“As you know, our economic situation presently is at its worst and we haven’t seen a sign that it will get better in the near future,” council member-elect Patrick A. Manglona told outgoing council chairman Antonio H. Borja in a letter.
The letter, dated Dec. 7, was also signed by the two other council members-elect: Estevan P. Cabrera and Joseph SN. Cruz.
They said the island’s new leaders should be given the opportunity to evaluate the financial condition of the municipal government before any appointment is made.
Variety tried but failed to get a comment from Borja.
The newly elected municipal council members reminded Borja that the present composition of the gaming commission already constitutes a quorum and is capable of handling official functions.
Mayor-elect Ramon M. Dela Cruz agreed.
He finds no “urgency” in confirming another member of the commission.
Each commissioner gets $120,000 in salary and fringe benefits every year.
Dela Cruz said it would be better if the outgoing administration of Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas would instead present its financial report to determine whether the municipal government can still sustain the commission’s payroll.
“What is the sense if the municipal council confirms and the government cannot pay?” he asked.
Dela Cruz said they have received report that the outgoing municipal council members are determined to meet on Thursday to confirm the nomination of Palacios.
San Nicolas is responsible for this nomination, Dela Cruz.
“They are trying to salvage all the things that they can,” the mayor-elect said.
He said they are also trying to convince Borja not to pursue the confirmation and come up with a compromise.
“We try to be diplomatic in our disposition,” Dela Cruz added.
