Gone were the sight of men and women dressed up for the special occasion.
Gone too were the exchanges of pleasantries among seatmates as they await the governor’s speech.
Yesterday’s event drew only a few dozen people who were squeezed in the hallway or the gallery of the House where fewer than a hundred seats were made available.
For some, the cramped space was a “major turnoff.”
“We were concerned about the setup,” said a government employee who asked not to be named. “There are not enough seats for us.”
Others said the venue wasn’t as “exciting” as the multi-purpose center which can accommodate as many as 500 people.
In the House chamber, the ceremonial procession of the presiding officers of the Legislature and the governor took only a few seconds.
House and Senate members sat side by side.
Three House members were excused — Saipan Republican Reps. Heinz S. Hofschneider, David M. Apatang and Edward T. Salas.
Two senators were excused —Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, and Felix T. Mendiola, Covenant-Rota.
Unlike his speeches in previous years, the governor yesterday did not have a Power Point presentation and audio was barely audible.
He had to stop his speech thrice because the microphone didn’t work and had to be replaced.
Snacks customarily served at the end of the ceremony were gone too.
“These are signs of difficult times,” said a government employee, sighing.
