He said his office has been trying to reach out to the “cockers” but “they never returned to my call.”
He said his board nominees are familiar with cockfight operations.
“These people have been into cockfights for a long time,” he added.
The nominees are Fermin Sakisat, Juan C. Tudela, Eddie Pinaula, Antonio T. Salas and John Borja, who previously served as chairman of the board.
The Saipan legislative delegation must confirm their appointments.
Flores also said he will seek legislative action against illegal cockfights.
“The main issue here is the safety of the people,” he added.
His office issued yesterday the permit to Nick Sablan who won the bid to operate a cockfight arena, which is expected to open on Friday.
