GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios on Thursday asked the appointed members of autonomous government boards and commissions to resign.
These include the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., the Marianas Public Lands Trust, the Commonwealth Election Commission, the Northern Marianas Housing Corp., the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, the Commonwealth Casino Commission, the CNMI Cannabis Commission, the Northern Marianas Technical Institute and Northern Marianas College.
Their board and commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. They serve a fixed term.
In his memorandum, the governor thanked them for their service, but added that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang are “dedicated to making fresh and meaningful changes that will help to rebuild trust and confidence, and guide our CNMI into a brighter future.”
In line with this goal, Palacios said, “we are asking that all politically appointed board members tender their resignations in order to pave the way for the appointment of new board members. This request comes out of respect for you and your work.”
He added, “Your knowledge of the agency you were a board member of, and its issues will not be forgotten or discounted, and collaboration and support is welcomed as we move forward.”
In an interview, the governor said “it’s okay” with him if the board members and commissioners will refuse to resign. But he added that all of them will be subjected to close scrutiny by his administration.
