Voters, however, should not expect a different result once these pols are in power. They will see, more or less, the same policies leading to the same problems that the candidates vowed to solve. We will continue to be saddled with this economy which continues to get worse since it took a nosedive 10 years ago.
Indeed, as long as voters keep electing politicians with well- known ties to special interest groups or crony capitalists who want to own or control everything in the CNMI, then the worst is yet to come.
The CNMI needs change. Not just a change in faces. Or politicians who use “change” as their slogan. But real fundamental changes that will be implemented no matter what the political cost is. The commonwealth needs new ways to run its government. It needs new ideas. New thinking. And a new resolve to end politics as usual on Capital Hill.
Even as several heinous crimes have been committed in recent days, we have not become inured to violence, and the numbers remain relatively low. Domestic violence, however, has escalated and the community must do more to protect the vulnerable. If we act each day in our own small way to alleviate the hardship of just one person, then we might contribute to the overall safety and security of one family. In that way we can help restore the security of our community.
Elected leaders, for their part, have a responsibility to uplift the community’s standard of living by developing and implementing sound economic and fiscal policies. They have not done this. But voters, too, should think through their own obligations to ensure that their elected leaders are responsive to the public’s needs. This is the compact in a democratic society between the people and their officials. The CNMI must be thankful that a process exists to replace its leaders in an orderly and peaceful fashion.
We live in a beautiful community but we must do more to protect the environment. We must invest in our children by giving schools the resources they need while requiring evidence that the students are benefiting, too. We must elect leaders who are committed to improving the community and not just the lifestyles of their cronies and families.
We should also be thankful for the support of family and friends, without which the quality of life would be greatly diminished.
