With Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu, Ind.-Rota, absent, all the eight senators confirmed the nominations.
Most administration officials, family members and DPS personnel witnessed the session.
Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, Mafnas’ brother-in-law, abstained but changed his vote to yes after Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, urged him to do so.
Mafnas told reporters later he will continue to be “compassionate and impartial.” He assures the community that he will “refine the process” of bringing justice and raising the standard of his department’s performance.
Asked about the assault charges filed against him, Mafnas, a former Marine sergeant discharged honorably, said he was acquitted.
He said he respects the opinion of those using the issue against him but he is ready to defend himself wherever the matter is brought up.
Larson for her part said her nomination has been an “overwhelming” process. She has never been gone through such a situation before that is why she was humbled by the support she got from the members of the community, the administration and the Legislature.
A graduate of economics from the University of Hawaii where she also got her master’s degree in business administration, Larson said she knows she is facing big challenges as the new Finance secretary.
“We don’t have a lot right now. We have limited money to pay our vendors and meet other obligations that is why we all have to be very careful in our spending,” she said.
