This is not an unfamiliar territory

Acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos was beaming as he prepared for an interview with reporters for the first time as the acting chief executive officer of the CNMI yesterday morning, touching on his views about being the first non-elected lieutenant governor, the Retirement Fund lawsuit, federalization, the economy and the swine flu cases in neighboring Japan.

“It’s not an unfamiliar territory,” said Inos, referring to his new office on Capital Hill. “This was where I grew up.”

He said he worked on the second floor of the building now housing the Office of the Governor during the Trust Territory days. He also worked under two previous governors in the areas of policy decision and finances.

Inos, who has been tasked to oversee all government finances, said he and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial agreed to share responsibilities.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in completing the term of the lieutenant governor, Inos said it is in helping address Retirement Fund issues. He said invigorating the economy is also a priority.

But he hopes he will be given again an opportunity to work for and serve the people in the next four years.

Fitial earlier picked Inos to be his running mate in his re-election bid in November.

“The Retirement Fund can basically drain the resources of the government,” said Inos, adding that the government’s arrears in employer contribution of over $200 million is higher than the administration’s proposed fiscal year 2010 budget of $162.82 million.

Just like Fitial, Inos said he hopes the parties to the lawsuit, along with the Legislature, will find an amicable solution to the Retirement Fund issues.

The administration wants the ongoing court proceedings to be suspended, a step that does not fare well with the Retirement Fund board of trustees chaired by Juan T. Guerrero, who is running for governor.

When asked by a reporter whether he will ask Guerrero to step down, Inos said this is something for Guerrero to decide.

“We’re not forcing him to resign,” said Inos, as long as Guerrero separates his political ambition from his duties as chairman of the Fund board.

As to the H1N1 flu cases in neighboring Japan, Inos said the CNMI government continues to communicate with proper agencies on the best measures to adopt to protect the local population and tourists.

He is optimistic that the military buildup in Guam “will bring about tangible benefits to the CNMI,” saying Guam cannot sustain the collateral needs of the economy including relaxation and entertainment.

The father of five said the CNMI has received two approvals for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, although cash has not been actually received. He said the CNMI has been putting in place the proper accounting procedures, internal audit process, as well as opening separate bank accounts for the funds to properly dispose of and account for each dollar received.

And since Monday, Inos has signed two proclamations, but has not yet approved or rejected a bill presented on his desk.

Inos, 59, took over as acting governor when Fitial left Sunday for Washington, D.C. to testify at a congressional oversight hearing on the implementation of Public Law 10-229—the federalization law.

Fitial nominated Inos to the post when former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez resigned from his post after he was found guilty of corruption by a federal jury.

The Senate confirmed his nomination on May 1. That same day, he was sworn into office as the first non-elected lieutenant governor in the CNMI.

Before this, he was on Fitial’s Cabinet as Finance Secretary.