SAIPAN Mayor Juan B. Tudela will propose legislation that would allow his office to get the revenues generated from various activities that fall under the municipal government’s jurisdiction like cockfighting.
In an interview, Tudela said he finds it “very funny” that money generated from the island’s cockfighting arena and bingo events go to the CNMI general fund when they should be under his office’s account.
Sen. Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan and chairman of the island’s legislative delegation, said he supports Tudela’s plan.
Considering the CNMI’s current economic woes, Tudela said his office should have access to the funds.
This way, he said, he won’t have to lobby lawmakers for money. He said the Legislature should have other concerns to address than providing funding for municipal projects.
“We are doing our job,” Tudela said. “We do the collection. But it doesn’t go to our account. I want to change that. I’m still working on the enabling legislation,” he added.
Tudela said his office, like its counterparts on Tinian and Rota, should have its own funds.
Reyes said he agrees with Tudela. “I support that proposal. I think the mayor of Saipan should keep all the revenues he generates,” said Reyes in a separate interview.
