The 2001 slugfest

At first, I began to wonder whether Lt. Governor Jesus R. Sablan (Peppero) is adequately positioned to run for governor in the 2001 general election. I don’t know whether Mr. Sablan will actually make a run for it or not, but many people seem to think that he will make a go of it. And if he does go for it, there are several issues that may work directly against his favor: the economy, the economy, and the economy, stupid.

The CNMI economy has been sliding ever since Governor Pedro P. Tenorio took over in 1998. Tourism suffered substantial declines virtually every month. More than 1,000 businesses are said to have folded up. Foreign investment has come to a screeching halt. The local unemployment rate is up–sharply. Government workers haven’t reaped the generous pay raises that they have long enjoyed for many years. The austerity measures have left many Teno supporters bitter and estranged, deeply regretting that they ever voted for the present administration.

One government worker recently complained to me: “Do you know how much I am getting now, Charles? A lousy $23,000 a year. Do you know how much my take home pay is after taxes, retirement and insurance? And to think that I actually voted for this administration! And this is how they treat me in return? This is how they repay me?”

Pretty generous, I would say–considering the government worker had very little education and would probably be very lucky to earn the minimum wage in the United States.

But no matter, the long spoiled local people expect more than the local government can presently afford under its dire financial circumstances.

This might come to haunt Peppero and his fellow Republicans in the 2001 elections. Indeed, it may have already hurt some Republicans in the election held just last year, which saw Mr. Ray Kumoi come to power (and which also reportedly strengthened former Governor Froilan Tenorio’s resolve to run again).

The Froilan Reform camp may have many potential areas to exploit. “Look at the horrible state of the economy,” they might say. “What have they done to correct it?” Lang’s camp might also ask that famous (and damning) Ronald Reagan question: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” Of course, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” (“The college ‘scholarship’ money has been eliminated” and other such complaints might then ensue.)

Peppero could, of course, steadfastly maintain that it wasn’t all his fault. He could use the Asian financial crisis as an excuse. He could still blame Froilan for the government’s financial mess. And worse yet, whether justified or not, he could point to Former Finance Secretary Antonio R. Cabrera, my good friend, and say: “Is this what you really want? More $200 Italian shoes, cigars, ice cream, suits, donuts, and bar tabs at our expense?”

For all of his many strengths–his staunch anti-federal takeover positions, his enlightened pro-business attitude–former Governor Froilan Tenorio still has many vulnerable areas (scandals) open for potential Republican/Peppero attack. Not to mention his hiring of $1 billion garment lawsuit rep. Timothy Skinner as his attorney.

The 2001 elections should be a very entertaining slugfest indeed. I can hardly wait to see the candidates “get ready to rumble” over the issues.