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Kilili files bid for 2016
Kilili C. Sablan
However, many believe a run by Sablan—who is his fourth term as delegate—is forthcoming, as he aims to get the federal government to “cover over” the costs of earned income tax credits in the CNMI—an initiative he has aimed for awhile now—secure his legacy, and set up his successor, with rumors swirling that he will run for governor in 2018.
Sablan said he is continuing to talk about a possible re-election bid with his wife and will be getting his core committee team together in December.
Sablan also addressed yesterday rumors that he will run for governor in 2018.
“This is my dream job,” he told reporters. “I have no ambition to run for governor…but when circumstances change, not for me personally but when we continue to see things happen” that are “unfortunately and heavy-handedly, not in the best interests of the people of the Northern Marianas—who knows?”
When Saipan Tribune asked Sablan to elaborate on what are “not in the interests” of the CNMI, he said: “There are things—you report them yourselves—were laws are changed to accommodate a particular” entity.
“That doesn’t happen in a democracy,” he added. He did not elaborate further.
Sablan noted, though, that people should give the administration of Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres “a chance.”
“This is a new administration. They are in their first year also,” he said.
When talks shifted to his possible successor as delegate, Sablan said, “I am 60 years old,” adding that he looking for someone younger and is eyeing to set a foundation for the next delegate to use as a springboard.
Sablan flies back to Washington D.C. this weekend as the House returns to session but he will be back on island before Christmas.
Sablan, who underwent spinal surgery in March, also touched on the issue of his health. He disclosed that on a recent trip to Rota he suffered a fall and hit the exact area in his back where his recent surgery had “cut.”
“My doctor and I are trying to arrive at a decision on whether I should get another surgery,” he said.
