But he said he did receive complaints from parents of applicants who alleged that SHEFA was being “biased” and “unfair.”
Yesterday, Flores said he met with one of the SHEFA board members to discuss the program and the complaints of the parents, most of whom are non-U.S. citizens.
The mayor said he cannot comment further on the issue.
SHEFA is run by a board whose five members are appointed by the mayor.
It is a scholarship program that provides a qualified student up to $5,000 in financial assistance from poker fees.
Its chairwoman, Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, resigned on Aug. 11 but it will take effect on Oct. 1, Flores said.
Ogumoro’s resignation letter to the mayor did not explain her decision.
“My door is open anytime for assistance on Saipan’s cornerstone program,” Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, told Flores.
The mayor said he respects the lawmaker’s decision and he will soon submit the name of his board nominee to the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation this week.
He declined to disclose the name of his nominee.
