He said this is to ensure that Rota and Tinian has proper representation in the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Marianas Public Land Trust, the Commonwealth Development Authority, the Commonwealth Election Commission, the Retirement Fund and the Civil Service Commission.
In his letter to Rota Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola and Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, Cruz asked for their assistance in making sure that the two islands have members on government boards and commissions.
He said it is a common practice for the mayors to work closely with the governor in selecting people for the boards and commission.
However, the governor still has the “final say” on who will be appointed.
Cruz, R-Tinian, said Mendiola and Dela Cruz should ensure that their recommendations will “receive the response they deserve.”
Last month, the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation decided not to accept any gubernatorial nominations for boards and commissions.
Cruz, who chairs the committee, said none of those being appointed by the governor are from Tinian and Rota.
The mayors of Rota and Tinian, he added, recommended people whom they believe could work harmoniously with the leaders of the two islands, but Fitial instead appointed people from Saipan.
The governor reappointed Jerry Tan to the MVA board, Jesus I. Sablan to the election commission, Jerry P. Crisostimo to the Retirement Fund board and appointed Eric Plinske to the Civil Service Commission and Nacrina Barcinas to the Fund board.
But on Oct. 13, Fitial withdrew these appointments from the Senate committee.
Cruz noted the importance of MVA, MPLT and CDA to the people of Rota and Tinian.
“We cannot afford to be without a seat at the table,” Cruz told the two mayors.
