Gov. Benigno R. Fitial nominated San Nicolas for the post last June to replace former Corrections Secretary Lino Tenorio who was sacked.
Sen. Paterno S. Hocog, chairman of the committee on executive appointments and government investigation, said San Nicolas will be a valuable asset to the Department of Corrections.
“San Nicolas possesses the required leadership skills, knowledge, training and experience to efficiently manage the Department, and the Committee in convinced of her abilities to service in this most important capacity,” Hocog, R-Rota, said.
The Senate voted unanimously adopted a resolution confirming the nomination of San Nicolas with a hope that the new commissioner can operate the corrections despite budget constraints.
Before confirming her appointment, the Senate expressed concern on the situation of prisoners. They want to know if the department has sufficient programs that can make prisoners productive after serving their term.
San Nicolas said they need to establish a second corrections academy that would cater the requirements of the prisoners.
She said her department needs a regular doctor, a nurse and a counselor.
In an interview, she said they have at least 50 “long-term” prisoners out of the 144 total.
She said if the budget continues to fall the administration has the option to send off the off-islander prisoners back to their home countries.
However, San Nicolas clarified the situation is still “manageable” as they are trying to hire professional staffers who can attend the needs of the prisoners.
At present, she said the Department of Correction is getting $6 million but they need $7 million more for the fiscal year 2009-2010.
This August, San Nicolas said they will hire kitchen personnel and use prisoners as helpers instead of hiring a catering service.
“There will be no more catering and the Department can save at least $300,000,” she said.
