In separate communications to the Legislature dated Nov. 12 and 13, Fitial said the salaries of the “governor’s chauffeur” and “special assistant for political affairs” will be made available under the continuing budget resolution.
“The filling of this vacant position is of vital importance for the efficient delivery of essential public services. Continuing appropriations are available for the full personnel costs associated with this vacancy,” the governor said.
His driver-bodyguard since 2006 is now awaiting his sentencing at the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands after he pleaded guilty to selling amphetamine hydrochloride more commonly known here as “ice.”
According to court papers, Pete Reyes, Fitial’s former driver-boydguard, used the governor’s official car to sell drugs to an undercover confidential source of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency sometime in March.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the administration building on Capital Hill.
Reyes was arrested in September and was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance.
He remains under house arrest pending his sentencing.
