The need for an elected AG, he added, “is more than ever justified.”
Lizama was asked to comment on House Legislative Initiative 16-2 that will allow voters to decide whether they want the AG to be an elected official.
Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, Covenant-Saipan, introduced the proposal.
Lizama said an elected AG is now needed due to the CNMI’s “growing and diverse population.”
He believes that wrongdoers, regardless of their positions and family ties, should be prosecuted by an AG beholden only to the people.
Last week, Dela Cruz recalled H.L.I. 16-2 from the House
Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations and asked the House leadership to act on the proposal. A legislative initiative has to be approved by at least three-fourths of the members of each house of the Legislature present and voting before it can be placed on the ballot. It is ratified if approved by a majority of the votes cast.
According to Lizama, “Turning a blind eye toward certain unlawful and improper conduct of certain individuals because of political and family ties should have no place in our island community.”
He said allowing the people to elect their AG can help fight possible abuses of power. “I supported a proposal to elect our AG as a member of the 1985 Second Constitutional Convention. I continue to do so now more strongly than ever,” he said.
