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Two confirmed to MVA board
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Posted on Dec 27 2011
The Senate confirmed yesterday the governor’s appointments of former Tinian mayor James M. Mendiola and LaoLao Bay Golf Resort president Kwang Joong Kim to serve on the Marianas Visitors Authority’s board of directors.
Senators confirmed the nominees by adopting the reports of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations recommending their confirmation.
Kim represents Saipan, while Mendiola represents Tinian on the MVA board. They were at the Senate session yesterday morning.
Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian), chair of the EAGI Committee, said he’s glad that all the eight senators present supported the nominees’ confirmation.
“Mr. Mendiola was Tinian mayor and a former congressman so he knows how to help revive the economy while Mr. Kim has very good credentials and knows how to promote the CNMI to tourists and investors,” he said.
Kim earlier said that the CNMI needs to improve its tourism infrastructure, including upgrading hotels and building five-star hotels that target high-end tourist markets.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial submitted Mendiola’s name to the Senate on Oct. 6, and Kim’s on Nov. 2.
“After much deliberation and based on our overall assessment of [Mr. Mendiola’s and Mr. Kim’s] credentials, experiences, testimonials and all other relevant issues considered, we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that [Mr. Mendiola and Mr. Kim] possess the necessary qualification and leadership skills necessary to serve as a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority,” the EAGI panel said in recommending the full Senate confirmation on the appointment of the two.
