THE NMI Republican Party on Sunday held a rally at Garapan Central Park for Grace “Pitu” Sablan Vaiagae, the GOP’s Precinct 3 House candidate for the Oct. 16 special election that will fill the House seat of the late House Republican leader Ivan A. Blanco.
Sablan-Pitu is running against the NMI Democratic Party’s candidate, Corina L. Magofna.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, in his remarks on Sunday, told Sablan-Pitu that “the GOP family is your family.” Then, he addressed the crowd of about 200 people by saying, “Let’s give Grace the opportunity to represent Precinct 3,” adding that she has the heart and the passion to serve the people not only of Precinct 3 but of the entire CNMI.
Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, the governor’s running mate in the general elections next year, said: “We are here to join her in her journey to represent the beautiful community of Precinct 3.”
He added, “This journey does not only belong to Grace, it belongs to all of you, it is yours, it is your children’s, your family’s and friends’ journey, and she shares that journey with you.”
Former Saipan Mayor George “Pitu” Sablan, Grace Sablan-Pitu’s uncle, thanked everyone who attended the rally.
He said if the special election were a construction activity, “Grace Pitu is shovel ready.”
He said he knows that his niece will be very helpful to the community, especially when it comes to education.
Jack Ogumoro, the GOP’s Precinct 3 chairman, said everyone knows Grace Pitu Sablan-Vaiagae. “I know her, we all know her. She’s been there all her life, working with people, listening to them and coming up with plans that will help people reach their goals to become better citizens — to become contributing members of our society.”
Ogumoro added that Sablan-Pitu “is compassionate and dedicated to help our people.”
House Minority Leader Angel A. Demapan paid tribute to the late Rep. Ivan Blanco, adding that the right thing to do in the special election is to elect a candidate who believes in the goals and principles of Blanco. “There is only one candidate in this special election who believes in the same principles and that is our candidate, your next representative, Grace ‘Pitu’ Sablan-Vaiagae.”
Sablan-Pitu expressed her gratitude to everyone saying that despite the challenges, “we have come together under the GOP, to be together as one family.”
She said she grew up with parents who always taught her “to treat others the way you want to be treated.” She said if elected, she would work hard for the people of Precinct 3 and would be “your voice.”
Her agenda includes youth development, economic growth and preservation of culture and traditions.
Sablan-Vaiagae has worked as a counselor with different agencies, including law enforcement, as well as people who have been marginalized or underserved.
Her community service involves social issues and concerns that affect the manamko’, the youth, children and persons in recovery.
“I went off-island to get educated in the field of my expertise and came back to serve the people,” she added.
Sablan-Vaiagae currently provides consultation services and develops programs for non-profit organizations regarding substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Precinct 3 House candidate Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae, center, wearing mwar, poses for a photo with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann T. Torres, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, his wife Roca Q. Sablan, former Mayor George “Pitu” Sablan, and other NMI Republican Party officials and supporters at Garapan Central Park on Sunday.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres speaks as he presents the GOP House candidate Grace “Pitu” Sablan-Vaiagae to Precinct 3 voters.
