Hocog: Rota’s focus now is construction of facilities
LAS VEGAS, Nevada—Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog said their major focus right now is about building or more specifically construction of various public facilities because the island is very fortunate to receive a lot of federal support.
A lot of grants that have been submitted to the federal government were approved, said Hocog during an interview over the weekend at the Sunset Park in Las Vegas where she watched the three-day 19th Annual CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament.
The mayor said they are working with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, the Rota Legislative Delegation, and the leadership with the Rota Chamber of Commerce, to see what they can do to help stimulate the local economy.
“We recognize the importance of small businesses. We recognize the importance of how we can bring people in so they can appreciate the true beauty of Rota as well as come and enjoy their time, spend their time with their families on Rota,” she said.
Hocog underscored the need to encourage their people because they have great skills and great ideas that can generate into businesses.
On inter-island flight service, the mayor said they are very fortunate that Star Marianas Air, Inc. has rescinded its notice to stop or halt services.
Hocog, however, stated that they need more flights to really help stimulate the island’s economy.
“We need to increase the number of frequency of bringing people in and I’m sure it’s going to be a long standing plan,” she said.
In the meantime, the mayor said, they are going to focus on renovating their public facilities and on really upgrading the island to be safe and clean where tourists, their people, and everybody can enjoy.
Star Marianas reportedly rescinded its previous notice to discontinue scheduled air service after Palacios intervened in the dispute between Star Marianas and the Commonwealth Ports Authority. Star Marianas’ termination of inter-island flight service supposed to take effect on Oct. 15, 2024.
Serving as mayor for two years now has been a challenge for Hocog.
“All you can do is take the day by day. We have many issues,” said Hocog, as she stated that she surrounded herself with good teams in trying to identify the island’s main priorities.
She said transportation is the biggest challenge and the cost of living on how they can help the people.
“And so, by addressing these things and at the same time also providing opportunities for our children, for our people is how we can simultaneously address the issues,” the mayor said.
She said all they can do is really be transparent and just continue to work hard everyday.
“The partnerships are very important. No one person can do things alone. So, it’s the sense of community that’s what [is going to] help us through hard times,” Hocog said.
Hocog
