New CNMI administration promises to rebuild trust

The CNMI ushered in new gubernatorial leadership marking many firsts with promises to rebuild trust that the new administration says was broken by former Gov. Ralph Torres.

Gov. Arnold Palacios said, "The people have spoken and their voices were heard." Governor Arnold Palacios making that declaration after taking his oath of office at the multipurpose center on Saipan -- the same grounds the islands' first governor Carlos Camacho took his oath. 

Palacios and Lt. Gov. David Apatang making history of their own as the first candidates from an unrecognized party to take the seat -- making the case that they're past party politics. 

Apatang said, "There will be no 'me' alone in your Palacios administration. It will always be we and we are all in this together."

Apatang, now former Saipan mayor, is the first veteran to serve as Lt. Governor and said he wants to work closely with the Dept. of Defense to prioritize civilians in future developments in the region. 

The new administration echoing their campaign promise of opening up the Commonwealth's financial books to remedy the allegations that plagued former Governor Ralph Torres regarding extravagant spending and sweetheart deals. 

"We are all in. We are all in to rebuild trust, restore confidence, and to bring back integrity and credibility to our government," he said.

Palacios, now the former Lt. Gov., not pulling any punches about his former running-mate Torres, who was a no show to his ceremony.  "When unchecked, the arrogant use of power never amounts to any good. The people saw through the attempts to hide what greed and corruption have sown," he said.

Palacios acknowledging the hardship ahead as they work to stabilize the islands' fiscal health -- with a stern warning: "We will review past used of public funds and will pursue with the assistance of the Attorney General, the options of recoupment from those individuals and companies that have made out like bandits. Our people deserve better."

Palacios and Apatang now tasked with delivering on their word.