He has been critical of the government’s failure to pass a budget for the Liberation Day festivities, and has not abandoned his plan to seek an elected post, saying he is open to anything.
“I feel I am qualified,” he told Variety.
Barcinas, the principal of Hopwood Junior High School, said it has been his desire to run for office.
“But I’ve to keep a low profile because my focus is my job. I want to do my job to the best of my ability and make sure we implement needed changes and train teachers so when I retire they can meet the expectations of the community,” he added.
Barcinas believes that a lawmaker’s job is easy.
“It’s just a matter of thinking positively, and having that sense of attitude and a personality that allows everyone to work together. I don’t believe in fighting. I believe in peace building and having good relationship with everybody,” he said.
Elected officials, he added, need to be visible to the people who elected them.
“They need to go out to the schools and the community and not just sit somewhere around. If it wasn’t for the community they would not be up there,” he said.
Elected officials should listen to the people, he added.
Next year, if designated again by the Saipan mayor’s office to lead the Liberation Committee, Barcinas said he will submit to the community an action plan that will address funding issues.
He will ask the community whether to continue holding the month-long celebration or have it only once a week like the Taste of Marianas or for three days like the Flame Tree Arts Festival.
