Frank Cruz
SENATOR Frank Q. Cruz, the new chair of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, on Tuesday said the EAGI will work diligently on the nominees of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
Cruz, a Republican from Tinian, also chaired the committee in the past. “It’s not new to me. I had been its chairman for the longest time, and I am glad to handle it again,” he said.
“We will do our job diligently,” he added. He said even if something could “jeopardize” a nomination, he would ensure that the review process proceeds as smoothly as possible, which may include asking the Senate president to return the nomination to the governor.
Right now, he said, the only nominee referred to the EAGI is Bridge Capital Vice President Bart Jackson, who has been appointed to the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors.
But Cruz said he was informed that two more executive appointments are coming EAGI’s way.
When it comes to executive appointments, he said, “we will make sure that we have the staff, the legal counsel, and all the committee members review the nominees’ qualifications.”
He said committee members “will also have the authority to review the nomination package and ensure that all requirements are met by the appointee, meaning the appointee is qualified. I don’t want to be the chairman who always calls the shots. I will make sure that the members will review the appointments.”
In addition, Cruz said the EAGI will ensure that all nominations go through public hearings, and that Tinian and Rota will not be left out “when it comes to promises in addressing issues.”
The EAGI vice chair is Senate Vice President Karl King-Nabors, and its members include Senate Floor Leader Donald M. Manglona, Sen. Ronnie M. Calvo and Sen. Corina L. Magofna.
