Man on the street
Yes, there should be changes. One thing that really concerns me is the size of the government, the number of people in government such as the number of House representatives and senators. I would like to see the number of the representatives be downsized, if not altogether eliminate it. Why can’t we do what Guam is doing like electing only 10 people for the Senate and the House? There are just too many congressmen and there’s a lot of waste of money.
—Joe Ayuyu
Papago
There are things that need to be changed. If you look at history, several amendments were made in the course of American history. All those amendments were the needs and opinion in that particular time. Changing for the sake of changes is not a good idea.
—Rayphand Sapuro Jr.
Capitol Hill
We need to change the definition of marriage to include same sex marriage in the CNMI.
—Keith Tessen
Dandan
There are so many things in the Constitution that need to be redefined and [unintended consequences that] we are encountering or are affecting us now. Congressmen would lobby for changes that would only give good image to them but is it effective?
—Louis Wabol
Chalan Laulau
There’s a couple of things I like about of the CNMI Constitution like the ones that protect its indigenous people and being taken care of. I believe the Constitution is a huge representative of the government. One issue, though, needs to be looked at is the spending of the money. I wish they could work things out. I also wish that lawmakers would get off that continuing resolution on the budget where they have been stuck for the longest time.
—James Feger
As Lito
Yes. Changes should consider a provision for the funding of the Public School System. Fifteen percent allocation is very low. To me, it should be increased to 50 percent. Education is important because it is for the future of the CNMI. Our leaders depend on education and right now schools are suffering and the victims are the students. The Constitution as the supreme law must mandate 50 percent of budget allocation to the PSS so we won’t have to beg for it always. One thing that they should also retain is Article 12. It should be protected and should not be touched. We don’t have lots of resources but our lands. There are a lot of indigenous people that need to be protected. Another concern would be the Attorney General’s Office that should be elected rather than appointed. There are so many things to be done and the AG should be free from any political influences like being swayed by the governor. Salary caps on the working force in the CNMI should also be recognized and redefined. People should be getting what is due them.
—Joseph Borja
Koblerville