Forgetting the public’s interest

Having had the opportunity to run for public office on three consecutive occasions, with the latest being the midterm elections of 2003 for a Senate seat in the 3rd senatorial district, I have always maintained a sense of gratification and contentment even after having lost to my opponents. I was gratified and content because my sincerity was always focused on one goal, and one goal only: to serve in the public’s interest and that of the Commonwealth. I had never faltered nor was ever dissuaded from this goal and, through all that I had encountered and experienced, I truly felt inner satisfaction deep inside for at least having the desire and sincerity to serve.

It is very sad and unfortunate, however, to have observed for years now how some incumbents and vying candidates have become blinded and dissuaded from the very purpose of why we aspire to serve as elected officials. It seems apparent that running for office has become focused mainly on political self-benefit, and personal agenda, rather than for the public’s interest and that of our Commonwealth. What appears to matter most nowadays is not so much the sincerity of a candidate’s purpose or what he/she has to offer; but rather more importantly, family ties and friendship.

This year I hope that we can all ask ourselves: What is really more important? Voting for a candidate because of family or friendship ties? Should selection be based on each candidate’s ability to answer hard questions on matters that impact both public interest and that of the Commonwealth?

Voters of the Commonwealth, to verbally claim that one’s leadership is better than another requires no effort whatsoever. But to act and produce positive results on such a claim is definitely a whole different aspect altogether. It is my hope that voters in this year’s election will select candidates based on how well each can dissect their plans for positive change to the general public.

During the 2003 midterm election, I personally asked for a televised debate amongst all senatorial candidates vying for a seat in the 3rd Senatorial District because I deeply believed then as I do now that the voting public deserves to be afforded the chance and opportunity to view and evaluate each candidate on their ability to answer vital questions concerning issues that impact both public interest and the Commonwealth. A televised senatorial debate was in fact conducted amongst senatorial candidates from Saipan for the first time in CNMI history. It was an experience I will always cherish and appreciate for having been a part of.

And although I was not victorious in my previous bids for an elected office, others should never forget:

1. That being elected into office is a privilege and not a right.
2. That forgetting your sole purpose, after being placed into office, is a disgrace.
3. That by placing one’s political self-benefit and agenda foremost over our public interest and that of our beautiful Commonwealth should be considered a crime.

Jack T. Quitugua
Garapan, Saipan