“I will appear in any public forum because the public deserves to know where the candidates stand on the issues,” said Atalig, a member of the Saipan municipal council.
Atalig said the debate should include the Pew Group’s national marine monument proposal.
The Saipan Council is opposed to the proposal.
“It’s not easy to give [our Northern Islands] away and we need someone to defend our islands,” Atalig said, as he urged all candidates to disclose their positions regarding the issue.
Atalig also likes to know the position of each candidate regarding the periodic U.S. military live fire training exercises on Farallon de Mendinilla.
He believes that the commonwealth should seek “just compensation for the damage, and the plight of the fishermen who are deprived of their livelihood.”
He added, “I’m always proud of my record as a protector and defender of self-government and indigenous people’s rights.”
Atalig said his opponent should also present their “accomplishments” to the public.
The public, he added, is interested to know the credentials of the candidates and their stands on specific issues.
