Rep. Tina Sablan, he said, interrupted him thrice while he was trying to explain something about his bill.
“But I have nothing personal against her,” said Hocog and added that he just wants all lawmakers to observe decorum during a session by raising their hands so they can be recognized by their presiding officer and allowed to speak.
The lawmaker said he’s looking for the audio tape of the House session where he commented that Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, R-Saipan, “talks too much.”
“I don’t recall saying that. (Hofschneider) is one guy that I respect so much. We’re like family,” said the Rota lawmaker.
Hofschneider is currently off-island.
During a previous session, Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, R-Saipan, told Hofschneider, who was addressing the House, to hold off, until a House staffer could change the audio tape.
Hocog then said, “because you talk too much,” which was heard by reporters and the people in the gallery.
Hocog said he isn’t trying to attack any of his colleagues and simply wants their session rules to be followed.
“Rules must be followed,” he added. “There are no hurt feelings between us.”
