Martin San Nicolas told Variety yesterday that Tenorio’s statement about the commission “is grossly inaccurate.”
The former chairman cited a CNMI Superior Court ruling issued in 1993, stating that the gaming commission is not part of the mayor’s office but is an autonomous agency of local government.”
Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, said there is nothing in the Revised Casino Act that says the gaming commission is autonomous. He also noted that its board members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Tinian legislative delegation.
But San Nicolas said it is “totally irresponsible” for Tenorio to issue a statement about the gaming commission based on his personal views and not on facts.
He said there have been “too many innuendos and negative comments” regarding the gaming commission.
Tenorio was reacting to acting gaming commission chairman Ignacio K. Quichocho’s statement that the commission chairman and not the mayor should have expenditure authority over its funds.
Tenorio also said that the commission is not part of the commonwealth government and cannot be part of its retirement program.
