Fitial and Inos vow ‘better governance’

Finance Secretary Eloy Inos, who is also chairman of the Covenant Party, formally announced yesterday his decision to join Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in seeking another term this November election.

In a private gathering of Cabinet members at Seaman’s Restaurant in Lower Base last night, Inos said the Commonwealth’s present economic and financial condition motivated him to run for higher office.

“The most important factor that played a major role in my decision to run is the entire economic and financial situation and I believe I can contribute in many ways in helping address the problems. Hopefully we can get the right solution and financial relief for our people,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Inos has been in government service for over 35 years. He served as NMI Finance secretary thrice and was a long time finance executive during the Trust Territory government. This is his first stab at an elective post.

Inos, who has worked with Fitial for many years, has this to say about their rapport: “I find working with the governor to be very pleasant. We work well. We understand the problem and we believe we’re the team that would bring us out of this financial mess.”

The Covenant party chairman admitted that the “idea” has been in the works for quite some time and required a lot of consultations with families and friends.

He conceded that his decision was “difficult” for him as many of his close friends are also running for lieutenant governor for other parties.

“It’s difficult enough that I have to do this…but I believe I would be serving the public better if I were to move on and help this governor in this capacity,” he said.

When asked what makes their tandem better, Inos said: “I think we bring a lot to the table. I say this because I firmly believe that with my current involvement in the Fitial administration and seeing him do many things that he needs to do…I am convinced that this team can keep us afloat and get us out of this economic situation.”

Prepared to face detractors and critics, Inos said the bad state of the economy in the CNMI cannot be blamed on the present administration as these are the results of the global meltdown and the national crisis affecting everyone.

“What we’re offering are commitment and skills…to explore and take every drop of opportunity that comes around. We believe we can offer much relief to the people,” he said, adding that the islands’ situation would have been worse if the Fitial administration hadn’t stepped in to address people’s needs.

Gov. Fitial last night admitted that the decision to select Inos was “long time made.”

“The decision was made a long time ago…since the very moment we began reviewing the names of potential running mates,” he told Saipan Tribune, adding that he had nobody else in mind.

He’s counting on the capability of Inos to help the government address the current economic situation.

“We have problems with our economy and finance…and we are both finance people. We will deliver for the people,” he said.

Fitial said the team’s slogan is still “Better Times.”

“Better times means better administration…better governance. It’s not only for a better economy. This is the administration that has balanced the budget—expenditure versus resources—for three consecutive years. I should be proud of this…but I am not because I know this is my job,” he said.

Like Inos, the governor is ready to face detractors of his administration. He acknowledged some of the “unpopular decisions” he has made.

“Unpopular decisions sometimes must be made and I for one will never hesitate to do the right thing because I believe people should do what is right and as a leader I believe I am doing the right thing. That’s why a lot of my decisions are unpopular, but they are right,” Fitial added.