By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

HOUSE Minority Leader Arnold I. Palacios says there is no doubt that federalization is coming but the CNMI can still mitigate its impact on the local business community and the indigenous population.
“It’s fairly clear that it is coming, whether we continue to deny that or not,” he said. “I’m of the opinion that if it’s going to happen, we might as well articulate something that is unique to the commonwealth and take advantage of the chance to make sure that if it does come, we can still be accommodated,” said Palacios, R-Saipan, in a telephone interview.
The House minority bloc held a separate closed-door meeting yesterday with U.S. Senate staffers Allen Stayman, Josh Johnson and Office of Insular Affairs congressional liaison Steve Sande at the Hafa Adai Hotel.
Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, who is also a Republican joined the meeting with the visiting U.S. staffers.
Palacios described Stayman as “very cordial.”
“We listened to his proposals regarding immigration and (once the bill is introduced in the U.S. Senate) we’ll be articulating our thoughts through the Washington representative,” he said.
He added, “Border control is a national issue. It’s not something for us to decide. It was actually a very informative discussion. Everyone walked away satisfied that our concerns will be incorporated. We need to consider the immediate impact on our business community and the commonwealth’s ability to access nonresident workers when (federalization) comes in.”
Palacios said they also discussed the possibility of creating a commission that will evaluate the federalization bill.
“There is still time to put together our position on this issue,” said Palacios. “(It’s like this) if the train is going to leave, we better make sure that we have our input.”
The two Senate staffers left the island yesterday afternoon. Sander is staying for a few more days.