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.

I’m sure I don’t need to go through the litany of challenges we face — we read about it in the papers, we’ve 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 it’s not enough to simply be resilient.  It’s not enough to simply wait for the storm to pass.  And it’s 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 I’m 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.

I’d 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.