REST-IN-PEACE Governor Palacios my Friend, as you deserve all the praise & appreciation for the years of service FOR the People. I am also writing this to neutralize any perception against me for being the Governor’s Political opposition, as my attacks of accountability were NEVER personal, which Arnold knew, as the expected behavior in the Political Arena of the CNMI. FYI readers, Arnold & I had talked privately about “my opposition to him when he even assured me, he was not taking it personal” which is why he hired me. But just like Governors Enos & Fitial who were BEST of friends, political differences got in the way creating adversaries. If my Op eds offend anyone please don’t take it personally, as Arnold didn’t. My humble apology to his family for any discomfort I may have caused.
Ever since my wife & I had worked tirelessly for the Heinz & Palacios ticket I’m sure Arnold viewed our relationship as being friends who had become political adversaries. Like the People in the CNMI I was totally shocked, disappointed and saddened by his passing. But like in any competitive arena, Arnold & I were opposing players in the arena but off-the-field WE were friends who could still talk to each other. I wanted to beat him on the field (politically) but NEVER wanting to win by his passing.
Being a public adversary of Arnold, I believe it was truly proper & necessary for the public & his family to know the whole story between Arnold & I, as I can never forget walking into the Cathedral with my wife when Arnold walked up behind me and “surprisingly squeezed my shoulders in a massaging motion and whispering to me, “How are you doing my Brother?” He didn’t hold a grudge always taking the “high-road” as he was truly a Religious-man who recognized that WE were both “brothers in God’s family” and that is how I will remember him, as my Friend & Brother-in-God’s Family. I offer my sincere prayers for Arnold & his family as I share in their sorrow, and they can be assured that I will always “honor and respect Arnold’s legacy & memory” that he so truly deserves.
Rest-in-Peace my Old Friend & Brother,
AMBROSE M. BENNETT
Kagman, Saipan
