THE four-member House minority bloc on Tuesday unanimously elected Tinian Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas as its new leader.
San Nicolas is serving his second term.
In an interview on Thursday, Rep. Roy Ada, R-Saipan, said he thinks “it is good that we all considered a representative from Tinian as the leader of this new minority bloc. I think Rep. San Nicolas will lead the minority bloc well.”
Ada said the minority bloc will work hard and work together with the House leadership especially during these uncertain times.
“We really need to work together to make sure we avoid further major deficits and tougher challenges for our people,” he added.
San Nicolas, during the inaugural session on Monday, said he is hopeful that collectively, the 23rd House, which has 20 members, will “shift its focus to issues that directly impact our economic strategies and the people’s standard of living.”
He added, “We can’t afford to [lose more] time because our people deserve nothing less than representation and leadership aimed at restoring our economy…and ensuring that our islands are the safest place to live, work and visit.”
San Nicolas said they are aware that uncertain times lie ahead. “Federal funding and assistance relative to the Covid-19 pandemic are coming to an end, and the tourism industry has not yet returned to its fullest potential. So economic recovery requires our utmost attention and efforts,” he said, adding that, “now more than ever we must exert every effort to find solutions that are sensible and achievable.”
The other members of the minority bloc are Rep. Thomas John Manglona, R-Saipan, and Rep. Joseph Flores, Ind.-Saipan.
Rep. Patrick San Nicolas, left, gestures as he talks with then-Rep. Celina Babauta following a House session in December 2022.
