Inquiring minds want to know: is the pay check of a lawmaker “docked” when he or she does not attend a session, a committee meeting, or any other official function that mandates his or her attendance?
Not surprisingly, when I asked the speaker’s office staff this question, the answer was an empathetic “No!”
I was told that the CNMI Constitution affords each legislator a salary regardless of whether or not they fulfill the obligations required by the position that they hold.
That’s ridiculous. I have attended committee meetings in which official business could not be conducted because a quorum was not achieved.
I have attended sessions in both the House and Senate in which there were members absent. In last Monday’s House session, one lawmaker whose attendance record is far from stellar, left half-way through the proceedings and never returned.
Both groups have a significant problem with punctuality; i.e., sessions and meetings rarely start on time plus these events are frequently cancelled and/or rescheduled at the last moment. Participation by the general public in the democratic process is hampered when lawmakers show little regard for the schedule of those individuals who want to be involved. So much for the Open Government Act!
It is time to hold these lawmakers accountable and in my opinion, the best way to do that is to hit them where it hurts; in the pocketbook. Maybe they should have to time “in” and “out” every day. True “professionals” typically do not need monitoring. Unfortunately, that does not apply here.
Walk around the offices on any given day and you will find empty and/or locked offices. Check out the parking lot any morning or afternoon to see how many parking spaces are empty.
Ideally, the House and Senate should be able to police themselves. If not, as a person whose taxes pay these individuals, I expect the administration to do something about this deplorable situation.
The next election cycle is too far way; something needs to be done NOW!
RICH PUHALLA
Capital Hill, Saipan
