WHEN we voted to approve our Covenant to join the American political family, that piece of document made us all citizens of the United States, and that, more than anything, makes it absolutely clear what our position is vis-a-vis the United States: what our privileges, benefits and also our responsibilities are.
If skilled politicians are indispensable to the American system, then we the people of the Commonwealth must value expertise. Governor Torres was a member of the House of Representatives, a former Senate president, a former lt. governor, and is now our current governor. Senator Sablan is also a former member of the House of Representatives and currently a senator representing Saipan.
Ralph and Vinnie possess knowledge and experience. There are indispensable to the system. Ralph and Vinnie possess these characteristics. They have faith in this Commonwealth and its future. They hold a vision for what its success will look like for the next four years.
They understand they’ll face set-backs, failure, and hardship due to Super Typhoon Yutu and the Covid pandemic. But they persevered in the American way of governing because it can make a lot of things possible.
They understand the dynamic nature of politics: that you don’t have permanent enemies or allies and that your foe one day may be a comrade the next. They are pragmatic and prepared to adjust, compromise, and improvise in order to move policy in the direction they’d like to go.
Finally, Ralph and Vinnie understand that politics consists of a lot more than running for election…it’s about striving to make our Commonwealth better.
Wishing you a happy and heartfelt holiday filled with good food and great memories. Happy Thanksgiving!
FRANK DLG DEMAPAN
Retired School Administrator
Former District Commissioner
A resident of San Vicente who now lives on the U.S. mainland
