THE Palacios-Apatang administration has named former Rep. Leila Staffler as the CNMI’s new acting secretary of Labor.
In a phone interview with Variety, Staffler said she considered several positions when submitting her résumé to the new administration, ultimately setting her sights on the Department of Labor.
“I put my name in the hat,” she said. “I did apply for this position, but I also did say that if they needed me someplace else, that I would be willing to serve, so I’m very grateful that they also saw the value in my abilities to be able to serve in this position.”
She added, “There’s great work that needs to be done in training and development, in the grant areas. Those are all areas of interest. I also was interested in [the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs], but, again, I was…most interested in Labor because of the work that I’ve been doing since I was a high school teacher and principal.”
Staffler said she has been volunteering with a local developmental disabilities group, with respect to transition from high school to the workforce.
“In the work that I did in the Legislature, a lot of it was to protect workers and to provide pathways for workers with the apprenticeship bill and things like that, and so it’s really the biggest interest that I’ve had,” she added.
She said she is “very grateful to continue the work” she has begun in workforce development.
“It’s something that I’ve been passionate about since I’ve been a teacher, and I feel that is the logical progression for what I’ve been doing, and I want to continue to serve in my community,” she added.
She said she is reviewing the transition report pertaining to the CNMI Department of Labor. She will also study related topics, including those that concern the CNMI-Only Worker, or CW, funding.
“I know there is great work that has been done in the office, and I want to continue that good work so that our people will have pathways for independent financial stability through the trades or through academics. The end game of all education is work, and so, I look forward to being able to serve my community in that capacity,” she said.
Once Staffler’s nomination is submitted by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios to the Senate, its Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, now chaired by Sen. Celina R. Babauta, will conduct a public hearing, and will submit its report to the full Senate body for the confirmation or rejection of Staffler’s appointment.
Leila Staffler
