I believe it is still important that voters exercise their right to vote the right way. I listen to both sides of the campaigns and when it comes to taxes, foreign policies, homeland security, the economy, the war against terror and restoring trust in Washington, McCain continues to come out on top.
I share this opinion because the same should apply here in the CNMI when it comes to voting for the first delegate to the U.S. Congress. “Use your brain, vote right.”
I’ve listened to most of the debates, checked the candidates’ public records and listened to their words and the following is my opinion:
Crisostimo — You are a qualified candidate, no doubt about it; however, you still have a lot of unfinished business here in the CNMI. The CUC (islandwide killer) issue is destroying the islands economy and you are still in a seat capable of resolving the matter. In other words, you are still needed here and the people of the CNMI need you to resolve this so-called “islandwide killer” before you can move on. It can be done here and now by business-minded leaders, not later on in the U.S. Congress.
Davis — You are a good man but again your students here need you more than the CNMI people need you in the U.S. Congress. It’s obvious you understand how Congress works but based on your responses to the questions in a number of the organized debates you failed to understand the true needs of the CNMI people.
Lizama — Your record clearly indicates that the people cannot trust you to represent them in the U.S. Congress. Sorry but the facts against you were verified true and are available in public records and the media.
Cing — Whether you are still running or not, your move before the chamber debate was smart. I gave you credit for taking yourself out. It takes courage to be honest and your decision to take yourself out is admirable.
Kilili — You have great plans, your answers during the debates were convincing, but again the record of your past is holding you back.
Pete — You were in the position to resolve our “islandwide killer” crisis too and you didn’t. You were quick to close down your office but slow in resolving our crisis. I respect your experience but when you left Washington to run for this new office, a lot of the people felt you have abandoned their interest for your own interest. We continue to suffer and nobody in Washington now is looking out to bail us out from this CUC problem we, the people, didn’t start it in the first place.
Atalig — Sorry but you did not sound convincing during the debates. At some point I thought you were tired and sounded like you needed a break.
Won — I feel your words; it’s obvious you understand the people’s needs; however, your lack of legislative experience places you in a weak spot. But based on your answers during the debates, the likelihood for you to represent the people is possible.
Gonzales — Like Mr. Won, it’s obvious you understand the people’s needs. Your plans reflect those of the people of the CNMI. You have a clean record compared to some of the other candidates.
Again, this is just my opinion and as a resident of the CNMI, I just wanted to exercise my freedom of speech to share my opinion to all the eligible voters of the CNMI. Feel free to critique it in any way you feel like.
ALFONIS M. SOUND
Dandan, Saipan
