He said the mayor’s office should exhaust all means before deciding to discontinue a public service.
“They can seek local appropriation from the Saipan’s legislative delegation,” he added.
Camacho believes that Saipan lawmakers will help the mayor.
“What’s the use of the government if we are not serving the people?” he asked.
The mayor’s office announced last week it would stop providing tables and benches to the community starting Dec. 23.
Yesterday, Mayor Donald G. Flores said he stands by his decision.
The program, he added, “resulted in losses and additional manpower and fuel costs.”
He noted that providing tables and benches for funerals and rosaries is outside the responsibility of the mayor based on the Constitution.
He said the program was initiated in the past when the municipal government could still afford it.
Camacho said he respects the mayor’s decision but added that it’s “not good to use the tables and benches for government functions only.”
He added, “Let’s be creative. Let’s find ways to continue the program.”
The mayor’s office, for example, could demand more accountability on the part of those who use the tables and benches.
Flores said when he assumed office there were only 29 tables left from the 50 that were on the list.
He said his new policy will help stimulate business activities, particularly of companies that rent out tents and tables.
Those businesses, he said, deserve to be supported because they pay taxes.
His adviser, Henry Hofschneider, said there is no law that mandates the mayor to lend tables and benches.
Such a policy requires additional funding that the mayor’s office doesn’t have, he added.
He said the Saipan delegation is aware of the funding needs of the mayor and can continue the program if they will appropriate funds for it.
“The mayor’s office of Saipan believes no one will be harmed or will suffer because the service was terminated,” he added.
