THESE past four years have been a daunting, humbling, and rewarding experience, to say the least. My personal decision not to seek reelection was a difficult one as I have loved these past four years of public service.
I am the type of person who is motivated and thrives on a great challenge, and the CNMI is certainly facing challenging times. There is a lifetime of work yet to be addressed; it is, however, time for me to focus on my private life with my family and friends.
In the 1960’s I had what was a rare opportunity, to go off-island and earn a degree. I have been blessed, because I was able to return to the CNMI and use that education both in the private and public sector, ultimately culminating in a senatorial term. It is an honor that I was able to make history being the first female senator, and I am humbled and grateful for this honor. I encourage the youth of our commonwealth to endeavor to do the same one day as time moves us forward toward a new generation.
I congratulate all the winners of this election. I quote Henry Ford who said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” May the CNMI not only progress, but be successful in accomplishing all that needs to be done.
When Thomas Edison was asked why he had a team of 21 assistants, he replied, “If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.” This quote perfectly sums one of the most important lessons I have learned from my latest journey serving on the CNMI Senate. It takes teamwork to get anything significant done. Although private individuals may be capable of accomplishing some things alone, an elected official cannot get anything done alone. That’s the purpose of having representatives for each district. Elected officials must work together for any type of progress to be made.
“Leadership is action, not position,” says Donald H. McGannon
I humbly offer a few key points of advice to those who follow me in the Commonwealth Legislature.
First, don’t be hesitant to tackle the basic issues that are plaguing our commonwealth. I believe there are realistic solutions that will stand the test of time as to all of these basic issues, and the time to get to these solutions is now. The longer we wait, the harder and more expensive for all of us the solutions will be.
Second, there are no quick solutions to difficult problems. Current and future elected officials have been and will be faced with cleaning up messes that past legislative lavishness and temporary fixes have often amplified. I have always believed that acting on a problem before it becomes a crisis is the best path. Unfortunately, some of those problems became crises during the last four years, and have demanded quick action. When it reaches this crisis point, the options for solutions are scarce and we are often left with no choice but to do the unpopular job of implementing the “lesser of two evils.” The temptation to use half measures or delay tactics when dealing with issues that are not yet at the crisis level should be avoided to prevent these unfortunate and difficult outcomes.
I worked hard trying to avoid fast solutions that would only put a temporary band aid on a problem. I have seen very few situations where a proposed quick fix would actually be a long term successful solution. Often we have access to reports and informational materials that, if read or studied, would make clear that the proposed legislation would have unintended consequences that will exacerbate a problem or simply delay a crisis long enough for future legislators to deal with.
Third, the Legislature cannot find successful solutions to our problems without hard work on the part of every legislator. It takes careful research, thoughtful discussions, and a certain amount of time to clearly identify, understand, and agree upon the way in which the implementation of changes can solve fundamental weaknesses in our governmental framework and infrastructure. Often what is perceived to be a problem is really only the symptom of a larger or more complex issue.
Every piece of proposed legislation must be tested against the provisions of the Covenant, the CNMI Constitution, and every existing law already on the books that has an effect upon the subject. Without this, new laws can be unconstitutional, contradictory, unenforceable, or just plain destructive to the well being of the people of the CNMI.
Please read and understand the Covenant and the Constitution. Ask questions. Read the Senate and House journals from past sessions to gain a better understanding of what took place and how issues are debated or discussed on the floor. This would also give you insight as to how an individual colleague’s mind works or thinks. Review as much legislation as you can; determine if a bill is clearly warranted; and find out why a particular bill does not gain sufficient support to pass. Learn to read quickly and accurately. Prioritize your efforts. By all means, make use of the National Conference of State Legislators’ Web site and, if possible, their conferences for the large amount of resources they possess. Many states have faced the issues we currently face and legislation that has been thoroughly researched is available as models for your use.
The most important part of new or amending legislation is in the details. Everyone who votes on legislation needs to have before them a concise written explanation of the details. Legislators need to be sure their lawyers provide adequate legal and background information. Equally important, opposing points of view should be sought out and considered carefully.
Finally, public input and understanding is vital. Once an issue is identified, the research done, and the legislation drafted, the education of fellow legislators and constituents begins. This can be the most difficult part of being a legislator. It is easy to “wage a war of sound bites,” particularly when an issue is solved by complex and technical legislation. Excerpts can be taken out of the context of the whole and the entire bill is not represented in a balanced manner. Certain clauses can adversely affect individuals, who raise objections, and this objection can often be perceived as sufficient to negate the greater good that implementing the entire bill can bring. A balance between public feedback and the legislative details needed to achieve a goal that improves our quality of life is what should ultimately create our laws.
I give our newspapers a great deal of credit for their patience and forbearance in publishing virtually all of what I send to them, even when it has been long, detailed, and technical in nature. This has been my avenue to try and explain the fundamental reasons for legislation I have written, supported, or opposed. My choices may not always have been popular, and certainly did not please everyone. I can say without reservation that I made decisions based on facts, and I applied those facts deciding what I believed to be in the best interest of the people of the CNMI.
Each legislator has different approaches for reaching out to his or her constituents. Web sites, YouTube, and blogging, in addition to the newspapers and television are means by which communications between elected officials and the public stay on top of current issues. These are important resources that should continue to be used to reach out to the public.
In conclusion, I want to say that my Senate colleagues, President Pete Reyes and Senators Joseph Mendiola, Felix Mendiola, Paul Manglona, Paterno Hocog, Jude Hofschneider, Henry San Nicolas, and Luis Crisostimo, have my gratitude for their trust, cooperation, and support in the decision making process. Their constant efforts to build consensus, maintain mutual respect, and preserve a willingness to listen and compromise when necessary kept the Senate a united, productive, and cohesive unit.
I also extend my appreciation to the employees of the legislative bureau, and all the legislative staff for their kindness, support and respect extended to me.
Although my journey as a public official comes to an end at this time, I remain continuously grateful to everyone in the community, especially my supporters. Thank you for your support, and for the privilege and opportunity to serve in the Senate. Thank you also to the constant critics out there who, by doing so, are taking an active role in our political system. Critics are just as important as supporters as they are often the ones that spark public involvement. I tried my very best to serve well. It is my hope that my efforts in the Senate have made a positive impact on our collective future here in the CNMI.
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap.” — George Bernard Shaw
SEN. MARIA FRICA T. PANGELINAN
16th CNMI Legislature
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