Those who voted no were Reps. Tina Sablan, Ind.-Saipan; Edward T. Salas, R-Saipan, and; Frank S. Dela Cruz, Covenant-Saipan.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres, R-Saipan, abstained.
Three members were absent —Rosemond Santos, R-Saipan; Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan; Minority Leader Oscar M. Babauta, Covenant-Saipan.
Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian, sponsored S.B. 16-19.
During yesterday’s discussion, some House members said the advisory board created to deal with public land matters is inutile because it simply acts as an adviser with no enforcement powers.
The mayors, they said, are accountable to the people and should be given authority in the disposition of public lands within their municipalities.
Rep. Victor B. Hocog, Ind.-Rota, said the measure will help their island meet its economic development goals.
The bill mandates the Department of Public Land to seek the position of any municipal mayor about public land transactions, particularly for commercial purposes.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela also supports the measure, saying it will offer additional safeguards in the disposition of public lands.
Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas, the father of the senator who sponsored the bill, said mayors should be involved in land matters because part of their job is to promote the development of their communities.
