San Nicolas yesterday said he has closed his gas station, resulting in the laying off of three of his personnel.
The mini-store near the gas station was relocated and combined with his other business operations, while his ice and water plant has been sold to a new owner.
But these, he said, are purely business decisions that have nothing to do with his political plans.
Like other businesspersons, the mayor said he is also trying to “survive” the impact of the minimum wage hike, exorbitant utility rates, and the increasing cost of shipping commodities to Tinian.
“The market on Tinian is too small,” said San Nicolas, who also owns SN-5 company which ships commodities and produce to and from the island.
The closure of the gas station, he said, will save him some $700 in monthly lease payments alone.
“I transferred the mini-mart to my own residence so that we can continue sell the merchandise to our people,” he added.
Asked if he will seek reelection next year, San Nicolas said his decision “will not depend on the status of my businesses.”
The mayor at the same time expressed disappointment with some lawmakers who are not seeing the “real economic picture” of the CNMI.
He said instead of focusing and talking about impeaching the governor, lawmakers should address the islands’ economic problems.
The CNMI government, he added, should consider raising revenue by establishing “toll gates” on Saipan such as in the Garapan, Tanapag, San Antonio and airport areas.
He said charging each car 25 cents for driving through these areas will provide the government a significant amount of new money every year.
“That’s one idea they may begin to explore,” he added.
But despite the “market instability” on his island, the mayor is still hopeful for Tinian’s casino industry.
