ABSALON VICTOR WAKI JR.

Personal Background

Children: Anjelica Kulani and Kristofer Craig

Educational Background

Elementary: Tamuning Elementary School–Guam/Mount Carmel School–Saipan
High School: Hopwood Jr. High–Saipan/Marianas High School–Saipan/George Washington High School–Guam
College: N/A

Professional Background

Current job: Deputy Sergeant at Arms – CNMI House of Representatives
Company/agency: Legislative Bureau

Previous jobs & companies: (Abridged)

3/96 to 12/02 Atkins, Kroll Inc., Tamuning, Guam
8/91 to 12/95 Proprietor, Security Plus, Saipan
8/90 to 7/91 Saipan Shinbun, Garapan, Saipan
12-89 to 7/90 Midway Motors, San Jose, Saipan

Q. What would you consider the top three issues or concerns facing the CNMI that demand immediate action from our government leaders?

A. We first need to start with revitalizing and re-energizing economic growth. All our immediate concerns (or problems) can only be addressed with a new influx of “capital” into our economic “bottom line,” as they say in the private industry. We, the government, need to foster better working relations with existing and future potential private industries. The time has come to review just what is causing our downward economic spiral and cooperatively work with, not against, those companies that are making great sacrifices to remain open and profitable. Without these companies doing well, revenues to our government that need to be used for basic essentials (such as public utilities, health, safety and education) to promote a decent and comfortable lifestyle for all who live in the CNMI can never be achieved. It is time to put the politics aside and finally work toward making the needed adjustments in policies and laws that will stir up investment trust and confidence back in the CNMI.

Secondly, the government needs to show true fiscal accountability and work diligently toward a realistic budget for itself. Our government needs to manage its finances properly and be prepared to make the tough decisions needed to work within our means. This will show all concerned citizens and investors that we are doing whatever is needed to reorganize and restructure ourselves to properly manage our finances.

Thirdly, we really need to prepare a 20-year infrastructure plan to anticipate future social and economic growth in the CNMI. We need to look at where we were, where we are and where we are going to better plan for all the needed infrastructure foundations that come along with social and economic growth. Twenty years ago, we had approximately 15,000 people living in the CNMI. Presently, we have approximately 70,000 people. That is an increase of approximately 460 percent in 20 years! But have we seen an infrastructure plan that had anticipated this growth? If there was one, then I doubt if we will be having all the problems we are experiencing today with our infrastructure. Our basic infrastructure of power, water, sewer, storm drainage, roads, public education, public safety and public health are in “dire straits” and suffering even more on a daily basis because of the lack of planning in the past. Juggling funds, due to lack of planning, to deal with the enormity of these problems is not the answer. We have to sit down with all concerned agencies and articulate an open dialogue to plan and budget for our future social and economic growth. After which we must be able to implement our plan in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. Only by doing this can we achieve the goal of building a cleaner, safer, healthier and more reliable infrastructure for all to appreciate here in the CNMI.

Q. What ideas can you bring to the table to revive the CNMI economy?

A. With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the private sector, I believe that the CNMI having “Commonwealth” status is an enormously great marketing tool. Having local control of immigration, labor and customs laws, plus great tax incentives on “U.S. soil,” is a marketing tool that few others have in the Pacific region. Plus our vicinity to large economic nations in Asia means we should be able to entice major industry players in the region to look at the potential of doing business in the CNMI. We, the CNMI, control our own destiny. We have the opportunity to make the CNMI an economic hub in the Pacific region. I hope that, if given the chance to serve in the Legislature, I will use all my years of business savvy to work alongside my colleagues in the Legislature and Executive Branch in formulating a plan of action to correct laws that may be detrimental to sound investment confidence, to meet and have open dialogues with regional investors who have shown interest in the CNMI, and not to forget to work with and assist our local business community in their constant struggle to grow and remain profitable. There must be a government and business cooperative in order for the CNMI to reach its full potential. A project that I would like to see implemented and would like to contribute to.

Q. What is your vision for the Commonwealth? And what are the steps that must be taken to achieve that vision?

A. As I had mentioned earlier, my vision is to see the CNMI reach its full economic potential. I do not want to sound repetitious, but only through sound government fiscal management, a working government and business cooperative, investor confidence, proper infrastructure, and open-minded government leaders with the heart to do what is in the best interest of the people in the CNMI can we achieve this vision. People say that I am an “idealist,” but I truly believe that if you use your brain along with your heart, you will always do the right things for the right reasons.

Q. What needs to be changed in people’s ways of thinking and doing things as a means to help you achieve your vision? How can that shift in thinking be achieved?

A. I believe that through honest open dialogue you can transmit to people exactly what your intentions are in trying to do what is in the best interest for all in the CNMI, as well as to hear their comments and opinions—all of which is absolutely critical in order for us to move forward in our economic recovery. Legislators are spokespersons for the people. Our ideas should not come only from us. I plan to make sure that when coming up with a bill that will affect the lives of all who reside in the CNMI, I will have more than just public hearings. We will be meeting with all concerned parties (such as private citizens, business leaders, government leaders, etc.) to have an honest and open dialogue to hopefully get as many comments on the bill as possible. This can only help to make the final product even better. Let us remember that it is not the quantity of bills you passed while in office that you should be remembered for, but the quality of the bills. Let us not forget, that we, the people of the CNMI, play an intrinsic part in achieving the vision of economic and social prosperity here in the CNMI. With that in mind, on Nov. 5, 2005, remember that you have a conscience and it is there for a reason. Use it wisely on this day and vote for those individuals whom you feel in your heart will do the right thing once in office. Hopefully I will be one of those you will entrust to help bring prosperity to the CNMI.