Governor Sets the Record Straight, Calls Out Political and Media Operatives, Commits to Changes in 2025

Arnold Palacios, armed with data, numbers, and a recognition of his administration’s shortcomings, said in an interview with Kandit Tuesday morning, that the public should expect a more aggressive agenda, messaging from the administration, and economic development that affects the common citizen this year.

In the one-on-one one-hour interview, the governor:

• Explained what the media has thus far been unable or unwilling to provide to the public: Actual numbers and data proving his administration has stabilized government finances and is on the road to paying down debts accumulated during the Torres administration and more appropriately funding priority areas.
• Committed to having his office and cabinet engage more frequently with the public and the media about ongoing and future programs that are helping the financial and economic recovery.
• Revealed a massive amount of federal and military spending that will jolt the CNMI economy and lead to unprecedented government revenue collection levels.
• Explained how his push to train the local workforce in broadband and other fields of the in-demand job market will allow the poor and middle class citizens to benefit from the increasing economic growth.
• Criticized his own administration, autonomous agencies, and the legislature for not being faithful to his and the public’s call for fiscal accountability and prioritization of resources.
• Called out his opponents in the business sector, the political world, and the local media for lying about and withholding information from the public regarding his administration’s accomplishments, the problems he inherited from the Torres administration, and the policies he has been steadfast about.
• Expressed his support for pragmatic economic policies that will leverage the skilled though undocumented workforce to create legitimate economic growth and increased government revenues.
• Said his administration is taking the lead in improving tourist sites and other infrastructure in lieu of Marianas Visitors Authority’s failure at destination enhancement initiatives.
• Hinted at changes to MVA that will reform how the CNMI government markets Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to travelers from Japan, Korea, and other source markets.
• Validated concerns about the purpose, use, and financials of autonomous entities like the Cannabis Commission and the Commonwealth Casino Commission.
• Called for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to stop dragging its feet on a renewable energy development program, and for CUC to implement power purchase agreements with the private sector to stabilize electrical service operations.
• Refused to fire people in the executive branch simply for being aligned with one political party or another, explaining that part of stabilizing the government’s finances has been the recognition that many of the best and brightest qualified to do the bureaucratic work should not be removed simply because they are not his supporters.
• Agreed with Guam Vice Speaker Tony Ada on a concept of joint Guam-CNMI collaboration on federal issues.
• Invited the public to make suggestions to his administration on what should change and what he should continue fighting for.
• Expressed his frustration with the media and certain other critics at a so-called narrative that has blamed his administration for the results of the misconduct and poor decisions of the previous administration.
• Blasted the local Republican Party for what he called their resentment of him him and Lieutenant Governor David Apatang for defeating them in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

 

Watch this interview, exclusively on Kandit News.