“My position on Saipan gaming has always been clear and consistent,” he said. “I do not support legalizing gaming through legislation as I believe the people of Saipan should have the opportunity to vote through a popular initiative.”
He added, “This is the only way the people can voice their position.”
Dela Cruz also denied saying that he would ask the Tinian and Rota delegations to support the Saipan casino legislation.
Instead, he said he will recommend that they block the legislation so the residents of Saipan can have the opportunity to vote on the issue.
The Saipan casino measure is a local bill that doesn’t require the approval of Rota and Tinian lawmakers who dominate the Senate.
“Saipan residents should be given the same opportunity to vote on the issue and if the people of Saipan decide to support gaming then that’s their choice and we should honor their decision,” Dela Cruz said.
He noted that casino has always been a controversial issue.
Both Tinian and Rota failed in their initial attempts to legalize gaming on their islands, he said.
However, he added, if the people of Saipan are still not willing to legalize gaming at this time, then legislators should respect their position.
Saipan voters rejected casino gaming in 1979 and in 2007.
