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The real issue
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Posted on Oct 27 2005
The Covenant Party has portrayed Governor Babauta’s relationship with businesswoman Sedy Demesa as being somehow underhanded. They would like you to believe that such a relationship translates into special interest and quid pro quo.
Ms. Demesa has chosen to make a substantial investment in the CNMI by establishing a private nursing education program: a viable industry that has long needed the drive of an intelligent outside investor such as her. Ms. Demesa has placed her confidence in Governor Babauta as a man committed to the education industry and one who will keep the islands economy moving.
Not only the Covenant Party, but those who have been influenced, perhaps blinded by the critics of the administration should ought to know that the real issue here is how the governor has succeeded in enticing a legitimate new investor into the CNMI.
The fact that Ms. Demesa has taken an interest in the Commonwealth has been a direct result of the 2004 Los Angeles Investment Conference. It is obvious that there is no longer legitimate issues to talk about, because, factually speaking, the Babauta-Benavente administration has slowly moved this government forward.
In 2002, the administration took over a government threatened with a shaky economy, a fact that must be brought to light. It inherited a $24 million deficit and several unfunded obligations. Rather than passing the buck, the administration put its axe together to address this dilemma. There were other events beyond the CNMI’s grasp that factored in to the threat of economic instability. This administration has weathered these odds and stopped the economic bleeding—though slowly. Sacrifices were made and there were no interruptions of public service, not even payless paydays.
What Fitial and his Covenant Party followers in the House of Representatives must instead focus on is passing a new budget.
Voters must be vigilant of candidates who are capable of defaming potential investors to advance their campaign.
Liz Del Mundo
Susupe, Saipan
