“It is for politicians to know which way the wind is blowing; it is for concerned united citizens to raise the wind.”- adapted from William Lloyd Garrison
Many have asked about the rumor that I am running for office in Micronesia. It is true I did briefly consider declaring my candidacy for the FSM Congress to represent the Northwest Election District of Pattiw, Pafeng, and Namonweito. However, after prayerful reflection and consultation with leaders back home I have decided to NOT enter an already crowded and complicated race. It would have been like trying to join a 100-meter dash halfway through the race when all of the racers have already built up quite a momentum and have settled into a sprint to the finish line. Had I entered the footrace this late in the process I would have caused more division than unity, might have tripped up some in the race who probably should win, and maybe even run over by those in the fast lane who simply cannot reverse or stop quick enough to let me gain momentum. All in all, it was a hard but necessary decision based on the reality of a very complicated and highly politically charged system.
But it doesn’t mean I will stop working for ways to help the outer islands. In fact, I have made my intentions to those leaders that while I will refrain from entering the race at this time I am keeping my options open for the next election if the needs in our islands have not been adequately met based on the platform and vision that I have set forth on this website. I will use this website as a public forum with anyone who wishes to join me on the proverbial political canoe to keep the conversations alive on the issues and needs in the Northwest. In the meantime, I will focus my efforts on my role as President of the Outer Islands Partnership organization to start addressing some of the needs in the outer islands.
Obviously, there is a lot of work to be done between now and when we make the final decision on our course of action. I will need to consult widely on the issues and action strategies. What I have posted on this website as our platform are not set in stone. They are the start of future conversations and debates with anyone who wishes to join me on most of the issues that are near and dear to my heart. I will continue to improve our shared platform as more people offer their candid and honest feedback. Until then, I remain optimistic for an improved Northwest region in the coming years.
Sincerely,
Vid
