The senator is a politician and his “request” is a predictable sop to his constituents. However, it is also undeniable that political considerations are always involved in a judicial nomination, although as a rule, politics cannot be the only factor. The appointee, first of all, must be unquestionably qualified. According to the American Bar Association, the qualities of a good judge include integrity, freedom from bias, legal knowledge, effective communication, courtroom effectiveness, management skills, punctuality, service to the community and the profession, and the ability to work well with colleagues.
These are the qualities that the governor and the Senate, which have to confirm the nominee, should be looking for throughout what is supposed to be a rigorous vetting process. Because a judge has to serve the entire CNMI, anything less is a grave disservice to the people of the commonwealth, including those on Tinian.
WHY fill the Superior Court vacancy? Not appointing a new judge should result in annual savings amounting to close to $200,000 if we include the salary of the judge’s clerk as well as office expenses and other perks enjoyed by members of the judiciary.
We should also point out that there are four remaining judges on the trial court bench, and the CNMI, like other Pacific jurisdictions, can always bring in a judge pro tem when the need arises.
The governor, in short, should look at this vacancy as an opportunity to somewhat reduce the costs of running a bankrupt government.
Despite the CNMI’s growing financial problems, the judiciary has refused to accept budget cuts which it has equated to nothing less than a constitutional crisis and the end of civilization as we know it. The judiciary, in fact, wants a higher spending level. It opposes a 10 percent pay cut measure — even though it will not take effect immediately and will only apply to the new term of the judges and justices.
The judiciary at the same time claims that it appreciates the extent of the islands’ economic crisis. But justices and judges insist on being exempted from its consequences. They even hired a public information officer apparently in the belief that the growing clamor for budget cuts that target the government’s highest paid officials is a PR problem. Well, it’s not. The problem is that the public can no longer afford the fat paychecks of its “servants.” This government has to reduce its spending so it can continue providing what we have all agreed are the vital community services — education, healthcare, public safety.
Judges and justices should also be reminded that their salaries were set by the elected representatives of the people. They were not carved in stone. If they will continue to ignore the widespread hardship happening outside their plush courtrooms and chambers, then it is the governor who should take the lead in protecting the financial integrity of this government, without which there will be no government to speak of. If not appointing a new judge will somewhat ease the government’s fiscal woes, then so be it.
and the livin’ ain’t easy
AS summer sets in and the temperatures rise, take the time to make sure that you make provisions for the heat and the power outages. Consider buying a generator to keep the main appliances going. If you are contemplating upgrades or renovations for your house, think about installing solar panels to cut your power bills. Think about gas stoves and dryers to replace electrical appliances. A few local businesses have already installed individual windmills. A few more are running generators off cooking oil. Go on the Internet and research energy sites for more information about conservation and new technologies that were not designed with us in mind, but end up perfectly suited for our current conditions.
Right now, there are a lot of bargains out there. Cars, household effects, all out on the market at garage sales, street markets, advertised on road signs, newspapers and radio. In these tough times, buy only what you need, and save.
Government summer programs are advertised for kid activities and intern jobs. Explore other possibilities by calling the local library, public schools, and community services offices to find out what activities are available in your neighborhood. There are independent non-profit sports leagues for kids as well.
For the more ambitious, organize a weekend camping trip for the family and friends. Take in a movie once in a while. Take up a hobby. These are some healthy and entertaining ways to keep positive and well-occupied in these difficult times.
Plan ahead. Consider that the economy won’t turn around any time in the near future, and with the Department of Labor turning people out, the number of consumers will dwindle even quicker, affecting the bottomline.
