![](\"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/images\/imgupload\/a4aeb6c5de1d8ddf88cba0f27240d1ae.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSaipan has become an outdated destination in need of reinvention, according to longtime Saipan resident Del Benson.<\/p>\n
Benson said Saipan\u2019s economy has been volatile due to the heavy reliance on Asian tourism, especially from Japan, China, and Korea.<\/p>\n
He said recently, the island has hit some major economic hurdles after losing many Japanese and Chinese tourists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been devastating and it\u2019s clear a new strategy is needed to reinvigorate the tourism industry and overall economy,\u201d said the 65-year-old Benson.<\/p>\n
Benson, who is a businessman, is running as an independent Republican for a Precinct 3 seat in the House of Representatives in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. He is making the economy the top priority of his campaign.<\/p>\n
With some fresh thinking and pro-business policies, Benson believes Saipan\u2019s economy can be revitalized.<\/p>\n
He believes they need to think differently, reduce regulations that stifle business growth, and find ways to adapt federal mandates to the realities faced on the island.<\/p>\n
Benson said the government doesn\u2019t create jobs, but rather should foster an environment where businesses can thrive and drive job creation themselves.<\/p>\n
The businessman said too often when funds are short, the knee-jerk reaction is to raise taxes and fees on businesses and residents without thought to reducing costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis only chases away economic opportunities. Instead, spending needs to be reined in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Benson said businesses invest for return on investment, not sentimental ties to the island like long-term residents have.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, policies must cater to their needs through incentives and viable laws that are consistent and thought out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The businessman said questions should be asked and answered before considering new legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo we need the bill? What are the possible unintended consequences? What are the costs involved? Who are the stakeholders to see it implemented and followed?\u201d Benson said.<\/p>\n
Benson is looking to collaborate with other forward-thinking individuals who want to put actual economic plans into motion, not just offer empty rhetoric.<\/p>\n
He said if constituents would like him to discuss further his ideas at a community event or gathering, he\u2019d be happy to attend and hear their thoughts as well.<\/p>\n
In 1991, Benson and his family relocated from Las Vegas to the NMI when he took a teaching job at Marianas High School.<\/p>\n
At the time, they didn\u2019t know much about Saipan, so they did some research at a library, although the information was quite outdated.<\/p>\n
Benson\u2019s first career was teaching. He received a bachelors and masters from Utah State University. Education opened the door for moving to Saipan.<\/p>\n
Benson said despite the unknowns, he and his family took the plunge and made Saipan their home.<\/p>\n
Over the years on the island, Benson has been involved in various entrepreneurial endeavors\u2014photography, an English school, women\u2019s fitness center, real estate, and marketing.<\/p>\n
Benson said Saipan is his home and he wants to ensure opportunities exist for the island\u2019s children in the future.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Del Benson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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