Juan Pan launches bid to become governor

Businessman and former lawmaker Juan “Pan” T. Guerrero announced his candidacy for the 2009 gubernatorial elections yesterday morning amid a throng of supporters, well-wishers, and family in the parking lot of Herman’s Bakery along Airport Road in Dandan.

Guerrero, who served in the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1986 and the Senate from 1987 to 1990, said he is running for the Commonwealth’s highest position because of the challenges it is facing right now.

“The Commonwealth is facing the most challenging period in its history right now. Our economy has been in a serious depression for the past few years, our relationship with the federal government is virtually nonexistent, our people are leaving in large numbers, and crime is ravaging our community. I cannot stand by and watch the continued economic and cultural deterioration of the Commonwealth. I believe I have workable solutions for the Commonwealth that can help our community change direction and begin to recover,” he said.

Guerrero said he will run as an independent candidate and that his choice for running mate will be made by his campaign committee, led by chairman and former congressman and Department of Public Safety commissioner Clyde C. Norita.

“I will run for governor as an independent candidate, free from political party influence obligations and to highlight my commitment to the entire Commonwealth community. I have received encouragement and support from a large number of voters who traditionally identify themselves as Republicans, Democrats, and Covenant Party supporters. I am fortunate today to be surrounded by just some of the many, many family and friends who have urged me to act and who have pledged their support.”

Guerrero, who left the political arena to concentrate on the family business in the early ’90s, said he is asking voters to consider a question raised by Ronald Reagan when he first ran for the U.S. presidency in 1980.

“‘Are you better off than you were four years ago?’ I know I’m not! I am deeply committed to the welfare of the Commonwealth, which is where I was born and where I have lived all of my adult life. I have experience building and operating successful private companies, I have experience serving the people of the Commonwealth as a former congressman and senator, I have extensive experience serving in leadership roles for volunteer organizations, I have the willingness to make tough decisions, and I have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”

He said voters should consider these factors during the 2009 elections. If he wins, he said his administration will focus on issues like the economy, education, environment, federal relations, government efficiency, health care, the Retirement Fund, a safer community, tourism, utilities, and infrastructure.

“In the day ahead, I will continually evaluate and refine the identification of issues and proposed solutions. I have always believed that people should be willing to adapt to changing circumstances and remain open to learning from every experience. I rarely consider any outcome, no matter how negative, a pure failure—there’s always an opportunity to learn. The only time you fail is when you don’t at least attempt to solve your problems,” he said.

In announcing his candidacy, the 2006 Saipan Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year discussed some of the actions his campaign will take in the coming weeks to help voters learn more about his vision for the Commonwealth, including the launch of a website (www.juanpan.com), house-to-house visits, and community events.

Guerrero’s campaign headquarters is located on the first floor of the JTGA Building in Garapan, at the corner of Beach Road and Orchid Street, adjacent to the Garapan Elementary School.

Aside from his membership in the Chamber, which included two terms as president, Guerrero also helped reorganize and served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross. He is currently on the board of the Northern Marianas Retirement Fund board of trustees, of which he is chairman.

Guerrero’s decision to run follows last month’s declarations by former Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente, former senator and CUC executive director Ramon “Kumoi” S. Guerrero, and local businessman Joe Ayuyu that they too will contest the islands’ highest position.

Incumbent Gov. Benigno R. Fitial already announced in March 2008 that he will seek re-election in 2009.