He believes that the program should be transferred to a “more responsible and reliable” entity through the bidding process.
Thomas J. Camacho, the governor’s special assistant for disability policy and programs, yesterday said the governor instructed the board “to immediately address the concerns and issues” involving the program.
Camacho said he will meet with Finance Secretary Eloy Inos to determine the “real status” of the program which serves at least 80 individuals on Saipan each day.
“We want to look into its operational and funding status as well as the policies in place,” Camacho said. “Our intention is to determine what’s the best route for our Call A Ride program and we’re looking at transferring its management to a private or non-profit group that may be interested in running the program.”
According to Camacho, the administration believes that “there’s no appropriate way to really manage and operate it, and we have to award the funding to those who are interested.”
Since 2006, Camacho said long-term sustainability plans for the program have been identified but none materialized.
These include a fee increase and allowing non-disabled individuals to avail of the program which charges each of its client $2.50.
Camacho said the administration cannot shut down the program due to “poor management.”
“There is a demand for this program,” he said. “If we will shut it down we will exclude the independence and productivity of the disabled. The program is very important because it helps connects people.”
The program has two buses for Saipan and one each for Rota and Tinian.
It has two funding sources — the Federal Transit Administration and the Older Americans Act.
In 2006, the program received $90,000 from the FTA, which increased funding to $120,000 in 2007 and 2008.
Conflict of interest
The Developmental Disability Act requires the designation of an agency to be responsible for the fiscal management of the funds that the Council on Developmental Disabilities receives.
The agency is also tasked to submit a financial report to the council.
The council, however, failed to designate an agency and is managing and regulating the program — a clear conflict of interest, Camacho said.
Recently, the council, through its executive director Tony Chong, implemented a new rider’s eligibility policy that is in conflict with federal guidelines and the Developmental Disability Act, Variety was told.
The new policy disqualifies some eligible clients to avail of the Call A Ride program.
Acting Public Auditor Michael Pai yesterday said OPA has been receiving complaints regarding the program.
However, he said, “it is premature for OPA to begin any investigation pending the actions of the full board.”
