“I’m looking forward to the Town Hall sessions as a way to continue the dialogue about the challenges and opportunities we face as a Commonwealth and what can be accomplished in Congress to improve life now and improve the outlook for our future 30 to 50 years ahead,” said Sablan. The Town Halls will be held on Rota on August 13th at the Sinapalo Elementary School, on Saipan on August 14th at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and August 18th at the Kagman High School Cafeteria and on Tinian on August 17th at the Tinian Elementary School Cafeteria. Each of the meetings will begin at 6pm and end at 8pm.
“I already hear by phone and e-mail from many people in the Marianas about their concerns and opinions regarding national policy and the events they hear or read about in the media,” Sablan added. “But these town halls will give me a chance to see people face to face, and, I hope, hear from even more of the people I am representing in Congress. “I want to talk with everyone directly about their concerns and what I can do to represent them well in Washington.”
Some of the issues expected to be discussed are expanding educational opportunities for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, the transition to federal immigration, energy alternatives for the Commonwealth, environmental protection, and the services that the Congressman’s office can provide directly to constituents.
“I invite everyone to attend and participate in what I hope will be a very open and candid dialogue,” said Sablan.
The Congressman’s office is currently conducting a poll on the homepage of the Marianas Variety website (www.mvarietynews.com) to determine which issues to focus more attention on during the Town Hall meetings. Residents can log on to the website to indicate their preference about which topics should be discussed.
“No matter the range of opinions, I’m sure the discussion that takes place will be cordial, respectful, and meaningful,” added Sablan. “I truly appreciate peoples’ willingness to participate in their national government in this way.”
