressive enforcement is necessary through the mayor’s office.
Flores vows to spearhead an aggressive program that will “link all permitting agencies for better coordination and services, as well as intake of reports of alleged violators.”
Stray dog program
To address the mounting problems of stray dogs in the island, Flores vowed to push for the construction and completion of the proposed dog kennel in less than six months.
“The communities, especially our children should be safe to walk on the streets without the risk of being attacked by stray dogs,” he said.
Flores’s plan includes starting a program that returns stray dogs to families who would care for the dogs with little or no support from appropriation for its long-term operation.
Cleanliness and safety issues
Flores believes that the residents in the island deserve to live in a safe and clean environment. Concerned with the safety of motorists and pedestrians on the roads, Flores said he aims to work with the Department of Public Works to enforce road maintenance and safety programs like tree trimming and providing shredder machines, as well as big containers for trash to control litter in the communities.
“I am committed and determined to protect the health of our residents by providing low-cost conveniences like containers for trash collection, and create a village strategic refuse collection centers with emphasis on the separation of recyclables, green waste, metal and plastics.
Sports for the youth
Expanding the opportunities for the young people in the villages to excel in different sports is another priority for this mayoral candidate. He said that he will work with the communities to address the lack of wide, open spaces and facilities where children can play to stay healthy and active.
Community Centers/Chamolinian Village
With the unique characteristic of each village, Flores believes that community centers and social halls need to be established to engage the communities in building cost-effective programs and projects that promote the welfare and health of the residents.
Flores said that he will also look into establishing a Chamolinian Village to be maintained by elders and children to showcase Saipan’s native way of life.
He said that the village could be used as a venue for live demonstrations on traditional weaving, carving, cooking, dances, storytelling, and other events that would gather residents and visitors together for entertainment, fun, food and relaxation.
Student’s bus stop
The safety of the children is a big priority for Flores, and with this, he considers establishing sitting bus shelters along the main thoroughfares important.
Flores said his edge as a candidate lie in the fact that in addition to being a hardworking individual, his dedication and commitment to serve the people comes from the heart.
“I have this strong feeling of helping the people in everyway I can. I know more work is required than to stand up and make speeches,” Flores said.
“My intention is to work hard and produce results that will benefit all, and ensure prosperity to everyone in the community.”
