Gov. Benigno R. Fitial recently nominated accountant David Burger and former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. director Laura Manglona to the PUC board.
Senate PUTC Chairman Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, said there is no time for a joint hearing due to the need to expedite the confirmation of the nominees.
“PUC should organize,” he added.
The senator said he already knows the backgrounds of Burger and Laura Manglona, and believes that they will do a good job on the PUC board.
House PUTC Chairman Victor B. Hocog, Ind.-Rota, echoed Senator Manglona’s view, adding that the PUC board must now perform its duty in regulating the high power rates in the CNMI.
It was Rep. Tina Sablan, Ind.-Saipan, who proposed that Burger and Laura Manglona undergo a joint hearing and confirmation.
“We can begin to do this right,” she added, citing “travesty” of the confirmation process when lawmakers approved the appointment of Kimberlyn King-Hinds to the PUC board.
Sablan has submitted to Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, R-Saipan, recommendations to formalize the confirmation process for nominees to PUC, citing the need for the nominees to submit background documents and declarations of conflict of interest and other measures.
