Benavente-Babauta ticket “We are the team to beat”

Overwhelmed by hundreds of supporters who flocked to their fundraising event last Saturday, House Speaker Diego T. Benavente and Rep. Oscar M. Babauta pledged to continue assisting the Chalan Kanoa-Susupe district as well as to protect the interest of the Commonwealth.

Considered veterans in local politics, both will seek reelection during the November 6 midterm polls — their fourth time together as representatives of Precinct Two under the banner of Republican Party.

Benavente and Babauta touted projects which they have helped set aside for the community during their earlier terms as members of the House of Representatives, including improvement of water service and roads for residents in the area.

Right now, the team is monitoring the completion of the $2 million power distribution project begun by the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to ensure efficient power service to Chalan Kanoa even during typhoon season.

“I would disagree that we have not done nothing,” said Benavente, responding to allegations by opponents that they have failed to address the basic necessities in District II such as water and sewage.

“We have done a lot in our community and our residents need to vote for people who not only make things happen in the community, but make things happen for the Commonwealth as well as members of the Legislature,” he added.

“We have accomplished a lot during our last three terms together that we have promised we would deliver to the people,” said Babauta.

Noting the influx of supporters, mostly from their own precinct, during the four-hour bash held at the Royal Taga Beach Club, both candidates expressed appreciation for the unflinching support and loyalty throughout these years.

Babauta said about 80 percent of the close to 1,000 people at the party who bought the $25 tickets were from Chalan Kanoa and Susupe.

“It’s very astonishing. We are surprised that this year surpassed the attendance from the last fundraising we had. This is an indication of their continuous support,” he explained.

Benavente, who left the next day for Washington D.C. to attend the congressional hearings on CNMI issues, urged voters to choose their leaders who can help them as a community and as a Commonwealth also.

“Whenever we ask support from the people, we tell them to vote for us not only for what we have contributed to this community but what we have done in the Legislature to protect the Commonwealth,” he pointed out. (BS)