VICENTE (BEN) MANGLONA ATALIG

PERSONAL

Date of Birth: May 27, 1963

Place of Birth: Songsong Village, Rota

Wife: Mary Carleen Ogo Atalig

Children: Antoinette, Pauline, Sherry, Charlie, Ben and Pete

Father: Antonio Camacho Atalig (former mayor, deceased)

Mother: Anita Manglona Atalig

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

1990: University of Hawaii (Guam) Real Estate Appraisal

1986-87: Northern Marianas College AA in Liberal Arts

1986-87: Northern Marianas College AA in Education

1984-86: University of Guam Agriculture

1983-84: Tokyo Univ. of Agriculture (Japan) Agriculture

1981-83: Tokyo Japanese Language Center (Japan) Japanese

1977-81: Rota High School General Ed.

1969-78: Rota Elem. & Jr. High School General Ed.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

2002-2005: Resident Director, Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources

1998-2002 : Resident Director, Dept. of Commerce

1996-1998 : Congressman, House of Representatives, CNMI Legislature

1992-1995: Land Exchange Specialist, Marianas Public Land Authority

1992-1993: Councilman, 10th Rota Municipal Council

1989-1995: Asst. General Manager, Pau Pau Hotel (part-time)

1990-1991: Administrative Specialist, Rota High School

CIVIC INVOLVEMENTS

President, Rota Headstart PTA

President, Luta Amateur Sports Association

Advisor, Rota High School Japanese Club

President, Board of Directors, Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja School

Health Advisory Council, Rota Headstart Center

Editor’s Note: Mr. Atalig did not provide specific answers relating to our questions of what he considers the top three issues or concerns facing the CNMI and any ideas he may have to revive the economy, choosing instead to focus on his vision and plans for Rota. We didi not include everything as it was too long.

Economic Progress

Double the Number of Tourists Visiting Rota

– As airport improvements are essential to bringing in more tourists, we will follow through the completion of the $9 million runway expansion project at the Rota International Airport.
– Work towards the financing and installation of an ILS (instruments landing system) at our airport. This will allow our small airplanes and future jumbo jets to make safe landing during inclement weather. There will be much less flight cancellations and no more bypassing of our runway during rainy days.
– Work with the airlines to get more flights coming to Rota, including international flights, at lower and affordable rates.
– Enhance the quality of visitors experience by working with local artists and cultural performers, our man am’ko, and local businesses to make Rota experience special and unique.
– Follow through the completion of Route 100 road construction so our visitors can also enjoy an around-the-island scenic drive.
– Support the Rota Legislative Delegation’s Eco-tourism Plan to create an identity and an attraction to visitors by becoming a destination that is environmentally sensitive.

Shipping Service

– Work to make cargo shipping service more frequent and lower cargo shipping rates.

– Follow through with the planned seaport facility improvements. This is essential for lowering shipping rates.

– Promote Agricultural Development

– Develop and market agricultural produce for exports.

– Promote consumption of local produce to reduce food imports, keeping money within our economy.

– Assist agricultural homesteaders in the development of their lots.

– Work for the development of more agricultural homesteads.

Make Rota Investment-Friendly

– We will put aside the policy of confrontation and regain the policy of partnership with investors. More good businesses mean creation of new local jobs. We will minimize red tapes which inhibit investment.

– Promote stable policies to encourage investor confidence. Predictability is important to all investors.

– Work with foreign-owned businesses to assist local entrepreneurs.

– Retirement Communities

– Promote retirement communities pursuant to Public Law 11-60 by encouraging Japanese retirees to make Rota their second home. The aging population of Japan presents this opportunity.