Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, submitted the list to the office of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial whose nominee to the Marianas Visitors Authority board, Jerry Tan, was rejected recently by the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation.
The Tinian is asking the governor to nominate James M. Mendiola Sr. to the MVA board; Jose M. Dela Cruz to the Civil Service Commission; Nathan M. Quichocho to the Commonwealth Development Authority; Ignacio Perez to the Public Utilities Commission; and Peter Q. Cruz Jr. to the Marianas Public Land Trust.
Hofschneider said the Tinian leadership recognizes the importance of these boards and they are confident that the recommended nominees are qualified to serve.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation, Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, reiterated the need to give Tinian and Rota “equal representations” on commonwealth boards and commissions.
He earlier told the Senate leadership that his committee would not confirm any of Fitial’s nominees unless he considers someone from Tinian and Rota.
Besides Tan, Fitial earlier nominated Jesus I. Sablan to the Commonwealth Election Commission; Jerry P. Crisostimo and Narcina Barcinas to the Retirement Fund board of trustees; and Eric Plinske to Civil Service Commission.
He later withdrew their nominations to avoid the 90-day deadline. He then re-nominated Tan who was unanimously rejected by the Senate.
Fitial has said that he “never tells the Legislature what to do, so I want the Legislature to do their job and not to do my job.”
Variety yesterday learned that Fitial re-nominated Marcie Tomokane to CDA. Her term is expiring early next month.
Cruz said his committee will act on Tomokane’s re-appointment.
