“There are challenges ahead of us and we are in a very critical point,” Calvo said in an interview yesterday.
He said although “I have been truly a Democrat and truly a Republican” he will run as an Independent.
“So that there’s no question in my heart and my soul — I want to be devoted to the people regardless of party affiliations,” he added.
“I think I have the skills and qualifications and the capacity to devote my energy and time to serve the people in this position,” he said.
The Commonwealth Election Commission will be accepting nomination petitions from the candidates from July 6 to Aug. 7.
Calvo believes his experiences in the private and public sectors qualify him to represent the CNMI in the U.S. Congress.
“As far as I am concerned I am a qualified candidate,” he said, as he enumerated his experiences in the hotel industry, government agencies, and as chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Soil and Water Conservation District for 10 years.
He said his services for the government were voluntary.
He wants to address the rising cost of fuel and basic commodities as well as the problems of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.
These issues, he added, “will really define if we’ll have a sustainable future.”
He encourages civic groups to initiate a forum for the delegate candidates.
Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, outgoing Commonwealth Election Commission Executive Director Gregorio C. Sablan and talk show host John Gonzales have officially announced their candidacies.
Rep. Ray N. Yumul and former Sen. David M. Cing said they are “seriously thinking” about running.
