The son of former Republican Party of Tinian president, the late Sylvestre Cruz, Joe Cruz officially informed Mayor of Tinian Jose P. San Nicolas that “I am tendering my resignation as chairman of the CNMI Covenant Party Precinct 6-Tinian, effective immediately.”
Joe Cruz also resigned his position in the mayor’s office, effective last Friday.
“I am deeply hurt,” said Cruz to the mayor, “[by] the way you treat my hard work, loyalty and commitment in you, and especially the whole team. It’s very sad for someone to encounter and receive unfair treatment: being insulted, embarrassed, and harassed in front of the whole members, and supporters not just once but countless times.”
At a luncheon meeting, Edward Shai, current president of the Republican Party for Precinct 6, welcomed. Cruz back to the GOP. “On behalf of our party,” said Shai, “we welcome you back with open arms.”
Former Mayor Francisco M. Borja, also a past chairman of the Tinian Covenant Party, said: “I left the Covenant Party for the same reason as Joe. Mayor San Nicolas will not listen to advice from anyone. Mayors need to earn the respect of their followers, not demand it. As chairman of the Committee to Elect Ray Dela Cruz for Mayor of Tinian,” continued Borja, “we invite all other Covenant Party members to join our organization and help us protect and promote the Tinian gaming industry.”
Borja is chairman of the Tinian Gaming Control Commission.
Joining former Mayor Borja, were former Mayors James M. Mendiola and Ignacio K. Quichocho.
“We are united behind Ray Dela Cruz and all the Tinian Republican Party candidates,” they said.
Former Sen. Ray Dela Cruz, now a candidate for mayor, was obviously happy at regaining an old supporter.
“I really respect Joe for what he is doing. He made a great sacrifice, leaving his job to support me and the other Tinian Republican Party candidates. I know Joe is a man of loyalty, but he is also a man who puts integrity first. The personal sacrifice that he has made to leave the Covenant Party and rejoin the Republican Party at this time is a clear indication that there are serious problems within the current administration that need to be rectified if we are to get Tinian’s gaming industry get back on track.”
