NEWLY elected Rep. Corina L. Magofna was sworn in Wednesday to fill the seat of the late Rep. Ivan Blanco who passed away in July.
A Democrat, Magofna handily defeated her Republican opponent Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae in the Precinct 3 special election held on Oct. 16.
Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja administered the oath of office to Magofna in the presence of her family, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, lawmakers and community members.
Standing next to her was her husband, Joseph Santos Rios Jr., right, and their daughter, Aiyani, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider.
Before delivering her remarks, Magofna, her husband and daughter took a moment “to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families, friends, and colleagues of the late Rep. Ivan Alafonso Blanco.”
“He was a great statesman,” she added, “and he was well loved and respected by everyone. His untimely passing is unfortunate, and he will forever be missed. But his accomplishments and the years of service and dedication that he has contributed to the people of Precinct 3 and the CNMI will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.”
‘The people’s seat’
In her remarks, Magofna said “today, I am officially sworn in to fill [a] vacant seat, not a Republican seat or a Democrat seat — the people’s seat.”
“As we all witnessed in this special election, an overwhelming number of people in Precinct 3 made their decision,” she added. “I have been chosen to be their representative, to be their voice for the remainder of this [legislative] term. And for that, I am truly and sincerely grateful, humbled and honored. And I will do my absolute best to serve you and represent your best interests at all times.”
She said, “When I was doing my house-to-house visits during the campaign, I would always start off by introducing myself and the purpose of why I was standing in front of one’s yard or doorstep. Then I would say, ‘I’m not sure which political party you are affiliated with, but I humbly ask that you please look beyond the party lines, take some time to read about my platform, my credentials and my work experience, and please consider giving me your vote of confidence. And in return, I promise to reciprocate the very same action should I get elected.’ ”
“To the people of Precinct 3,” she added, “thank you for your consideration and a huge thank you for your votes of confidence.”
She said she “will now begin the work of the people, and I promise to ‘look beyond the party lines,’ as you have done for me, when making important decisions on legislation that affect your well-being and your interests. I am hopeful and optimistic that all of my colleagues here share the same notion of looking beyond the party lines.’
She said she looks forward “to working with them on the shared vision of making the Marianas a great place to live in. Because this is not a Republican Marianas or a Democrat Marianas. We are One Marianas. And together, we can make it better.”
Newly elected Rep. Corina L. Magofna, center, and her daughter Aiyani pose for a photo with the other members of the 22nd Legislature after her swearing-in ceremony Wednesday in the House chamber.
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, center, presides over the swearing in-ceremony for Rep. Corina L. Magofna in the House chamber on Wednesday. With him are Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, right, and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider, left.
