“I’m challenging the other candidates to debate with me as often as possible anytime any day and anywhere,” Gonzales told Variety.
He said he is ready to discuss each and every issue that affects the people of CNMI “because the people who call CNMI their home deserve to know where the candidates stand on important issues.”
These issues include power utilities, public service, honesty in government, and the relationship between the CNMI and the U.S., he said.
Gonzales said he has already talked with Irene Tantiado, Coalition of United Workers (NMI) president, regarding a forum with the guest workers.
Officials of the CNMI Descents for Self-Government and Indigenous Rights are also planning to organize a debate for the delegate candidates.
They want to know what the candidates will do for the indigenous people of the CNMI, said former Speaker Oscar C. Rasa, the group’s spokesman and adviser said.
Gonzales said he will present his program for a “new era, new vision and new direction” that will “bring the commonwealth into U.S. Congress.”
He wants to see strong ties between the commonweath and members of the U.S. Congress, especially the members of committees that deal with CNMI issues.
He said he will also work with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in drafting regulations that allow the CNMI to maintain its labor pool and “our control over visitor and investor permits.”
Gonzales vows to “bring Washington, D.C. to Saipan” by asking U.S. congressional delegations traveling to the region to also visit Rota, Tinian, Saipan and the Northern Islands.
“It is time for change and to get back to the basics of the Covenant that call for meaningful economic development for our islands for the benefit of our new generation of citizens who call our commonwealth home,” he said.
The other candidates are Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, former Sen. David M. Cing, former Judge Juan T. Lizama, former Election Commission Executive Director Gregorio C. Sablan, Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, Saipan municipal council member Felipe Q. Atalig and businessman Chong M. Won.
