Ex-PSS chief Borja to be Kumoi’s running mate

Former Public School System commissioner Dr. David Borja has been tapped by gubernatorial candidate Ramon “Kumoi” Guerrero to be his running mate in the November polls.

Guerrero said Borja was selected from a pool of 18 possible running mates by his campaign committee, which in turn acted on input from the community.

“I asked my committee to streamline the Top 5. In the end, Dr. Borja emerged on top,” Guerrero said.

The Guerrero-Borja tandem is set to proclaim its candidacy last night at Guerrero’s residence in As Perdido. The ticket’s slogan is “Time for Change.”

Guerrero, a former senator and executive director of Commonwealth Utilities Corp., said Borja’s selection culminated a process that started before Christmas.

Since the names on the list were provided by community members, Guerrero said he is confident that they will get the support of voters.

Guerrero added that Borja’s commitment and dedication to education is one of the strongest points of their ticket.

Borja served not only in the military but also spent majority of his years in the field of education, serving in various capacities—classroom teacher, principal, and associate commissioner for administrative services. He went on to succeed Dr. Rita Inos as education commissioner in 2006. His stint as PSS head abruptly ended when the Board of Education replaced him in June last year with Dr. Rita Sablan.

Guerrero said he appreciates Borja’s decision to join his gubernatorial ticket.

Citing this year’s elections as the most challenging in the history of the Commonwealth, Guerrero is optimistic that his tandem with Borja will create a positive impact on government.

“The strongest point here is suffering…and we want to help. Running with an education expert like Dr. Borja would spell a difference and change for the CNMI,” he said.

Guerrero served as special assistant to former governor Froilan Tenorio for seven years. He was also a former director of CUC for four years and served as senator from 2000 to 2004.

What motivated him to seek the CNMI’s highest post? “With the current sufferings of our people…I know I can offer help especially with our problems on power and medical referrals.” He did not elaborate, saying their campaign platform will be released soon.

Rudy Sablan is the chairman to elect Guerrero and Borja.