Jorgensen nomination is opposed

Members of the Rota community have signed a petition asking the CNMI Senate to oppose Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ nomination of Bruce Jorgensen to serve on the Commonwealth Ports Authority board on behalf of Rota.

The petition asks the Senate to reject Jorgensen’s appointment because they believe his appointment would be “an insult to the people of Rota.”

“We, the undersigned residents and concerned members of Rota, hereby submit this petition to express our strong opposition to the nomination of Mr. Bruce Jorgensen to serve as a member of the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors. We firmly believe that Mr. Jorgensen’s nomination is invalid and an insult to the people of Rota, and we urge you to reconsider this appointment,” the petition stated.

Among the reasons the petition cited in opposing Jorgensen’s appointment is his alleged lack of active community participation.

“Mr. Jorgensen is not an active member of the Rota community and has not demonstrated any significant involvement since the late mayor Prudencio T. Manglona’s tenure during the 1980s when he served as a legal advisor. While he briefly participated in the transition team for the governor and lieutenant governor, this limited engagement does not establish a genuine connection or understanding of the challenges faced by our community,” the petition stated.

The petition also expressed concerns that the nomination may be influenced by political differences between the previous and current administrations.

“Bypassing qualified and competent Rota residents who possess the knowledge and profound understanding of our unique challenges raises questions about the intent behind this nomination,” the petition said.

Lastly, the petition raises the concern of Jorgensen’s questionable residence.

“Mr. Jorgensen claims to be a Rota voter but does not reside on the island. In Mr. Jorgensen’s appointment to CPA board, it indicates a post office box number in our Rota Postal Office; however, in a close-knit community like Rota, where everyone knows one another, we believe that Mr. Jorgensen is utilizing a false postal code, thus rendering his claims to being a resident invalid. It is implausible that he meets the residency requirements set by the election commission,” they said.

Aside from reconsidering Jogensen’s nomination and appointment, the petition wants the Senate to launch an investigation into Jorgensen.

“We believe that further investigation is necessary to understand the intent behind Mr. Jorgensen’s claim of residency. It appears that his appointment may be driven by ulterior motives, and we are concerned that he is falsely representing Rota without a genuine connection to our community. This lack of authentic involvement raises doubts about his understanding of our unique needs and aspirations,” the petition states.

“Appointing an outsider not only feels demeaning but also disregards the importance of keeping the workforce local. We kindly request that you thoroughly review the concerns raised in this petition and give careful attention to the voices and sentiments of the Rota community during your decision-making process. It is essential to prioritize the welfare and aspirations of our community in the governance of the Commonwealth Ports Authority,” the petition adds.

Palacios nominated Jorgensen to fill the Rota seat on the CPA board that was previously occupied by Barrie C. Toves.