Fitial names Palacios DLNR secretary; re-appoints 2 board members

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial nominated former Republican speaker Arnold I. Palacios to serve as Department of Lands and Natural Resources secretary, some eight months after Palacios got his old job back as DLNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife director.

Palacios has also been serving as acting DLNR secretary since the post was vacated by Dr. Ike Dela Cruz.

Palacios was DFW director for 12 years or from 1984 to 1996, prior to becoming a lawmaker. He also served as fisheries data program manager at DFW before becoming division director.

Fitial submitted Palacios’ name to Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) for consideration. The nomination requires the Senate’s advice and consent.

“Mr. Palacios is extremely qualified to fulfill the vital responsibility of this office. The Lt. Governor and I look forward to having an experienced and capable person to fulfill this vital role, and we feel that Mr. Palacios is the right choice,” Fitial told Manglona in a Dec. 29 letter, a copy of which was obtained only yesterday.

Fitial told reporters in March that Palacios would be a formidable delegate candidate for the Republicans in the 2012 elections. Fitial is now chairman of the Republican Party.

Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian), chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations, said yesterday he has yet to see the nomination letter but said his panel has been working with the administration to fill Cabinet positions, along with boards and commissions.

2 re-appointments

The governor also re-appointed Alvaro Santos and Gregoria Fitial-Omar on Dec. 29 to serve on the Marianas Public Land Trust board. Their re-appointment also requires the Senate’s advice and consent.

Santos represents Saipan on the MPLT board. If confirmed by the Senate, he will serve another six-year term that will expire on Jan. 8, 2018.

Omar represents the Carolinian community and women’s sector on the MPLT board. Just like Santos, Omar’s term if confirmed will be renewed for another six years or until Jan. 8, 2018.

“The Lt. Governor and I realize the trustees play an important role in the continued development of the Commonwealth, and have every confidence that you will continue to conscientiously devote your time and efforts in the best interests of all our people,” Fitial said in his appointment letters.