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GOP tandem declines gubernatorial forum
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Posted on Jun 22 2005
Gov. Juan N. Babauta has declined to attend a forum for gubernatorial candidates today that is sponsored by the CNMI Bar Association “due to a prior engagement.”
The forum will take place during the association’s general membership meeting at noon at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
In a letter to association president Edward Manibusan yesterday, Babauta said that both he and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente are set to attend the general membership meeting of the Marianas Visitors Authority at the same time today at Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach.
“I regret to inform you that the Lt. Governor and I will not be able to attend due to a prior engagement. We are scheduled to attend the MVA bi-annual general membership meeting to brief the members on details of the new agreements with Northwest Airlines to replace Japan Airlines,” he said.
Babauta, who led two delegation trips to Tokyo to woo airline companies, disclosed Monday about NWA’s decision to begin a new direct flight between Saipan and Osaka on Oct. 1, the date JAL is reportedly withdrawing from the CNMI.
NWA said that it would pick up over 40 percent of the passenger traffic currently being brought in by JAL.
In his letter to Manibusan, Babauta said he would be “pleased to join you at the next general membership meeting.”
“Once again, we are sorry we are not able to attend your open forum and we will wait for your next invitation,” said Babauta.
Babauta and Benavente are seeking re-election this year under the Republican Party.
Meantime, the House leadership said that House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, who is seeking a gubernatorial post with Vice Speaker Timothy P. Villagomez, will attend the forum.
House leadership spokesman Charles Reyes Jr. said the speaker has confirmed his attendance to the event.
Fitial and Villagomez are the standard bearers of the Covenant Party.
The office of Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, an independent candidate for governor, could not confirm if the lawmaker would make it to the forum.
Former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, who is seeking another term under the Democratic Party, could not be reached as of press time.
