Chamber’s October debate tickets now for sale

This October, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a series of debates among the candidates for governor, Washington representative, and the Senate.

The debates will be held on the following dates:
Oct. 10, Dai-ichi Hotel Hibiscus Hall 7pm Washington Representative debate
Oct. 17, Dai-ichi Hotel Hibiscus Hall 7pm Senatorial Debate
Oct. 26, World Resort Diamond Hall 7pm Gubernatorial Debate

The Chamber said that all candidates have confirmed to be present at the debates.

“These promise to be exciting and worthwhile events, an opportunity to hear the candidates address the questions that are so important to the future of the CNMI,” said Chamber executive director Christine Parke.

Chamber members are entitled to buy two tickets for each debate at the special price of $10 per ticket per debate. Cost to the general public for each debate’s ticket is $15; students with proof of student status pay $7. Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for everyone.

“It’s important for these debates to be well-attended, and it’s important for as many CNMI voters as possible to attend and gain first-hand information about the candidates and their positions,” Parke said.

She encouraged Chamber members who will not be able to attend the debates to sponsor tickets, which will be given to voting age youth of the CNMI. The Chamber will work with the Youth Congress to distribute any donated debate tickets.

Meanwhile, Natashia Nogis has been appointed as the new Chamber coordinator. She started work yesterday. Nogis previously worked for the law office of Robert Torres.

“[Nogis] is extremely competent and very personable, and promises to be a great asset to the Chamber office,” said Park. “You’ll have a chance to meet [her] when you come by the Chamber office to purchase your tickets to the three election debates coming up in October.”

In other Chamber news, on Friday, Sept. 23, Kathryn Barry and Becky Castro, co-chairs of the Election Debate Committee, and Parke will join hosts—and SCC members—Dave Sablan and Harry Blalock on KCNM’s regular “Island Issues” show. They will talk about the upcoming election debates being sponsored by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. For those who would like to listen in, tune to 1080 AM on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, in Corporate Challenge activities, the Events Committee will get together at 10:30am on Thursday, Sept. 22, to finalize plans for the 2005 Corporate Challenge for Education. Nineteen teams have signed up for this day of fun. Next meeting for all Team Captains will be Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 10am in the Chamber office. (PR)