“The numerous village meetings that [the zoning board and office] conducted over the past several months clearly reflect the urgent need to enforce the law as well as the need to recommend to the [Saipan and the Northern Islands Delegation] possible amendments to address issues not addressed in the law,” the Zoning Board wrote Torres on July 1, 2010.
Zoning Board chairwoman Herminia M. Fusco reiterated that neither she or the zoning board had been given prior notification of Torres’ proposed amendments.
“Without advance notification of the amendments I could not speak on behalf of the board,” Fusco told Torres.
She said she was given copy of Torres’ amendments only during the Saipan delegation session that she attended, but “there was inadequate time to consult with the board.
Fusco reminded Torres about an analysis of conflict of interest as stated in the CNMI Constitution, particularly the meaning of “financial interest.”
A financial interest means that there is possibility that the legislator or any member of his family may have a monetary gain or loss as a result of the enactment or enforcement of a bill, according to Fusco, quoting the Constitution’s analysis.
The Zoning Board also told Torres that the staff member that the legislator referred to as having the “real conflict of interest” had nothing to do with the decision to recommend the rezone during the incumbency of then-Zoning Administrator Steve Tilley.
“The Zoning Board is mindful of its role and duties to uphold the law. The members and staff have been working with dedication even with some challenges this past year and yet have accomplished more than anticipated under the circumstances,” the board informed Torres.
