Forgetting the people’s interest over political self-benefits

Since having had the opportunity to run for public office on three consecutive occasions, with the latest being the midterm elections of 2003 wherein I pursued a bid for a Senate seat in the 3rd Senatorial District, I had always maintained a sense of appreciation and contentment after having lost to my opponents. Why? Because my sole purpose for seeking public office was always focused on one goal, and one goal alone: to serve the public interest and that of the Commonwealth. I had never faltered nor was ever dissuaded from this objective, and through all that I had encountered and experienced, I honestly felt a sense of inner satisfaction because I was actually a winner deep down inside for at least having the desire to serve. It is very sad and unfortunate, however, to have observed for years now, how some of us Chamorros and Carolinians—a very proud and dignified people—have become blinded and dissuaded from the very purpose of why some of us aspire to serve as elected officials in our beautiful Commonwealth. It appears now that running for an elected office has become more focused on political self-benefit, and personal agenda, rather than for the public’s interest and that of our Commonwealth.

Its even more evident nowadays that what appears to matters most is not so much the sincerity of a candidate’s purpose to run, or what he/she has to offer, but rather more importantly where one originates from with respect to family ties and friendship. Look around then ask yourselves this question: Is it really more important to vote for a candidate because of family or friendship ties? Or should choices be based on evaluating each incumbent or prospective candidate’s ability to answer hard questions on matters that impact both public interest and that of the Commonwealth? Lately in the newspapers, we are being confronted by well-known political names who openly made their intentions known to bid for the highest elected seat in the Commonwealth in next year’s general election. One of them even insinuated that what the Commonwealth needs now more than ever is good leadership to steer our economic, health, safety, and educational objectives toward the right path and direction. Yet neither has attempted to explain to the public just how their leadership would steer the ship from our current rough seas to that of calmer waters.

Voters of the Commonwealth, to verbally claim that one’s leadership is better than another requires no effort whatsoever. But to act upon such a claim without proving or producing the results that supports the public’s interest and that of our Commonwealth is definitely a whole different aspect altogether. It is my hope that voters in next year’s election will select their choice of candidates based on the accomplishments (for those incumbents or who are already in office), as well as how prospective newcomers can answer hard questions by the general public.

During the 2003 midterm election, I personally requested for a televised senatorial debate to be established amongst all senatorial candidates vying for an elected seat in the 3rd Senatorial District because I believed then as I do now that voters should be afforded the chance to evaluate each incumbent and/or prospective candidate. My request was eventually considered and accepted by both the Gonzales Show and by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. As a result, a televised senatorial debate was conducted amongst senatorial candidates—for the first time in CNMI history. It was an experience I will always cherish and appreciate for having been a part of. But more important than anything, a candidate must never forget:

* Being elected into office as a result of the trust and confidence afforded by the voting public is a privilege and an honor.

* Forgetting your sole purpose after being placed into office is a disgrace.

* Placing your political self-benefit and agenda over our public interest and that of our beautiful Commonwealth should be considered a crime.

Jack T. Quitugua
Garapan, Saipan