‘Department heads must foster good working environment’

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres reiterated that his administration encourages all department and agency heads to keep a positive working environment, in connection with the issue involving Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Laura Ogumoro and Office of the Aging director Walter Manglona.

Ogumoro, almost two weeks ago, gave a memorandum of “proposed termination” to Manglona. Saipan Tribune tried to get an interview with Ogumoro to get her side but her office has not yet responded at press time.

Torres is fully aware of the current issue between Ogumoro and Manglona with the staff of the Governor’s Office continuously giving him information and other updates.

The Torres administration, in an email sent to Saipan Tribune, said individuals chosen to head departments must “always maintain proper decorum when managing their departments or agencies, which includes fostering a healthy working environment that encourages efficiency.”

The administration added that heads of the departments or agencies must also ensure that services from their respective divisions are carried out for the benefit of the community. “If an individual does not adhere to these criteria, appropriate action if deemed necessary, will be made.”

The Torres administration said they used a comprehensive process in selecting and evaluating department and agency heads. “Gov. Torres and his administration have always maintained a comprehensive process when evaluating all heads of departments and agencies.”

“All secretaries of departments and directors of agencies are chosen based on the knowledge, skills, and best judgment in their area of expertise.”

Torres has instructed his staff to look into the Ogumoro-Manglona issue. His staff made their own investigation and have compiled a review, which will be presented when Torres returns on Saipan after a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the meetings of the National Governors Association and the 35th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force.

The Governor’s Office will also continue to inform the public of any changes in a department or agency.

“Any official notices of cabinet appointments, which includes the acceptance of any courtesy resignation, has been and will continue to be made known to the community. As such, particularly regarding this matter, official notices will continue to be provided to the public in due time.”