Rep. Edwin Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, authored the measure now known as Tinian & Aguiguan Local Ordinance No. 16-2, which allows Tinian to borrow $1 million from the Marianas Public Lands Trust to pay municipal debts, particularly the 14 percent pay raise of public servants.
Aldan said Republican Senate Floor Leader Jude Hofschneider and Covenant Sen. Joseph M. Mendiola should try to work together.
“Let’s move on. If Senator Hofschneider doesn’t agree with the rest of the Tinian delegation [because he’s from another political party] he should respect the majority’s decision. Let’s deal with other issues,” Aldan told the Variety.
He said Tinian needs the assistance of legislators to push for economic-driven legislation ahead of the Guam military buildup, which is expected to benefit the Northern Marianas.
The lawmaker said many residents are interested to explore businesses related to agriculture and fishery to meet the anticipated increased food demand from the relocating American troops.
A warm base is anticipated to be established on Tinian for regular use of the estimated 8,000 U.S. Marines who will be relocated to Guam starting 2012.
Mendiola chairs the Tinian delegation which is dominated by the ruling Covenant Party whose titular head is Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
Hofschneider opposed Aldan’s original bill which he said wasn’t thoroughly studied and may just bury Tinian to more debts. He suggested other ways to deal with the 14 percent pay raise.
He also criticized Mendiola’s leadership and accused him of political posturing to favor the re-election of Tinian Mayor Jose San Nicolas who is also a member of the Covenant Party.
But Mendiola said Hofschneider also contributed to their island’s financial mess because he supported legislation which he now questions.
Aldan re-introduced another bill which the delegation passed on Oct. 19 without Hofschneider’s support. The governor signed the bill into law on Oct. 21.
