NINE of the 52 boards and commissions of the CNMI government are considered inactive, according to an Office of Public Auditor report.
OPA said it compiled a comprehensive list of the boards and commissions “to monitor and ensure compliance with the filing of statement of financial interest and submission of citizen-centric report.”
The list came from the Office of the Governor’s Special Assistant for Programs and Legislative Review as well as the Tinian and Rota mayors’ offices.
OPA said as of Sept. 30, 2021, there were a total of 52 boards and commissions within the CNMI government, with a total of 430 members. Of these 52 boards, nine were considered inactive. Of the 43 active boards and commissions, 30 grant their members some form of compensation with certain restrictions; 22 require confirmation from either the Senate or the applicable senatorial district legislative delegation; one requires election of members; and the rest are appointed by the governor.
OPA said the inactive boards and commissions are the Advisory Commission on the Compensation of Commonwealth Executive, Legislative & Judicial Officers which is supposed to have five members; the Aging and Disability Advisory Board, seven members; the CNMI Accountancy Board, five members; the Commonwealth Free Trade Zone Authority Board, nine members; the Credit Union Board, five members; the Retirement Fund Board of Trustees, seven members; the Scholarship Advisory Board, five members; the Sexually Violent Predator Board, 10 members; and the Tinian Cockfight Board, three members.
OPA said pursuant to 1 CMC §§ 2311, 2901, 8511, and 8514, board and commission members are required to file specific documentation with the Legislature or OPA. The Finance secretary and OPA also have designated statutory requirements to help ensure compliance with certain requirements.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Open Government Act, 1 CMC §§ 9901-9918, all meetings of public boards and commissions shall be open to the public with certain narrow exceptions and all public records shall be available for inspection upon request͘.
