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Judge Lizama reportedly retiring to run for delegate
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Posted on May 14 2008
Superior Court Associate Judge Juan T. Lizama is considering retirement to pursue his plan to be the first CNMI delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a source at the local courts.
The reliable source disclosed to Saipan Tribune yesterday that Lizama is planning to retire on July 17, 2008, which is the day of his 10th year anniversary as a judge.
The source said the judge will then run as NMI delegate to challenge another possible candidate, Washington Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio, and other hopefuls.
But the source said Lizama will not run “for good reason” when former attorney general and now private attorney Robert Torres will file his candidacy.
Asked by Saipan Tribune yesterday for comment about retirement, the judge only stated: “It’s very, very likely.”
With respect to the NMI delegate issue, Lizama neither confirmed nor denied it.
“It’s better to be on the side of caution until the time comes,” the judge said. He refused to elaborate.
Two years ago, Lizama privately expressed to Saipan Tribune his intention to run as Washington resident representative.
The same source said Lizama believes that a minimum of 10 years as a judge should be a benchmark to any judge or justice to give way to other highly competent and respected lawyers.
Lizama is the first judge to be retained on the bench in the CNMI.
On Nov. 4, 2008, a landmark election for the first NMI delegate to the U.S. House will be held in the Commonwealth. This will coincide with the general election in the U.S.
The Commonwealth Election Commission has issued a timeline for individuals wishing to be the first NMI delegate.
CEC executive director Gregorio Sablan said the commission would accept nominating petitions and candidacy documents from July 7 to Aug. 6.
The first CNMI delegate will assume office on Jan. 12, 2009.
Under the law, the CNMI delegate will have a limited voting power to the U.S. House of Representatives. He or she can serve on committees, as well as vote on legislation at the committee level. The delegate will not allowed to join floor voting.
