He expressed dismay over the “noncooperation” of the Legislature, saying his request for additional funding was denied.
He said his office submitted a funding request proposal for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or federal stimulus, funds, but it was denied because his office is not eligible to apply for the grant.
He believes that the project is in line with the federal stimulus law.
Tudela said if the project is not realized he will ask the next mayor to pursue it.
“I hope that all my projects and programs will be continued by the next administration,” he added.
Other programs he wants to continue include the cultural exchange of students from Japan,the “sister” relationships with Asian cities and the food court at the Sugar King Park in Garapan.
The food court, he said, is now completed but the contract for the prospective concessionaires has yet to be finalized.
The Saipan municipality is expected to sign a contract with eight concessionaires, he added.
Tudela said organizers of the student exchange program from Japan and Korea are worried about its continuity.
“They think that if my term ends the program also ends,” he said.
According to Tudela, his office is also consistently trying to get funding for the acquisition of heavy equipment for road repair and maintenance.
“I hope the next mayor can get enough funding so the dilapidated roads will not be left unattended,” he said.
He said the retrieval of junk vehicless as part of the beautification program should also be continued.
The retrieval operation was temporarily stopped after the boom truck of the mayor’s office was burned down.
