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NMC-CREES director to run as Rota representative
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Posted on May 22 2009
The director of the Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services program, Ross Manglona, will run for the House of Representative for the island of Rota and would seek the Republican Party’s endorsement.
Manglona, who has been with the college for 14 years, plans to take a leave from his job once he is certified by the Commonwealth Election Commission.
Prior to becoming the NMC-CREES director, Manglona was the program’s extension agent for 13 years.
He confirmed yesterday that he will submit his letter of intent to GOP officials before end of this month.
Manglona admitted that it took him six years to finalize his decision after getting the full support of family members and friends.
“It’s not an overnight decision. It required a lot of consultations with the family members because I believe deciding without their support would be useless,” he said.
The decision was also be based on the right “timing” and “urgency.”
“I think this is the right timing and there’s an urgent need for me to run,” he said.
Manglona is the first cousin of former Rota representative Crispin Ogo. Now that incumbent Rep. Victor Hocog has announced his intention to run for the municipality’s mayoralty post, Manglona said there’s a great need to install somebody who will continue the “movement” for Rota.
He lauded the work done by the incumbent representative, describing Hocog as a “sound and stable” politician.
Manglona is convinced that he can help build a good relationship between Saipan and Rota, Tinian and Rota.
Under the Board of Regents policy, any employee who wishes to run for any public office is allowed to take a personal leave from service and may return to the position if not elected.
Once he gets the endorsement of the GOP, Manglona says he will lay down his campaign platform for the people of Rota.
