The Senate needs to confirm the appointment of Inos, the governor’s running mate in his re-election bid.
The appointment of the lt. governor is only allowed if the term left is less than a year. Otherwise, a special election should be held.
The governor and the lt. governor’s four-year term expires in Jan. 2010.
“I am confident that Mr. Inos, with his many years of service in the commonwealth government, will be an asset to my administration and serve ably on behalf of the people of the commonwealth. I respectfully request your prompt and favorable action on this appointment,” wrote the governor to Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan.
Inos has a degree in accounting and served on the first Saipan Municipal Council. He was also the finance director for the CNMI government before moving to Tan Holdings Corp. where he served in various executive capacities.
After winning the 2005 gubernatorial election, Fitial, himself a former executive of Tan Holdings, nominated Inos as finance secretary in Jan. 2006.
The Senate confirmed Inos in April 2006.
Press Secretary Charles Reyes Jr. said Inos welcomes his new appointment.
“He’s very pleased with the nomination,” said Reyes.
There are reports that Esther Fleming, the governor’s special assistant for administration, may be nominated to replace Inos as finance secretary.
But Reyes said there are constitutional requirements that must be met — a finance secretary should have background and expertise in accounting or finance.
Reyes said the governor hopes the Senate will confirm Inos’s nomination as lt. governor.
“We just want to move forward and transition to the next phase,” he said.
