A Democrat, Guerrero made his formal announcement at his family’s Herman’s Bakery in Dandan where he said he was fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who pledged their support.
His campaign manager, former Rep. Clyde K. Norita, said they have a list of names of people who will run with Guerrero for other positions, and will soon announce the composition of the slate.
Guerrero said he has yet to choose a running mate because he does not want to rush the selection process.
A businessman and the current chairman of the Retirement Fund board, he said he doesn’t want his candidacy to be limited by political parties as he wants to present himself as answerable only to the people of the commonwealth.
He noted that the people are not happy with the party system.
Internal party fighting, he added, remains a big problem.
Guerrero said, he was encouraged by the support of Republicans, Democrats and Covenant Party members.
He said the CNMI is facing challenging times, but the government is not addressing the problems or identifying what can be done to solve them.
Guerrero quoted former President Ronald Reagan: “Are you better off than you were four years ago? I know, I am not.”
The CNMI people, he said need solutions to the commonwealth’s problems.
“I believe I have workable solutions for the commonwealth and that I can help our community change direction and begin to recover,” he said.
According to Guerrero, since he completed his term in the Senate in early 1990, people have been asking him to run for governor.
Guerrero vowed to focus on the economy, education, the environment, federal relations, government efficiency, health care, the Retirement Fund, public safety, tourism, utilities and infrastructure.
He said he believes the people should be willing to adapt to changing circumstances and remain open to learn from every experience.
It is important, he said, that voters make their choices based on the candidates’ experience, background and platforms.
Besides Guerrero, businessman Jose C. Ayuyu, Rep. Diego T. Benavente, former Gov. Juan N. Babauta, former Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero, Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial are also running for the CNMI’s highest elected office.
