Rep. Ralph S. Demapan, who was tasked to draft the commonwealth casino bill following Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s veto of the local bill, said he will introduce the gambling measure as soon as the draft is complete.
Right now, he and House legal counsel John Cool are dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s” of the draft bill.
“When it’s done I will introduce it as soon as we convene,” said Demapan, Covenant-Saipan.
Only 6.7 percent of the island’s registered voters participated in the nonbinding referendum, but Demapan said Northern Marianas College current issues students and their instructor Sam McPhetres should be commended for a job well done.
“I certainly appreciate all the hard work of those who went to work on the survey before and after the referendum,” Demapan said.
He said that one thing the survey made clear is that the people have strong feelings for and against the casino but they can change their minds.
“I respect those opposing views,” Demapan said.
But he noted that Saipan relies heavily on poker revenue for scholarships and other “important projects.”
He believes a casino will bring a new source of funding which is “shirking everyday while the demand for it continues to increase.”
Demapan said his bill will try to address concerns regarding social issues related to gambling.
“My main concern is that we have to do something. We cannot sit back and watch the economy get worse without trying to do something to increase revenue,” Demapan said.
In a separate interview, Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, said although the “no” vote won, it was only by nine ballots and the turnout was dismal.
Cabrera said the result was a virtual tie.
For his part, Sen. Ralph DLG Torres, R-Saipan and one of the proponents of the referendum, said it was unfortunate that only 6.7 percent of the voters participated.
He said lawmakers were hoping to gauge the people’s real sentiment about the issue and to voice their opinion.
Torres said he is aware that the House will again pass a Saipan casino measure, and the Senate must “analyze” the issue again.
“We need to move forward and to do what is best for the people,” he added.
The Senate is dominated by members from Rota and Tinian who have struggling casinos.
