Christina Sablan
Christina Sablan (Democratic Party) (also known as Tina) was a member of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives, representing District 2. She assumed office on January 14, 2019. She left office on January 9, 2023.
Sablan (Democratic Party) ran for election for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Elections
2022
See also: Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2022
General runoff election
General runoff election for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
Arnold I. Palacios defeated incumbent Ralph Torres in the general runoff election for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands on November 25, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Arnold I. Palacios (Independent) | 54.1 | 7,394 | |
| Ralph Torres (R) | 45.9 | 6,263 | ||
| Total votes: 13,657 | ||||
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General election
General election for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
Incumbent Ralph Torres and Arnold I. Palacios advanced to a runoff. They defeated Christina Sablan in the general election for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ralph Torres (R) | 38.8 | 5,728 | |
| ✔ | Arnold I. Palacios (Independent) | 33.2 | 4,890 | |
| Christina Sablan (D) | 28.0 | 4,132 | ||
| Total votes: 14,750 | ||||
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2020
See also: Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives District 2 (2 seats)
Incumbent Christina Sablan and incumbent John Paul P. Sablan defeated Daniel I. Aquino and Luella Marciano in the general election for Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives District 2 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Christina Sablan (D) | 29.9 | 587 | |
| ✔ | John Paul P. Sablan (R) | 27.2 | 534 | |
| Daniel I. Aquino (R) | 21.6 | 423 | ||
| Luella Marciano (D) | 21.3 | 417 | ||
| Total votes: 1,961 | ||||
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Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Christina Sablan did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Sablan's campaign website stated the following:
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A Thriving and Diversified Economy Economic development must be measured by more than just Gross Domestic Product, revenues, or profit margins. Economic development must be measured by how many people enjoy a decent standard of living and access to opportunities to flourish. True economic development lifts people out of poverty, generates good jobs with decent wages, and creates pathways for small businesses to grow and prosper. Supporting and Protecting Our Workforce We envision a CNMI where wages are fair, livable, and competitive and where workers’ rights are protected. We will push to enact legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage to $10 per hour, and repeal outdated sections of the law that discriminate against workers with disabilities, senior citizens, and others. We will fight to end wage theft in the Marianas, and to remove obstacles for workers to file claims for wage theft or retaliation. We will promote workplace rights education for employees in the public and private sectors. We will also advocate for a CNMI-wide policy of paid family leave to better support working families who must care for newborn or adopted children, or seriously ill family members. Marianas Jobs Now The CNMI must establish a robust workforce development plan to put people to work and transition the Marianas to 2029, when the CNMI-only contract worker program is due to end by federal law. We will launch the Marianas Jobs Now Initiative, and work with the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, the Northern Marianas College, the Public School System, the CNMI Department of Labor, the CNMI and municipal scholarship offices, businesses and other partners to match job-seeking individuals with employers and increase apprenticeships in more diverse fields. The initiative will include a “Come Home Project,” to recruit CNMI college and technical school graduates, veterans, and others with ties to the Marianas who are now living and working abroad, to return to the Marianas for gainful employment in the public and private sectors. The Marianas Jobs Now Initiative will also provide resources for workforce development including readiness training and other support services for eligible new hires and participating employers. Diversifying and Localizing Tourism Tourism should remain the number one industry for the commonwealth, and we support diversification and increased local participation to grow the industry, create new jobs, and benefit the overall local economy. We envision the development and expansion of culture and history tourism, sports tourism, educational tourism, culinary tourism, agricultural tourism, and nature-based tourism that positively impacts our environment. We will direct resources to expand the tour guide certification program, promote certified locally-based tour operators through the Marianas Visitors Authority and its partners, provide access to language training, business development resources, and marketing support for local guides, and identify other means to promote the success of locally-owned businesses in the tourism industry. In promoting the Marianas as a tourism destination, we will refocus on strengthening our friendships and travel partnerships with our allies in the region, especially Japan and South Korea. The Future of Gaming Casino gaming can be a productive part of our tourism-based economy if it comports with the will of the people, is properly regulated, and is run by responsible operators who are selected in a fair and open process. To assess the future role of gaming in our tourism industry, we will contract with a qualified firm to conduct an independent, professional market feasibility study of gaming in the Marianas, that will include a review of the CNMI’s regulatory structure as well as public consultation and stakeholder engagement. We will also direct an independent assessment of the structural viability of the unfinished casino resort facility in Garapan and the CNMI’s options for ensuring the safe and productive use of that site, which is critically located in the heart of Saipan’s tourist district. Supporting Small Businesses Small businesses are the backbone of a healthy economy. We will support homegrown local businesses and industries through a collaborative network that brings together the resources of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, the Northern Marianas College, the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Development Corporation, and the Marianas Visitors Authority to help island entrepreneurs jumpstart, expand, and promote their operations and products. We will revisit and retool existing programs such as the qualifying certificate, free trade zones, and CNMI product seals to better support locally-owned businesses, optimize the commonwealth’s available human and natural resources, and encourage new investment and small business growth on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. We will also establish a Small Business Advisory Council, comprised of small business owners and entrepreneurs representing various sectors, to advise us on policies affecting small businesses in the Marianas and how we can help small businesses grow and prosper. Investing in Sustainability and Security We will support new and expanding businesses in productive, sustainable industries that promote the security and wellbeing of the Marianas, including renewable energy, recycling, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and the development of value-added products for local and export markets. We will engage the Northern Marianas College, and the CREES program in particular, as well as the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, the Department of Commerce, the Division of Energy, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and other agencies to provide the research, planning, technical expertise, and fair and sensible regulatory frameworks to help local food and energy producers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs succeed. Buying Local We will encourage all departments, agencies, projects, and contractors to buy more locally-made and locally-available products to support Marianas businesses, and direct executive branch departments and agencies to establish, monitor, and report targets for purchasing from local suppliers. Technical assistance will be provided to help small businesses secure and satisfy purchasing contracts with the CNMI government.
Education is our present, and our future. Public education is a major economic driver, and the single most important investment we can make as a community to raise our standard of living, close social and economic disparities, and build a sustainable future for the Marianas. High-quality educational programs provide the means by which the CNMI’s residents can develop their talents and build the necessary skills to become productive members of society and support themselves and their families. Access to education is fundamental to building a community where every family has the freedom and opportunity to thrive. Investing in All Public Educational Institutions We are committed to adequately funding public education, and making timely transfers of appropriated local funds to all our public educational institutions – the Public School System, the Northern Marianas College, and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute - to support the important work they do. We recognize that while federal funds are an essential and welcome part of the budgets of all our public educational institutions, they cannot supplant local funding and cannot be relied upon to support all the operational needs of our educational system. Education systems in most states and territories are funded at least 50 percent or more with local funds. The CNMI falls far short of that standard, with local funds accounting for less than 30 percent percent of the total budget for public education in 2021 and 2022. In order to deliver high-quality education, we must fund it. Strengthening Career and Technical Education To develop the diverse talent and skilled workers that our commonwealth needs in all trades, we will allocate the resources to strengthen and promote career and technical education, including apprenticeship programs, through collaborative partnerships across PSS, NMC, NMTI, and other public and private sector partners. Expanding access to early childhood education and childcare Quality early childhood education provides safe and engaging environments for growing minds, and a critical support system for working families. We will leverage increased federal funding as well as local resources to support the development and expansion of early childhood education and childcare centers in the Marianas, and help families give their young children a strong head start in life.
Health is wealth: the future prosperity of our commonwealth is directly connected to the health and wellbeing of our people. The people of the Marianas deserve access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, and a healthcare system that can meet our community’s needs here at home. A physical and social environment that promotes active and healthy living, and policies that are supportive of physical and mental health, are keys to a thriving community. Expanding Access to Health Insurance The Covid-19 pandemic exposed serious vulnerabilities in our healthcare system and our community’s access to care, with more than 40% of adults lacking health insurance in the CNMI before the pandemic. Presumptive eligibility for Medicaid during the public health emergency doubled enrollment, with more than 60% of the total Marianas population receiving Medicaid coverage. Presumptive eligibility is due to end in 2022, and at least 15,000 people are at risk of losing their health coverage once again. We will work closely with the CNMI Medicaid Agency to implement the “buy-in” option currently authorized by law, which would allow otherwise non-eligible residents to participate in the program. We will also offer a public option that will be open to all individuals and employers in the CNMI, through a competitively-bid contract between the CNMI government and a private insurance carrier. Costs will be shared among individuals, employers, and the CNMI government. A New Hospital, and Upgraded Healthcare Facilities We recognize the tremendous improvements that our Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation has been able to make with more and consistent funding. Thanks largely to federal support over the years through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, our public healthcare system has tripled the number of providers, expanded clinical services, opened an outpatient pharmacy, and added specialized services, such as oncology and cardiology. We will prioritize greater local investment in our Commonwealth’s healthcare system, and work with CHCC and federal partners to build a new public hospital, and upgrade existing healthcare facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Creating A Health Network Program One major step towards improving healthcare in the Northern Marianas is to restructure and reform the program that has long been known as medical referral. We support the orderly transition of medical referral services to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, and the establishment of a new Health Network Program within CHCC that will connect residents to CHCC’s network of providers both within and outside the Marianas. We are also committed to adequately funding the Health Network Program and ensuring that CHCC operates this program within the appropriation levels set by the legislature. Utilizing Evidence-Based Policies to Promote Health The CNMI has some of the highest rates of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, in the nation. The related rates of child and adult obesity, as well as consumption rates of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, are alarming. The costs of a community in poor health are massive, greatly impacting our healthcare system, our workforce, our economy, and our overall quality of life. We will enact evidence-based policies to improve community health outcomes, including legislation to raise tax rates on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages to recommended levels and tie those taxes to inflation. Revenues generated from these taxes will be invested in our healthcare system and especially preventive care services, as well as in tax collection and enforcement. Expanding Access to Mental Health Services Mental health is as important as physical health, and we have seen an overwhelming increase in demand for mental health services, much of which is attributed to the impacts of typhoon disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. We will push for the enactment of legislation to add the Marianas to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact), to improve and expand access to quality mental health services, including specialized care not currently available in the CNMI. PsyPact helps bridge the gaps in mental healthcare in underserved areas like the Marianas, enabling residents in participating states and territories to more easily access a larger pool of licensed providers through the practice of telepsychology and licenses to conduct temporary practice. Parity for the Marianas in Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance We will continue to work with our Delegate to the U.S. Congress, the Biden Administration, and our federal partners to secure full parity for the Marianas in Medicaid and the Nutrition Assistance Program. As with our fellow citizens in the U.S. states, Medicaid and food stamp benefits for the people of the Marianas should be based on need, and not fixed by statute with arbitrary caps. Promoting Active and Healthy Living We strongly support the development of a social and physical environment that is conducive to active and healthy living in the Marianas. We will invest public resources in the construction and improvement of sports and recreation facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and support sports and other physical activity programs in every precinct, including programs for both youth and manamko. We will also engage with government and community partners to establish, repair, and maintain walking paths, bike paths, and hiking trails throughout the commonwealth. We will establish a Youth Conservation Corps to involve our young people in tree planting, beautification and regular upkeep of public parks, pathways, and trails. We will improve and maintain public beaches, parks, and playgrounds, including shower and restroom facilities at key sites. We will encourage and promote community and backyard gardening in all our villages and connect residents with resources to learn about gardening and grow their own food.
Safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure is essential for building a community in which everyone can thrive. We have an unprecedented opportunity to dramatically improve our public infrastructure, through hundreds of millions of federal dollars available to the Marianas for typhoon and covid-19 pandemic recovery. At the local level, the CNMI legislature has also made millions of dollars in appropriations for infrastructure improvements, many at the precinct and village level. We have an urgent responsibility to ensure that these precious public funds are spent wisely and for their intended purposes, and to provide transparency in the allocation of resources for infrastructure projects. We must also prepare for more extreme weather events and other impacts of the climate crisis, and will ensure that climate considerations are included in all infrastructure plans and development. In rebuilding our critical infrastructure, we will rebuild our economy and lay the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient future for all. Clean, drinkable water, 24 hours a day Clean water is a vital necessity for public health and economic development, and yet many CNMI residents still experience water shortages and cannot drink their water from the tap. For more than a decade, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has operated under federal stipulated orders for long-standing – and continuing - violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The goal of clean, drinkable, 24/7 water is at last within reach, thanks to recent dramatic increases in federal funding to improve community water systems like ours. We have the resources. We will deliver the political will and leadership to make clean, drinkable, 24-hour water a reality for Marianas residents. Reliable and sustainable energy Our energy infrastructure is outdated, inefficient, and almost completely dependent on imported fossil fuels that drain the CNMI of approximately $70 million or more every year. We need an overhaul, and a transition to an energy future that is cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable for CNMI residents. We will begin this undertaking with energy audits of the Commonwealth government, including fleet vehicles, and a directive to update the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency standards and track the government’s progress in meeting efficiency targets. We will also direct a review and update of the CNMI’s energy action plan and renewable energy portfolio, and work with CUC and regulatory authorities to set the Marianas on the path to a reliable and sustainable energy future. Climate resiliency and typhoon preparedness are critical to this future, and putting more lines underground must also be an integral part of our energy action plan. Safe and well-planned streets Too many of our roads are riddled with potholes, prone to flooding, poorly marked, and unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. We envision a system of well-paved primary and secondary roads that are safe, friendly and accessible to multiple types of users: pedestrians, cyclists, people in wheelchairs, families with strollers, drivers. We will ensure that sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, curb ramps, energy efficient streetlights, proper markings and signage, landscaping, and storm water management are regular features in master planning for both highways and village streets in the Marianas. Modern Ports and Marinas The commonwealth’s airports, seaports, and marinas are vital connection points for commerce and travel, and all of them need major upgrades. Some still await long-overdue repairs from typhoon damage that occurred years ago. We will prioritize rehabilitation and recovery projects for which funding has already been identified and approved, and ensure that climate resiliency and regular maintenance are included in all port and marina master plans. A commonwealth-wide solid waste management system On Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, our solid waste management infrastructure is currently failing to meet basic public health and environmental protection standards. We also know that illegal dumping and overflowing garbage in our villages are serious problems in the absence of a coordinated solid waste management system. Many families cannot afford to pay for private trash haulers, and lack a vehicle to transport their waste to the transfer station, landfill, or dump. Solid waste management is a basic function of government to protect public health and the environment, and we will collaborate with federal and private sector partners to establish a commonwealth-wide system of waste reduction, collection, recycling, and disposal that utilizes best practices and includes assistance for low-income households.
To better protect our communities and keep our families and neighborhoods safe, we must transform our criminal justice system. We envision law enforcement officers who are trusted, well-trained, held to the highest ethical standards, and equipped with the resources they need to protect and serve. Incarceration is the harshest tool of punishment in our system of justice, and to reduce incarceration and recidivism we must promote greater use of specialty courts and diversion programs for non-violent, minor offenses. A person charged with a minor offense who has fulfilled certain requirements, such as completing treatment, making restitution to victims, and performing community service, should not be incarcerated or burdened with a criminal record for life. We also recognize that mandatory sentencing laws and lengthy jail times do not result in safer communities, especially when correctional or rehabilitative services are lacking during incarceration. Individuals who are incarcerated must be given opportunities to turn their lives around and become contributing members of society when they complete their sentences. Professional standards for law enforcement We see an urgent need to address mismanagement and low morale at the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections. We will push for enhanced minimum qualifications for law enforcement commissioners, require regular professional development and ethics training for all officers, and promote and incentivize college education. We will require the use of body-worn cameras, and other evidence-based measures to include training at the law enforcement academies and on the job in areas such as conflict resolution, de-escalation, peer intervention, and appropriate use of force. We will also proactively seek to strengthen relationships with federal law enforcement partners to deter and solve crimes, share resources, and expand training opportunities. Problem-solving courts and diversion programs We support the increased use of problem-solving courts and diversion programs for minor offenders, as a means to reduce incarceration and recidivism and their associated costs, and to enhance public safety. These programs must be adequately funded, and we will reinvest a portion of the cost savings they realize back into further development, evaluation, and improvement of initiatives to reduce incarceration and recidivism in the Marianas. Evidence-based rehabilitation and reentry programs We support the implementation of evidence-based rehabilitation and reentry programs for incarcerated citizens and ex-offenders. We also support access to educational programs including G.E.D., career and technical education, college education, and educational financial aid; housing assistance; mental health services; employment assistance; and community service opportunities to help ex-offenders reintegrate with society and transition successfully to become productive and law-abiding citizens.
Public service is honorable work, and the people of the Marianas deserve a government that is responsive to their needs and staffed by well-trained, ethical, and professional public servants. All members of the public should be treated with courtesy, respect, and fairness when they call, write, or walk into any government office. Government employees must also be treated with respect by their supervisors, public officials, and constituents. Departments and agencies should be led by ethical, qualified, and committed public servants who genuinely care about helping people. We envision a government workforce that delivers high-quality customer service and efficiency, and a government personnel system that attracts talent, ensures fairness and due process, values feedback and professional development, and rewards excellence. Training for All Cabinet Members, Board Appointees, and Employees of the Executive Branch We will require training in government ethics, the Open Government Act, workplace rights, and customer service for all cabinet members, board appointees, and employees of the executive branch. Employees and officials of the legislature, judiciary, and autonomous agencies will also be invited and encouraged to participate. Such training will be part of the onboarding process for new hires and appointees, and required on an annual basis for incumbents. Protecting Whistleblowers Individuals who report misconduct in government, including any illegal or unethical activities, will be supported and protected in our administration, and we will push to enact legislation to further enhance whistleblower protections in the law. Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement We value feedback, and creating a culture of continuous improvement in government requires ongoing educational opportunities and periodic evaluation to foster growth and collective efficacy. All departments of the executive branch will be required to prepare and implement an annual plan for professional development and evaluation that includes employees, division managers, and department heads. Employees will have the opportunity to evaluate their supervisors and make recommendations for improvement, and vice versa. At the cabinet level, we will encourage open dialogue and collaboration among departments to increase efficiency, improve service quality, and reduce duplication of effort. As governor and lieutenant governor, we will also establish a system for periodic evaluations of our own performance, from cabinet members, government employees, and members of the public. Government Websites Inform and Engage All departments of the executive branch will be required to have an online presence that includes at a minimum the following: the department’s mission and priorities; information about divisions and programs; relevant statutes and regulations; leadership and staff; contact information, office hours, and location(s); solicitations for proposals; employment opportunities; budget and financial reports; Citizen-Centric Reports, meeting minutes, and other relevant reports; a calendar of events, notices of public meetings, and agendas. Expanding E-Government We will prioritize and accelerate the digitizing of all government permit and license applications and renewals, including the ability to pay fees and submit reports and forms online. Making these processes easily available online will save time and money for both government and constituents, and free up resources for greater productivity. Transparency in Government Spending We will publish online the government’s budget submissions, reports of the Department of Finance and Office of Management and Budget, bid solicitations, major government contracts awarded, and regularly updated government revenue collections and spending data, including allocations of federal funds. Empowering Citizens Good governance requires citizens to be informed and engaged in improving their community and holding their government accountable. We will establish a Civic Leadership Academy, to train Marianas citizens in the various functions and services of government, and to equip them to become more actively involved in the community and more effective advocates for the issues they care about and for others in need. We will also establish an information line, to be operated by trained referral and resource specialists, to connect residents with essential community services, and help residents help each other.
Our government retirees as well as active employees in CNMI public service deserve the stability and peace of mind that comes with having a secure retirement future. 100% Pension Payments for Defined Benefit Retirees The government has a moral and legal obligation to honor its promises to CNMI retirees, and we will prioritize the payment of full pensions to all retirees in the Defined Benefit Plan. We will also seek an updated actuarial analysis of the Settlement Fund, advocate for more transparent communications and regular reporting from the Settlement Fund Trustee, and explore the viability of an obligation bond to secure retirement payments for the future. Securing Active Government Employees for Future Retirement For most current government employees, retirement will depend on distributions from their Defined Contribution Plan, Social Security, and personal savings and investments. We will promote retirement and financial counseling for all CNMI government employees, and advocate for legislative changes to improve the current Defined Contribution Plan, including automatic enrollment and a tiered contribution structure that incentivizes higher contributions.
Many Marianas citizens bravely serve our nation in the armed forces, and defend the precious freedoms we enjoy. We honor their service and sacrifices by supporting them and their families when they come home and assisting in their transition to civilian life. Resource Center for Veterans and Military Families The CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs will become a more robust resource center for veterans and their families. Skilled, trained staff will provide information, referrals, and guidance to connect veterans and their family members to federal, local, and nonprofit resources to aid their transitions from service to civilian life. An interactive, easy to use, and locally-based online portal will be created that Marianas service members, veterans, military families, and service providers can use to search for and quickly access a range of resources for crisis intervention, healthcare, housing, education, employment, and other support services. Veterans Employment Incentives We value the skills and experiences of Marianas veterans, and will work with the Office of Personnel Management and the human resources departments of other branches and autonomous agencies to establish veterans’ preference in CNMI government employment for veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and were honorably discharged. We will also support incentives for private sector employers to hire veterans and count skills and experience gained while in military service in considering pay scales and positions. “Thank You, Veterans” Initiative Our “Thank You, Veterans” initiative will establish a program of discounts or waivers for veterans on government fees for business licensing, home construction, education and training, hunting, and fishing. We will also encourage local businesses to offer veterans discounts on their goods and services. A “Thank You, Veterans” directory will be published online. Preserving the Stories of Marianas Veterans The service and sacrifices of Marianas citizens in the U.S. armed forces are an important part of our collective history, and important to document for present and future generations to learn from and understand. We will work with the CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs, the Northern Marianas Delegate to the U.S. Congress, and other community partners and volunteers to collect the stories of service of Marianas veterans for the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress, and for our own archive here in the Marianas.
Respect and love for one another are core values of our island cultures. These values must be reflected in our policies as well. We envision a Marianas where all residents feel safe and respected, enjoying equal protections under the law and equitable access to social and economic opportunities. Promoting Equality We will push for the enactment of the CNMI Equality Act, to guarantee equal protections under the law regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and to include prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the CNMI’s existing nondiscrimination policies, including civil service employment, health insurance, housing, and jury service statutes. We also support the enactment of policies to make it easier for transgender individuals to match the gender markers in their identification documents to their gender identities. Ensuring Opportunities for People with Disabilities We will support the expansion of the Center for Living Independently on Saipan, and the establishment of new Centers on Tinian and Rota. We will also assist people with disabilities in pursuing their education, developing their skills, gaining employment, and starting their own businesses, working collaboratively with CNMI Department of Labor, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Small Business Development Center, educational institutions, and other community partners. We will support incentivizing employers to train and hire people with disabilities, and fight to abolish subminimum wages in the law that discriminate against people with disabilities.
Cleaning up and beautifying our neighborhoods, ensuring decent housing for all residents, delivering animal care services, and protecting and promoting our natural, cultural and historic sites are keys to improving the quality of life in our villages and the health, enjoyment, and pride of our people. Village Sanitation and Public Education Programs We will work with the Bureau of Environmental Health, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, the Zoning Office, the Mayors, and other partners to reestablish village sanitation inspection and education programs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Greening Our Villages We will work with the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Division of Forestry, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Department of Public Works, the Mayors, the Office of Planning and Development, and community partners to promote the planting and proper maintenance of trees and flowers in public spaces throughout our villages. Special attention will be paid to low-lying areas where more natural features could help manage storm water and mitigate flooding. Removing Blight and Promoting Productive Uses of Vacant and Abandoned Properties We will leverage federal and local resources and work with the Zoning Office, the Department of Public Lands, the Department of Public Works, the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, and other relevant agencies and community partners to identify priorities for blight removal, mitigation, and revitalization of vacant and abandoned properties. Public buildings that are structurally unsound and unviable will be condemned and removed. We will also support and encourage productive uses of vacant and abandoned properties, such as gardens, farms, small business development, and community festivals. Ensuring Decent Housing for All Every resident of the Marianas deserves to live in decent housing that is safe, secure, and sanitary. We will work with the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation and federal and community partners to achieve this goal, through the construction of affordable housing units, rental assistance programs for low-income households, expanded access to financing and financial counseling services for first-time homeowners. We will also direct resources to develop emergency shelter facilities and wraparound social services for homeless individuals and families in the Marianas. Providing Animal Care Services We will recruit and retain a qualified veterinarian and support staff to provide affordable animal care services for livestock, pets, and shelter animals on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. We will support municipal animal control programs, including low-cost spay and neuter services for pets and shelter animals, and a public education program to promote leashing and cleaning up after pets in public spaces. Recognizing the increasing number of pet owners who want safe, enclosed parks for their dogs to exercise and play, as well as the needs of residents who want neighborhood dogs to be contained, we will designate and support the establishment of dog parks in or near residential areas. Improving and Developing Heritage Trails We will promote the rich history, arts, and cultures of the Marianas by working with the Historic Preservation Office, the Indigenous Affairs Office, the Carolinian Affairs Office, the Arts Council, and other community partners to enhance existing heritage trails and develop new ones that highlight the historical and cultural significance of key sites throughout the commonwealth, and showcase public art.[1] |
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| —Christina Sablan's campaign website (2022)[2] | ||
2020
Christina Sablan did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2022 Elections
Government
External links
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Candidate Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Sablan & Staffer 2022, “Home,” accessed October 12, 2022
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