AS we approach the midterm elections, it is crucial to reflect on the current state of our Commonwealth and evaluate the actions taken by both past and present administrations. Equally important is the need to hold our Senators, Representatives, and new candidates accountable for the plans they present moving forward.
In light of this, I have compiled several critical questions that demand clear and honest answers. These questions address significant issues such as the financial health of our government, staffing decisions, and the transparency of public fund management. I encourage all candidates — incumbents and new contenders alike — to address these concerns as we prepare to cast our votes:
1. Efforts to End Austerity.
What specific steps has your administration or political party taken to end the austerity measures in place when you assumed office?
How have these actions impacted the government’s overall financial health and the delivery of public services?
2. Personnel Changes.
Upon taking office, how many individuals were removed from government positions, and what was the rationale behind these decisions?
Were these changes aligned with your administration’s vision, and were new hires fully budgeted, or did you rely on contractors to fill gaps?
3. New Hires.
How many new hires have been made since you took office, and how have these appointments affected the efficiency and productivity of government operations?
4. Hiring of Unqualified Individuals.
Have you made personnel adjustments to hire individuals who did not meet standard qualifications? If so, what was the justification, and how has this affected government performance and service delivery?
Can OPM Director Joseph Pangelinan provide a report on how many employees with criminal records or past terminations due to adverse actions have been hired since you took office?
5. Cabinet Member Travel.
Can you provide a detailed account of the travel conducted by you, your cabinet members, and legislators? What were the purposes of these trips, and how have they benefited the Commonwealth?
6. Legislative Priorities and Cohesion.
Given the ongoing concerns about infighting within the Legislature, what actions are being taken to ensure that lawmakers focus on addressing public needs rather than engaging in internal disputes?
7. ARPA Funds Allocation.
It has been nearly two years since the receipt of ARPA funds. Can you offer a transparent update on how these funds have been allocated, and what tangible progress has been made in addressing critical issues in the Commonwealth?
8. Workforce Migration.
How many residents have left the Commonwealth due to a lack of opportunities or competitive salaries, and what measures are being taken to address this issue?
9. Tourism Development.
What actions have you taken to improve tourism, and how are these efforts contributing to economic recovery?
10. Utility Prices.
What are you doing to address rising power utility costs for residents?
11. Food Inflation.
What are your plans to tackle the rising costs of food and essential goods?
12. Investigations into Corruption.
What is the current status of investigations related to the BOOST program and other cases of government corruption? Can you provide a list of cases filed with the Office of the Public Auditor, DPS, and the Attorney General’s Office?
As voters, we bear the responsibility of demanding transparency and accountability from those who seek to lead us. These questions are meant to encourage honest dialogue and ensure that the future of our Commonwealth is shaped by informed and thoughtful decisions.
Thank you for your time and attention. Let us remain vigilant and committed to holding our leaders accountable.
Sincerely,
FRANKIE MANGLONA
Dandan, Saipan
