THIS is to set the record straight about your article on Wednesday, March 20, headlined “Scrap Metal Salvage Facility Now Charging Fees.”
The article implies that the Saipan Mayor’s Office had agreed to be a party to the contract between the CNMI government and Samkor that was signed back then in 1999.
True, it was Mayor Juan B. Tudela’s pre-election campaign commitment to rid of junk cars all over the island with the exception of business owners and auto repair shops who should be responsible to remove these cars from their yard. However, the mayor’s office is faced with a shortage of funding and equipment to haul these vehicles to appropriate disposal sites at no cost to the people of Saipan.
In his meeting with Samkor officials, Mayor Tudela clearly pointed out that he was glad to see a salvage company that is engaged in this kind of business; however, he also acknowledged the significant cost involved from the pockets of the less fortunate residents who cannot afford the cost of this service.
In short, the mayor hopes to continue the free removal of junk cars as soon as enough funding is made available by the Legislature.
I hope this will correct your article and it would have been more responsible had your reporter consulted the mayor about the matter prior to releasing the article in your paper.
TONY BENAVENTE
Public Information Officer
Office of the Saipan Mayor
