In an interview yesterday, Torres said he did not make a mistake when he voted “no” on the motion to reject H.B. 17-96 during the session on Monday.
He really intended to support the bill as amended by the Senate because he felt it was the quickest way to stop the implementation of the Saipan zoning law, which he wants suspended.
The Senate version of the budget bill did not appropriate a single cent for the Zoning Board, which prompted its chairwoman, Herminia Fusco, board member Henry S. Hofschneider and Zoning Administrator Doug Wyatt to attend the House session and urge lawmakers to provide funding for the board.
Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said on the following day, he realized he was being too harsh on the Zoning Board.
It was a blessing in disguise that the voting on Monday ended in a tie which allowed him to reconsider his vote, he said.
“So I had to change my vote to yes so the Zoning Board will still be alive at least for six months. It was a change of heart,” he said, adding that he still wants the zoning law killed maybe after six months.
It was Torres who broke the tie on Tuesday. With a vote of 10-8, the House rejected the Senate version of the bill.
Both chambers have convened a conference committee to work on a budget bill acceptable to the House and the Senate.
Lawmakers must pass a new balanced budget bill before Oct. 1 to prevent a government shutdown.
