Challenging times

By Zaldy Dandan – Variety Editor

A short to-do list

THERE are at least three cost-cutting measures that lawmakers can act on with dispatch. The first is the unpaid holidays for government employees. If, as argued by the Senate counsel, a gubernatorial directive does not suffice, then the Legislature should introduce and pass an enabling law.

Next is the Senate bill proposing stricter rules on lawmakers’ allowances, which the Legislature should pass unanimously — as, among other things, a “show of solidarity” with government employees whose work hours have been or will be cut.

The third is Senate Legislative Initiative 24-02, which would reduce the number of senators from nine to six (two each from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota) and the number of House members from 20 to seven (five from Saipan, one each from Tinian and Rota).

A legislative initiative is a proposal to amend the Constitution. It must be passed by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of each house present and voting. A legislative initiative may not be vetoed by the governor but must be approved by voters.

S.L.I. 24-02 was introduced in July and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Government, and Law. Have public hearings been scheduled already? Has the committee met to discuss the legislative initiative? If not, why not?

Passing these three measures, to be sure, is not likely to result in significant cost reductions. (According to its author, S.L.I. 24-02 would “save” the Commonwealth — which has a current budget of $127 million — about $1.78 million a year.) But they’re a good start toward what appears to be a growing consensus among today’s elected officials: that this bloated government, for once, should reduce its spending — and not resort to raising taxes or fees, especially in this economy.

Distinguished service

THE organizers aptly described it as a “special evening dedicated to friendship, laughter, and good company.” Held in honor of former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, the event was an impressive gathering of the CNMI’s current and past top leaders — including those who do not see eye to eye politically. The Commonwealth’s current governor was there, as were all three of his living predecessors. Guam’s governor and Palau’s former president were also among the special guests. Joining them were the CNMI’s judicial and municipal officials, lawmakers, business leaders, family members, and friends of the man of the hour.

The former lieutenant governor, who also served multiple terms as a member of the House of Representatives and as its speaker for six years, is facing a serious health issue with courage and determination — qualities that have defined his long record of public service.

In his remarks on Saturday evening, he highlighted what endures long after politics — the bonds of family, friendship, and community. He also expressed hope that everyone in the CNMI will continue to work together and support one another through these “challenging times.”

God bless you, Diego, and your family. You are not alone. You have all of us cheering for you.