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Aldan quits Commonwealth Election Commission board
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Posted on Jan 20 2012
After a decade of being on the Commonwealth Election Commission’s board of directors, Elizabeth Aldan has resigned, bringing to three the number of vacancies on the board.
Board chair Frances Sablan told Saipan Tribune that Aldan resigned in August last year but the information was not formally discussed with the full board due to a lack of quorum in previous months.
Sablan described Aldan’s departure as “untimely” considering the 2012 midterm election in November. The board needs two appointments for Saipan and one from Tinian.
It was learned that Aldan was on the commission’s board from June 2001 to Aug. 19, 2011. Sablan described her as a dedicated and committed commissioner with only the best interest of the public in mind.
The board plans to present Aldan with a plaque of appreciation at their next meeting.
During Wednesday’s board meeting, the board unanimously voted to retain Sablan as chairperson, along with vice chair Josepha Barcinas.
Sablan told Saipan Tribune that it is her goal to complete the nine-member board before the midterm elections.
She disclosed that all current commissioners have been recommended for re-appointment by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, emphasizing the importance of having members knowledgeable in all rules and issues surrounding the election.
Compared to other board and commissions, Sablan the Election Commission needs three quarters of the full membership to pass a decision, which means six to seven members are needed to vote in the affirmative. Five members, meantime, are needed to be present in order to get a quorum.
The board is composed of nine members, of whom five represent Saipan and two each represent Tinian and Rota. They are appointed by the governor and have four-year terms.
Aside from Sablan and Barcinas, the other board members are Jose Kiyoshi, Jesus Sablan, Leilani Manglona, and Antonio Agulto.
