He described the Neighborhood Watch Task Force as a “very noble” program.
However, he added, the administration still has to review all the appropriations proposed by House Local Bill 17-33 before it takes any action on the measure.
Introduced by Rep. Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan, H.L.B. 17-33 appropriates $15,000 of the $3.5 million poker license revenue for the Neighborhood Watch Task Force.
$3 million is appropriated for SHEFA and $100,000 is for its operations and personnel.
SNILD also appropriated $20,000 for the 30th Flame Tree Arts Festival; $25,000 for the Little League; $75,000 for Saipan Zoning; $45,000 for Liberation Day; $50,000 for the Northern Marianas Trade Institute; $15,000 for the Northern Islands Economic Summit; and $10,000 for the fishing derby.
Yumul and Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, expect the governor to line-item veto many of the proposed appropriation items as soon as a copy of the local bill lands on his desk.
Many members of the community believe that the neighborhood watch program can help secure school children at bus shelters.
Anicia Q. Tomokane, grand-auntie of 10-year-old Faloma Luhk and nine-year-old Maleina Luhk, said task force volunteers program can take turns watching children at the bus shelters.
Demapan said as much as the administration would like to support programs that benefit the community, it’s a matter of funding availability.
He said when the administration is ready to act on the local bill it will take into account all pressing issues.
“But before we act on it we will always make sure that we have done our end of the required research,” he added.
