In his designation of authority dated Feb.3, the mayor said he will be out of the commonwealth on official business from Feb. 5 to 12.
“Pursuant to Saipan Local Law 12-6, I am designating municipal council member Ralph N. Yumul to be acting mayor of Saipan until my return,” he said.
He addressed his memorandum to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, and to department and activity heads.
He told the officials to “extend your full cooperation to the councilman as he assumed these additional duties.”
In an interview, Camacho said the “proper protocol” should have been followed in designating an acting official when the head of office is off-island.
He noted that whenever Fitial goes off-island Inos is named acting governor.
“It’s kind of a disappointment for me as presiding officer of the municipal council,” Camacho told Variety, when asked why he felt “bypassed.”
The mayor “probably has something personal against me,” he added.
But he said he will respect Yumul because he has nothing against the acting mayor.
Camacho said he will continue to lobby for the passage of House Local Bill 17-6 which establishes an orderly transition and succession in the municipal government of Saipan and the Northern Islands.
Last year, he testified regarding the bill before the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.
“This provision requires the presiding officer of the municipal council to be acting mayor, when the mayor is unable to discharge the duties of office by reasons of physical or mental disability,” he said.
Camacho recommended that only duly elected or appointed members of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council should serve in the capacity of acting mayor of Saipan or the Northern Islands and not contract or civil service employees of the mayor or the council.
He noted several instances when Flores appointed his staff member as acting mayor.
