Fast forward to the 21st Century and 2008 at the Democratic National Convention in Denver where one of the non-delegates Charles Barkley, a former NBA star, was interviewed by the media. He told a CNN analyst during prime time that he thought that both the Democratic and Republican parties were corrupt. Barkley did not substantiate his claim about the parties and to make a blanket statement that the entire party is corrupt might be controversial. However, it might be safe to say that corruption exists in every party, but who really knows to what extent.
Nearly eight thousand miles from Denver lies the CNMI. The recent federal indictment of the lt. governor created rumblings in the island community about whether Timothy Villagomez should step down notwithstanding the fact a decision on his guilt or innocence has yet to be determined by a court of law.
If the activity Villagomez was indicted on took place while he was under the banner of the Covenant Party in the CNMI, then it will inevitably taint the party image and ultimately place more pressure on Fitial and whomever he selects as a running mate in November 2009, during their quest to secure a second term in office.
Prior to the federal indictment, Villagomez jumped ship and joined the GOP in the CNMI. Although only Villagomez will know the real reason for his action, the speculation for some in the island community about his decision stemmed from political infighting with various individuals in the Fitial administration, e.g., Ray Mafnas, chief policy advisor.
When Villagomez made his decision to depart the Covenant Party, I suspect he had the notion that he would fare better with the GOP politically then if he stood with the Fitial administration. At this juncture, it is hard to say if the GOP would want to take him in or leave him stranded to fend off the feds and the indictment on his own.
Mexico has a documented history of some of their politicians, e.g., presidents, involved with corrupt activities during their departure from office. However, I do not know of any of these politicians who have been incarcerated for their alleged wrongdoing.
The difference between the politicians in Mexico being involved with corrupt activity and the CNMI lt. governor is a U.S. federal indictment issued by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Since the indictment of Villagomez, the public auditor should now begin doing a complete audit on everything and anything that has transpired since Fitial took office in Jan. 2006. One of the things that need to be looked into is the $230,000 contract approved to hire the Delgado consulting group to provide a technical review and provide privatization assistance for CUC. Where is that technical review? And is there a paper trail to substantiate where those public funds ended up? Since public funds were expended, the people of the CNMI have a right to know.
If a former audit conducted by the CNMI public auditor proves to be clean all the way around, then the already damaged image of the Covenant Party might be restored somewhat. If on the other hand, it is uncovered that corrupt and illicit activities took place, then I believe the Legislature and the people of the CNMI have a right to put everyone in office on notice and proceed with impeachment proceedings.
Public servants, whether they are Democrat, Republican, Covenant, or Independent, are obligated to serve the electorate and not be self-serving. If it becomes evident that a politician who is elected by the populace is corrupt and/or not serving in the best interest of the constituents in the community, then it is time for that individual to resign their respective office.
DR. JESUS D. CAMACHO
Delano, California
