Castro files candidacy for Saipan Senate

Rep. Manny Gregorio T. Castro (Ind-Saipan) filed his candidacy for a Senate seat for Saipan under the CNMI Democratic Party last Tuesday morning.

According to Castro, public service has always been his passion from being an employee at Northern Marianas College to his current position as a congressman.

“Immediately after completing college in 2008, I returned home, and began my first year of public service as the enrollment manager of NMC, then served as outreach counselor, financial aid counselor, director of admissions/registrar, and director of enrollment services. Working at NMC was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, we saw the impact we were doing daily, moving mountains and transforming lives.”

When asked why he moved from an independent to the Democratic Party for the Nov. 5 general elections, he said, “The truth of the matter is we are all working toward a common goal of improving the CNMI. As President Abraham Lincoln wisely said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ Our community holds immense power to shape the tomorrow we desire. Let’s continue to harness that power and build a brighter future for us all.”

Among the local bills that Castro has introduced and passed were House Local Bill No. 23-21 for the repair and maintenance of restroom facilities at Susupe Beach Park in Precinct II. This became Saipan Local Law 23-08 on Nov. 30, 2023, and is pending project completion.

Another is House Local Bill No. 23-27, S1 which became Saipan Local Law 20-26 and is pending project completion.

It called for the relocation, construction, and maintenance of two modular 40-foot container restrooms at Sugar Dock Beach in Chalan Kanoa, the installation of streetlights and public address systems in Precinct II recreational areas and roadways, and 15,000 for the Marianas Racing Association.

“Due to the dynamics of the Senate, only my House local bills have passed. Local bills fall under the local legislative delegation and, thus do not go to the Senate,” said Castro.

Castro’s platforms include compassionate public service by promoting policies that will create jobs, grow paychecks, and improve the economic security of CNMI families, amend the law for real public safety, strengthen the education system, and Cceate a healthier CNMI.

Castro said he’s passionate about creating healthier communities and believes in innovative legislation that helps individuals and organizations manage their healthcare and health-related needs effectively, efficiently, and affordably.

Castro thanked his fellow coalition candidates, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), Saipan Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho, his friends, and family for supporting his run for office in the 2024 general elections.

He also said the goal of their island-wide campaign is to reach as many people as they can, not just to share their message, but also to hear the people and understand their situations.