Nothing else but the economy
THE delegate candidate who repeatedly hammered away at the need to revive the tourism-based economy won an upset victory against the nominee of what could possibly be the most economically oblivious administration in CNMI history.
Many voters have moved beyond blaming the previous leadership (whom they booted out two years ago) and now want their elected officials focused on solutions and accountability.
Neither a conveniently timed lifting of an austerity measure nor a last-minute change of topic to utility rates could distract voters from the abysmal economic and financial conditions staring them in the face.
Many voters are more interested in actionable plans and leadership that can demonstrate real results to improve their quality of life and future prospects. Many voters would rather hear what should be done about the economy, what can be done, and what their leaders are doing about it.
Raising taxes to inflate revenue forecasts, begging for more federal assistance that may or may not be granted, and pointing fingers at their predecessors can only do so much for elected officials.
That should be the lesson of this year’s election.
Will those (still) in power take notice? We’re not holding our breath.
After two years of drift
WE are glad to hear that the delegate-elect intends to focus on improving tourism. That’s what she told voters she would do. That’s her mandate.
In contrast, the governor never told voters that he would pivot from the CNMI’s second largest tourism market. Once in office, he never consulted the local people about it. And when he announced it, the first to know was a U.S. military official — not the CNMI public.
But now, with a new U.S. administration coming in, what will happen to the CNMI’s 902 consultations with federal officials who are on their way out? What is the likely outcome for a “Let’s Beg America Again” CNMI policy in the shadow of a MAGA White House and Capitol Hill?
Clearly, after two years of drift, the CNMI must try to revive its tourism industry and rebuild its economy. CNMI leaders must, for once, listen to and consider the recommendations of MVA, HANMI and the rest of the business community.
The delegate-elect says she will do exactly that. Godspeed.
Bicameralism rules
THANKS mainly to a still-demoralized opposition that could not field a complete slate, the House of Representatives will remain the administration’s rubber-stamp — until it is no longer politically feasible. Happily, it appears that the Senate can remain what it is under the outgoing Senate president — independent of the administration, more level-headed, more deliberative, and more economically literate than the lower house.
As voters interviewed before and on Election Day have said, they want their leaders to focus on improving the economy. As voters have also pointed out, other important issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and utilities are also linked to the state of the economy.
House leaders, to be sure, will continue to propose tax hikes while wringing their hands over the problems left behind by the previous administration. In the upper house, however, we expect senators to continue blocking most of the fiscally irresponsible measures from the House while generating more ideas that can improve tourism and the economy.
We need more reasoned voices in the Legislature, not just members who echo the ill-advised wishes of a lackluster administration.
