By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial and Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio yesterday said that despite their differences on certain CNMI issues, their relationship remains “good” and “harmonious.”
The two officials had dinner the other night and had another meeting over breakfast yesterday.
Tenorio then joined the governor in several activities held on Capital Hill.
“I have no personal or professional problem with the Washington representative,” Fitial said. “We get along and we’re now working as a team.”
But the governor reiterated his strong opposition to the federalization of the local minimum wage and immigration, which he admitted was different from the position of Tenorio, who advocates a “middle ground.”
“I maintain my position because I believe this is the best position for the CNMI,” Fitial said. “We know how to enforce our labor and immigration laws better than the federal government does because we already experienced it (federal management during) trust territory (days). The federal government cannot micromanage the islands from 10,000 miles away…all we need is their support,” he added.
Fitial described Tenorio’s stand as “not really that counter productive.”
“He is also seeking accommodations for the CNMI to enforce our own labor and immigration laws…but my position is different in that we want exclusive control,” the governor said.
Tenorio, for his part, said the“differences” between him and the governor were created by media “exaggeration.”
“My relationship with the governor has always been good and it’s the papers that have created the problem between us…but despite that, we try to get along and show people that we’re OK and we want to do the right thing for the people,” Tenorio told Variety yesterday.
He said in this “stressful and troubling environment,” he wants to promote harmony and avoid political grandstanding.
Regarding the federalization issue, Tenorio said: “I share his concerns which were expressed in a different context and I have concerns too that I have tried to merge with his. The difference is in how we interpret the principles. But I think the bottom-line is that we are all together now in coming up with a solution.”