The Republican Hofschneider, who lost by 84 votes to Fitial four years ago, said the CNMI needs change.
“We have to change the direction of our commonwealth,” Hofschneider said at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce sponsored debate.
He said the CNMI is like a misguided ship that should be steered well.
The governor, for his part, focused on his administration’s accomplishments.
The Covenant Party’s standard bearer took credit for solving the power outages on Saipan.
“We rose to the challenges and we are prepared to continue leading,” he added.
Deleon Guerrero, an independent candidate, criticized the Fitial administration.
“The governor has wasted four years of taxpayers’ money,” he said.
He claimed that only the rich benefitted from the Fitial administration.
“A good governor is one who can take us out of this mess. Good leadership is about achieving goals. The people must vote for change. It is time for a change,” said Deleon Guerrero who endorsed Fitial in the 2001 elections.
Former Sen. Juan T. Guerrero, a Fitial appointee to the Retirement Fund board, mentioned his “extensive experience” in the private sector.
He said he’s been in the private business sector for the past 37 years and is actively involved in numerous civic and cause-oriented groups.
He vowed to bring back the people’s confidence in their government if elected.
“[It is time] for our people to have faith in the government instead of mocking it,” he added.
The four candidates sparred over issues regarding the Retirement Fund, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the economy, federalization law, among other subjects, before making their closing statements.
Hundreds attended the debate which was held at the Fiesta Resort & Spa.
Northern Marianas College is scheduled to sponsor another gubernatorial debate this week.
