WASHINGTON Rep. Pete A. Tenorio says the CNMI government may hire lobbyists in Washington, D.C., but only for the advancement and protection of the commonwealth’s welfare and not for the political ambitions of local officials.
“The governor is not entirely opposed to hiring a lobbyist. He just doesn’t want exorbitant funds spent without accountability, and we are consistent in that sense,” Tenorio said.
Last month, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said the government would no longer renew Greenberg Traurig’s contact. However, there may still be a need to hire lobbyists in the future for securing federal assistance or legislation that would benefit the commonwealth, Benavente added.
Tenorio said the statement did not mean that the administration will stop hiring lobbyists. It only meant that in hiring lobbyists, the administration wanted to be sure that it will be for the benefit of the commonwealth, he said.
“There’s still a need to hire influential and political people. You just can’t go up to a U.S. congressman and ask for his help…without familiarization. A lobbyist would develop interaction (with concerned officials and legislators),” Tenorio said.
He said his office and the administration would work hand-in-hand to ensure that any lobbying effort would be effective.
This could be done if his office would act as coordinator of lobbying contracts, Tenorio said. “Through this, we could streamline contracts and continue our lobbying effort that is more responsive to the needs of our residents here,” he said.
He said that if ever the Office of the Governor wants to enter into a lobbying contract, his office could be designated as the coordinator. “I want to be a part of that decision and be given the complete picture,” Tenorio said.
If his office is allowed to enter into a lobbying contract, Tenorio said he would be “communicating with the governor about the contract.”
He said that through the “unity” of his office and the administration it will be assured that “there (will) be no infirmities involved” and that “transparency” will be exercised.
Tenorio said the CNMI government also has to prove to U.S. officials and legislators that it could effectively enforce its own labor and immigration laws.
