THIS week has been a painful one for the Marianas. Gov. Arnold Palacios passed way suddenly and the loss is still rippling through our community and here in Washington. My heart is with his wife Wella, his children, grandchildren and all who are grieving.
In the many tributes to Governor Palacios, one message comes through clearly. He was a good man. Kind, humble and decent. He worked hard and served his community with a quiet sense of duty. That goodness shaped everything he did.
I have spent time this week sitting with my own memories of him. Every time we spoke I left with the same impression. He was a father first. He never hesitated to share updates and photos of his children and grandchildren. He was proud of them. And that same pride and care shaped how he led. He saw our islands with the eyes of a parent, always thinking about the future he hoped to build for the next generation. He carried that sense of responsibility into public service and it showed.
To the father, the husband, the granddad and our Governor I pay my deepest respects. Governor Palacios led with love and we are better for it.
Godspeed, Governor. Thank you for your service and thank you for being the man you were for all of us.
KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS
Member, U.S. Congress
