Maratita, who ran on the Republican ticket, placed seventh in the 2009 general elections in Precinct 1, which has six House seats. She supported the Covenant Party in the gubernatorial runoff.
“I feel humbled and honored to be back in this position,” Maratita told Variety in an interview on Saturday.
“I’ve come on a little late so I am behind, but I will be working hard to seek solutions to help alleviate the economic woes and the hardships the CNMI people are facing,” she added.
Maratita said she will be serving the public as an “independent,” adding that she will vote “according to her conscience.”
Citing her experience as manager for the Department of Public Health’s diabetes and non-communicable disease control program, she expressed interest in proposing health legislation and serving on the House Health and Welfare Committee.
Maratita said her number one priority is to bring back the people’s confidence in the Legislature.
“We all want to make sure our Legislature is working hard. We, as legislators, want to give our people hope,” she added.
She also said government spending needs to be controlled.
“All I need is a pen and a paper, and I’m ready,” she added.
Her swearing-in ceremony is slated for today, July 18, at 10 a.m. in the House chamber.
