By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

REPRESENTATIVE Candido B. Taman says the government will save at least $1 million a year if municipal councils are abolished.
He made this statement as he introduced House Legislative Initiative 15-15 which seeks to amend Article VI of the Constitution by abolishing the municipal councils of Rota, Tinian, Saipan and the Northern Islands.
In an interview, Taman, R-Saipan, said with “this economic turmoil we should find more ways to save more money on an annual basis.”
He said H.L.I. 15-15 will “help the government save approximately $1 million a year.”
According to Taman, the abolition of municipal councils will also eliminate duplication and overlapping of functions that are already performed by legislative delegations.
A legislative initiative is a proposal to amend the Constitution.
If it is approved by at least three-fourths of the members of each house of the Legislature present and voting, it is placed on the ballot.
It is considered ratified if approved by a majority of the votes cast.
A legislative initiative passed by the Legislature may not be vetoed by the governor.