New CUC deputy chief backs out

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s search for a deputy executive director is back to square one after the chosen candidate backed out for unclear reasons.

CUC executive director Alan W. Fletcher confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday that the selected contender from off-island withdrew his application.

The position is mandated by federal stipulated orders. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gives the final approval on who would be hired.

As of a result of this development, Fletcher said CUC recently asked to be given more time to recruit one as they have been unable to find a suitable candidate.

Saipan Tribune learned that CUC began the nationwide search for applicants to fill the vacant deputy executive director position in the summer of 2013. After a review of 48 applicants and six interviews, CUC submitted the four final candidates to EPA for review and approval.

Of the four, Fletcher revealed that EPA did not comment on one applicant, rejected two contenders, and approved one candidate as meeting the required qualifications.

The approved candidate, however, later withdrew his application from consideration. As a result, the position is again being advertised.

Fletcher said he doesn’t know why the chosen candidate withdrew. The name of the selected candidate was withheld.

It was earlier disclosed that CUC may be penalized if the agency fails to hire a qualified deputy executive director within 150 days starting in February 2013—the date when Fletcher officially became executive director of the agency. Since then the position has been vacant.

Besides the deputy director position, CUC will also lose its chief financial officer—another SO-mandated position—after the resignation of Charles Warren, who will leave the agency next month.

Fletcher said yesterday that they are putting the finishing touches on the job vacancy announcement for the CFO position and will soon be conducting a nationwide search.

Just recently, CUC formally asked the EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice to waive the fines and penalties that have accrued against CUC under the stipulated orders.

Based on CUC’s calculations, potential exposure to DOJ and EPA for SO-related penalties and fines is at least $64.3 million to date.

Saipan Tribune learned that the $64.325 million represent penalties that have piled up since the stipulated orders were issued five years ago.

There are four major SOs, which have been entered in this matter, with SOs 1 and 2 being the primary orders.