Lizama, a former judge, said the CNMI delegate must have “preparedness” which goes beyond academic achievement, community knowledge and experience in public services.
The delegate, he said, must be able to handle the pressures and demands of the job and must have a vision.
The lack of foresight, he said, may compromise the delegate’s ability to present the CNMI’s interest.
“How will our economy be impacted by actions of Congress? How will our healthcare delivery be affected? What will be the impact to our homegrown servicemen and women? How do we protect and provide fair services to our veterans?” Lizama asked, adding that these and many other issues have not been brought to Washington, D.C.
He said a delegate, although a non-voting member of the U.S. Congress, will need to keep up with many committee reports, testimonials, transcript letters, draft bills and mountains of data that are basis for most congressional debates, hearings, inquiries and panel discussions.
An effective member of the U.S. Congress, Lizama said, must be able to understand, do research and communicate.
The islands’ delegate, he added, must be an “expert in CNMI issues and well-respected to earn the expectation that he can provide solutions to the issues that impact the islands.”
