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Guerrero: DPS’ silence on proposed bill is ‘alarming’
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Posted on Feb 10 2020
Guerrero
Rep. Joseph “Lee Pan” T. Guerrero (R-Saipan) describes as “alarming” the Department of Public Safety’s lack of comments on a public safety legislation that sets speed limits on secondary roads in the CNMI.
Responding to Rep. Joel C. Camacho (R-Saipan)’s comment that DPS did not provide his committee, the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, any feedback on House Bill 21-46, Guerrero said Friday, “Something is wrong!”
Peter
H.B. 21-46, which was authored by Rep. Marco T. Peter (R-Saipan), wants to amend a Commonwealth Code to add a new subsection to establish a speed limit of 10 to 15 miles per hour for vehicles driving on non-primary, secondary roads in residential areas. The House passed the bill on a vote of 20-0; the bill now goes to the Senate.
During discussions on the bill, Guerrero said he does not understand why DPS is reluctant when asked to comment on legislation, yet shows up with an “army” during budget deliberations.
The lawmaker said that when it is something about legislation involving the safety of the community, DPS personnel are not at the House or they do not provide comments.
Guerrero noted that this is the second bill that DPS has not commented on.
“Is there a commissioner down there? Or on vacation or what?” the lawmaker said, adding that somebody from DPS should at least attend the session and make statements.
Guerrero said the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations should force DPS to make public comments because it is not proper when they don’t, considering that they are the responsible department to enforce the law.
Speaker Blas Jonathan T. Attao said he shares Guerrero’s frustration.
Rep. Peter said he is happy with his colleagues’ support of the bill and that it is primarily intended to protect people in villages. It also defines a secondary road, which he said is useful for contractors when they have a government project.
Rep. Luis John DLG. Castro (R-Saipan) said he supports the intent of the bill, noting some secondary roads are very narrow and many children play on such roads.
