“I follow the law. We are in the process [of complying],” Buckingham told the Variety, referring to the Open Government Act request
The law requires the attorney general to reply to an Open Government Act request in 10 days.
The Kilili committee filed an Open Government Act request with the AG’s office to obtain the names of all CNMI government employees who were invited, and attended, the Aug. 28, 2010 “meet and greet” gathering for the ruling Covenant Party’s candidate for U.S. delegate Joseph James Norita Camacho that was hosted by Buckingham and the AGO at the governor’s residence.
The committee wants to see all e-mails, phone logs, and other communications or records of communications that occurred, using government resources, to arrange any event in support of Camacho.
The committee also asked for all records of government funds used in support of these events, including paid staff time and the costs of providing security, utilities, furnishings, or equipment at the governor’s mansion or other premises.
On the recommendation of Buckingham after recusing himself, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has appointed Assistant Attorney General Maeghan Hassel-Shearer to oversee the November election.
The AGO also requested federal monitors for the forthcoming election.
