San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian, is the author of Senate Bill 16-19, which will amend Public Law 15-2 by giving the mayors of Saipan, Rota, Tinian and the Northern Islands an opportunity to be involved in the disposition of public lands in their respective municipalities.
DPL Secretary John S. Del Rosario was quoted as saying that he opposed the bill due to what he claimed to be a “redundancy” in the process of administering public lands.
Del Rosario stated that the DPL advisory board already includes municipal representatives appointed by the mayors with the consent of the municipal councils.
“I respect his opinion,” the senator said. “If he’s saying there’s redundancy, so be it. But I feel it is very important for the local government should always be involved in dealing with lands within the municipality.”
He believes there is no such duplication of work, adding that the municipal level should also be consulted on matters of budget appropriations.
San Nicolas expressed his gratitude to the leadership in the House of Representatives and the House Committee on Natural Resources chaired by Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan, with the recent passage of his measure.
Tebuteb said his committee upholds “lengthy deliberation” on the disposition of public lands.
S.B. 16-19 was passed unanimously by the House with 17 yes votes. Three House members were absent.
San Nicolas hopes the governor will sign the bill.
