Variety learned that this time, the governor wants Norita replaced by former Commissioner Santiago F. Tudela, who served under the Babauta administration.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. yesterday neither confirmed nor denied Norita’s “exit.”
“As you know,” he said, “the governor always has the constitutional right to change cabinet appointments and may choose to exercise that right again, as the need arises, using his best judgment.”
Norita was off-island yesterday but was expected to return on Sunday.
According to sources, Fitial was disappointed to learn that Norita asked Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez to sign the DPS chief’s travel authorization.
Fitial was on island at the time.
Since returning from the U.S. on Sunday, Villagomez has not been seen at his office at the administration building. His staff members were off-island yesterday.
He earlier told Variety that he has rejoined the Republican Party and is unlikely to be Fitial’s running mate in next year’s elections.
