I’m surprised Kilili’s critics haven’t associated him with Al Qaeda yet. Why not? The other lies calling Kilili a traitor of his own people are just as preposterous.
What truly inspires me is Kilili’s resolve. Rather than stoop to his critics’ level and launch attacks on other candidates, Kilili rises above it all and chooses to concentrate on his accomplishments, his goals and objectives, and the needs of his people. He has kept the CNMI informed through e-letters, forums, his website, and a toll-free number. He willingly meets with anyone to talk about the issues. Kilili’s humility and his ability to listen rather than just talk is part of what makes Kilili a statesman in a pool of politicians. If you want an honest, sincere answer, you will get it from Kilili. And if he doesn’t have an answer, he will research it and he will get back to you rather than shoot from the hip and give you nothing but lip service. In a nutshell, in two short years, Kilili has done a magnificent job. He exemplifies the traits of a true leader: honesty, integrity, and character. (Did you know that in D.C. he uses public transportation to go to work and back instead of hiring a driver to shuttle him around like most congressmen?) Kilili has earned my vote because he has worked hard and has earned my trust.
While Kilili has done so much in just two years, his critics are fabricating lies and rumors instead of talking about the important issues. As my nephew would say, “They are gettin’ drunk on hater-aid.”
When they aren’t busy pumping out lies, Kilili’s critics are busy talking about all the things that Kilili didn’t do while in office. In honor of Kilili’s critics, I would like to add to their list of things that Kilili didn’t do while in office. Here are a few:
• Kilili never broke a federal detainee out of prison to get a midnight massage.
• Kilili never hired a bodyguard who sold ice out of his car.
• Kilili never shouted at minorities to “Go home!”
• Kilili never dished out a $392,000 sole-source contract to a loyal supporter.
• Kilili never commuted a murderer’s prison sentence.
• Kilili never befriended and became best buddies with Jack Abramoff.
• Kilili never said, “I am the rule!”
• Kilili never promised “Better Times.”
• Kilili never hired a U.S. law firm (Jenner and Block) to sue the federal government using local taxpayer money while trying to keep taxpayers in the dark.
• Kilili never used racist remarks or made minorities feel disliked or unwelcome.
• Kilili never said he would be the voice of the Fitial administration (but he did say he would continue to be the voice of his constituents).
• Kilili never implemented or contributed to payless paydays and salary cuts (but he did help secure over $250 million in federal funding for the CNMI last year).
I listed these things that Kilili never did for a very important reason. One of his opponents has consistently stated that the CNMI needs “ONE VOICE” in Washington, D.C. Is this the kind of voice you want representing us in Washington? Can we honestly believe that this is “Proven Leadership, Proven Experience?” Can we really afford a rubber-stamp in Washington who will most likely serve as Governor Fitial’s doormat?
Let’s be honest with ourselves. The overwhelming majority of Kilili’s supporters have no special interest in this election other than the hope that the CNMI will re-elect a man who has consistently put people before political parties. This election is not just about you and me. It is about our children and their future.
When you go to vote on Nov. 2, please think about the empty promises, the sole-source contracts to loyalists, the payless paydays, the pay cuts, and the lies. Think about how the elite dine on lobster tail while you bust your tail.
On Nov. 2, only you and God will know who you are voting for. Nobody else. So do the right thing. Send a clear message that the days of lies, deception, and bullying are over. Your vote is your constitutional right, and I hope and pray you vote for the candidate who has earned your trust.
May God bless the good people of our beloved commonwealth.
I am Ed Propst and I approve this message.
ED PROPST
Dandan, Saipan
