Saipan Municipal Council Vice Chairman Ramon B. Camacho said the selection committee, consisting of former mayors, is still studying the suggestions submitted to them.
“I would not say that it’s already set in concrete — it’s still being debated by the committee,” Camacho said, referring to the criteria.
Initially, Camacho said the committee decided to choose the leaders from the naval, Trust Territory and commonwealth periods.
He said the committee will continue to accept nominations including suggestions regarding the criteria.
One of the suggestions is to include the appointed officials before the inauguration of the commonwealth.
Camacho said those officials appointed during the Trust Territory and naval administrations held the highest positions.
Carolinian Affairs Office Executive Assistant Angie Iginoef-Mangarero said she will submit names of Carolinian chiefs for recognition at the courtyard.
Camacho said the committee has yet to decide whether they will include the Carolinian chiefs.
“We will sit down and brainstorm about that. We heard a lot of information and some of the committee members dislike, and others like it but it’s all about the consensus of the committee,” he added.
The committee has set until next year the deadline of submission of nominations but Camacho said it would be better if the community can submit earlier so they will have enough time to review the names.
He also dismissed fears that the project will not push through if a new leadership takes over the municipal council, saying “that’s the reason I’m running for reelection — to continue and complete this program.”
