This was the question of Ramon B. Camacho, Saipan and Northern Island Municipal Council chairperson, following the passage of House Local Bill 17-21.
The bill, which was passed on Oct. 24, will amend the Cockfighting Act of 1994 by extending the duration of the license to five years, beginning July 1 of the first year and ending on June 30 of the fifth year.
He said he submitted his comments but these were not considered by lawmakers before passing the bill.
“They asked for comments and I gave them my comments but if the draft bill was passed as is, why did they seek my comments?” he asked.
He said lawmakers should never rush the passage of bills.
Camacho attended the session when the bill was passed.
The council is asking the Saipan legislative delegation to push the establishment of a large-scale, multi-year cockfight arena
The council also wants the cockpit license valid for at least seven years.
In his comments to the delegation, Camacho said the mayor’s office should issue a single operator and management franchise for a period of seven to 10 years.
The license should be issued to any interested party who is willing and able to finance, design, construct or build, operate and manage the cockpit facility.
The improvement, appurtenance and other interests will transfer to the government upon the expiration of the franchise period, Camacho said.
“The successful bidder or a combination of bidders that should be awarded shall be the proposer with the best overall proposal or in combination thereof, in terms of pricing, competency, relevant experience, and other requirements unique to Saipan,” he said in his comments.
He said the successful bidder should be required to renovate the cockpit facility three years prior to the expiration of the agreement.
The renovation will not be a makeshift type of improvement but done in compliance with local and federal building and other applicable regulatory requirements, he said.
