Bogdan nomination garners support

Wesley M. Bogdan

A fleet of supporters gathered at the Senate last week to pitch their support for Wesley M. Bogdan’s nomination to fill the position of associate judge at the CNMI Superior Court.

The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing last week to review the qualifications of Bogdan to serve as a Superior Court judge, a position that has been vacant for over a year since former judge David Wiseman’s retirement in May 2016.

Bogdan is currently legal counsel of the Office of the Governor.

The expressions of support for Bogdan’s nomination came from multiple entities, including CNMI Bar Association president Charles Brasington, Public Safety Commissioner Robert Guerrero, interim press secretary Kevin Bautista, press officer L.J. Castro, Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority special assistant for public transportation Alfreda Camacho, Reps. Ivan A. Blanco (R-Saipan) and Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan), and a statement by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, as read by his chief of staff, Matt Deleon Guerrero.

Bogdan’s nomination was also supported by other private lawyers, including Michael White, David Baines, Mark Scoggins, Matthew Holly, Joseph Horey, Steve Pixley, and more.

The Senate committee members that attended the hearing were Teresita Santos (R-Rota), Steve Mesngon (R-Rota), vice chair Justo Quitugua (R-Saipan), and chair Francisco Cruz (R-Tinian). Sens. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) and Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian) were absent.

The senators, especially Quitugua and Cruz, questioned Bogdan about the CNMI Constitution and his opinions about ongoing litigations. Except for questions pertaining to ongoing litigations, Bogdan answered each one. The committee explained that their questions were only intended to give them an inkling of what Bogdan could possibly face in the future if his nomination is approved.

In a later interview, Bogdan explained why he declined to respond to questions about ongoing litigation. “Those questions are being litigated right now, so a candidate for a judicial position should not be prejudging those issues before they take the bench and actually come up to the courtroom,” he said.

Bogdan said he was honored by the support he got.

“I am incredibly humbled by the number of people that came and supported me. I am still overwhelmed and quite honored,” he said.

When asked if he is ready to be a judge, he replied, ”Sure.”

The committee would now come up with a Senate Committee Report to introduce to the Senate during a Senate session indicating to approve or disapprove the nomination.