Christina-Marie (Tina) Sablan's Closing Remarks at SCC Senatorial Forum 10/21/09 Video

TRANSCRIPT:

Christina Sablan -- Senate Forum Closing Remarks
October 21, 2009
Fiesta Resort


I think that sometimes in the midst of rapid change and confusion, it is easy for us to slide into discouragement and frustration.

The CNMI without a doubt has experienced much change and confusion these past 30 years and to this very day.

Im sure I dont need to go through the litany of challenges we face -- we read about it in the papers, weve heard much of it today, and we experience it in our daily lives.

Given all that we have been through as a community, and that we continue to go through today, one thing that can be said about us is that we are an incredibly resilient people, and we demonstrate that resilience every day.

But its not enough to simply be resilient. Its not enough to simply wait for the storm to pass. And its certainly not enough to just count the days until the next administration and the next legislature and hope that things will get better on their own.

Each of us is called to imagine the future we wish to create. Each of us is called to take part in the planning for that future. And each of us is called to action.

Change, real change is a process. We have to be committed to it for the long haul, and we have to begin with ourselves as citizens and residents, being the change we wish to see in our community.

So now the question is, what is the change we wish to see in our community?

Most of us probably want outstanding schools for our children, excellent healthcare services, affordable and reliable utilities, clean villages and a beautiful environment, a thriving tourism industry, flourishing small businesses, open and honest government, and public officials who respect the rule of law, spend our money wisely, and take pride in public service. I really could go on, and Im sure that all of you could add to that list as well.

Basically, fundamentally, we have a shared vision, we all want the same things, and getting there begins with good governance. It begins with caring, informed, and active citizens; honest, open, and responsible government; a vigilant press; and creative and law-abiding businesses driving the economy forward. Good governance requires the effort and commitment of the whole community.

As a citizen and member of the House of Representatives, I have been committed, and as your senator I will continue to be committed, to our collective vision for good governance in the Commonwealth.

Id like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for hosting us tonight, the students of the Northern Marianas College for their assistance, and all of you for taking the time to be here and to listen to our responses to your questions.

I continue to be available for any questions and concerns after tonight. My phone number is 285-3935, my email address is tinasablan@gmail.com , and my website is www.tinasablan.com . I can also be found every Thursday evening at community gatherings throughout Saipan until November 5. Tomorrow we will be at Garapan Central Park, followed by Pakpak Beach on October 29, and Tanapag Beach on November 5. I invite all of you to join us.

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kix46: Nothing at all wrong with your comment. The video post was redone and shrunk a bit more (too many complaints about the size). Youtube doesn't allow to replace the video without fully deleting it. I am so sorry. I did not realize there was a comment. Feel free to re-post any comment again. I will check int he future before doing that again. from Webmaster

kix46: nesianboy has made a comment on 10/21/09: CNMI needs to promote self sustenance. We cannot depend on tourism. We cannot depend on military. We cannot depend on handouts. We need to build on the resources that we do have. We should grow and eat our own food, not import or just go eat out. That has destroyed the bodies of our people. Create the environment of healthy living and that would cut costs of medical care. Education? Our education sucks.

Author: kix46; Uploaded: Oct 22, 2009; Duration: 3:23; Views: 122

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