Not having the right to vote in the Northern Islands election for Mayor actually frees me up to say something from a personal perspective and there have been so many people with the right to vote in the election asking me to use my writing skills to relay their message of support for Mayoral Candidate Toby Aldan. The supporters of Toby want the N. Island people to be “one people” without all the politics and political games that are being played by the opposition. In fact, one of the main reasons they want to live in the N. Islands is to get away from the political games that often leads to disappointment for the people. I agreed to write this because I was convinced by their arguments and the facts surrounding the mayoral race. It is also my belief that every citizen should at least be able to comment on what is clearly part of the CNMI and the FUTURE of the CNMI. I was more than convinced by the facts and the platform of Mr. Aldan that he is the better qualified candidate with a better vision for the future of the Northern Islands. The election is about qualifications and the ability to LEAD and leaders must have the VISION to see what is ahead in order to be a leader for the ONE People of the Northern Islands to go in the RIGHT DIRECTION.
Mr. Aldan initially won and by all accounts people are dropping their devotion to the opposition because of the party politics that have already been put in play by the opposition. From what I can tell Mr. Aldan might be favored to win again fueled by the controversy created over the election votes that has led to a new election and now the potential for improprieties over the Mayor’s office that may be directly related to the Party affiliation of the opposition and the Governor. It is also my opinion that (Ms. R) has really placed undue pressure on an administration that is already under the watchful eye of the federal government and the people for ANYTHING the governor can be blamed for doing wrong or illegally. Party loyalty is one thing but now the governor is directly or indirectly involved in another pending investigation which is just more proof of the “under the microscope phenomenon” this administration faces — and this certainly isn’t helping regardless of the final determination of the investigation. Figuratively speaking, someone dropped the ball playing party politics with power plays and favoritism – now the entire CNMI can see there was another fumble by the administration with a video review being conducted by the Public Auditor. If this kind of politics continues, it is almost a gi-me that sooner or later there is going to be big turnover that could change the whole game — if you get what I mean. The Governor had better hurry up and get that political scientist with an “A” game that he was talking about hiring to help his administration or this type of stuff could go on for another FIVE LONG years!
But if you don’t believe me about the candidates just read Mr. Aldan’s Platform and compare it and I’m sure you will see for yourself the same facts and vision, which is what a vote should be based on — the facts and the BEST qualified person with a vision, plan or even dream. It is clear Mr. Aldan is not about politics and political games as an independent and his platform clearly exemplifies the needed desire for change with an aggressive leadership for the people to live better lives in the Northern Islands. Leave the politics outside the voting booth and vote for the BEST person. If you want to contribute to play politics and power plays that lead to controversy and NOTHING getting done for the people then vote for the opposition but if you dare to dream and want a brighter future for the Northern Islands —TOBY and that’s my valued opinion!!!
AMBROSE M. BENNETT
Kagman III, Saipan
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