Former Rep. Cinta M. Kaipat who is currently the deputy labor secretary, said if she’s elected she would introduce a bill reducing the size of the House of Representatives.
From 18, the number of House members were increased to 20 two years ago by the CNMI Supreme Court in a ruling based on the 2000 U.S. Census when the islands’ population was over 69,000.
Independent candidate Paul William Camacho who is from the private sector said streamlining the government workforce will increase its revenues and better serve constituents.
“It’s addition by subtraction. We gain revenue by shrinking the government,” he said and stressed that government agencies with redundant functions should be merged or eliminated.
Saipan Independent Rep. Tina Sablan said the government should be restructured and carefully consider what positions should be kept.
She said she already suggested a desk audit but hasn’t heard about its progress yet.
Former Rep. Anna S. Teregeyo of the Covenant Party said tougher measures should be put in place to reduce government deficit and increase revenues.
Independent candidate Greg Cruz of the indigenous group Taotao Tano said the deficit mirrors the government’s “gross negligence,” but the burden of solving its financial mess shouldn’t be passed on to public servants.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes believes that the government’s size should be reduced by attrition. Equality and fairness should be observed when applying tough measures, he added.
His fellow Republican, Rep. Ralph DLG. Torres, said the government should explore all possible means to increase its revenues without hurting essential public services.
Democratic Rep. Justo S. Quitugua also believes in reorganizing the government.
He said a lot of its policies should be reviewed to better serve the public.
Saipan voters will elect two senators next month.
The other incumbent senator, Maria T. Pangelinan of the Democratic Party, is not seeking re-election.
