In an interview yesterday, Palacios, R-Saipan, said as soon as the Superior Court decides favorably on the declaratory relief he filed last week, he will bring House Local Bill 17-44 back to the governor.
Palacios believes that the local bill passed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation was also a commonwealth law and that their action was constitutional.
He said if the governor’s action will not be challenged in court, it will set a precedent for other local bills in the future.
“This is just to clarify something,” he said.
Asked about his next move if the court agrees, Palacios said “we will attempt to bring it back to the governor.”
In his veto message, the governor said only a measure passed by both houses of the Legislature can legalize casinos on Saipan.
On Nov. 4, Friday, Northern Marianas College students will conduct an “advisory” referendum on the Saipan casino issue. Registered CNMI voters are urged to participate.
For more information, call Sam McPhetres at 234-5498 ext.1204.
