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Sablan’s term in CUC ends
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Posted on Apr 12 2000
Businessman Benjamin A. Sablan ended his term yesterday as board member of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and it is unlikely that he will opt to have it renewed or extended.
The board director, who represented Saipan in CUC’s policy-making body, has reportedly made a commitment to his wife and family that he would devote his time to their business once his four-year term expires.
Mr. Sablan was appointed in January 1996 by then-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio to replace Antonio Cabrera whom he later named as finance secretary during his administration.
His term expired April 11, 2000, according to CUC information chief Pamela Mathis when sought for comment, adding Mr. Sablan had told her about a month ago that he was not interested in staying put.
“Because of the commitment he had made to his wife and family, it will be for the best interest of everyone that he leaves the board,” she said.
Mr. Sablan could not be reached for comment and there was also no word whether Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has appointed his replacement. Ms. Mathis, however, disclosed the director is expected to meet with the local chief executive and the board soon.
With his departure, the board of the government-owned utility corporation will be left with six members: Chairman Jesus T. Guerrero, Vice Chair Laura I. Manglona, Edward Sablan, Frank T. Flores, Zania Fleming and Rosario M. Elameto.
It also comes at a time when the board is about to begin discussion on the controversial Saipan power project which the governor and the Legislature want expedited under a new law.
The measure restores the 80-megawatt plant junked by the board last January when Ms. Elameto was still its head in favor of a 60-MW capacity — a move that angered lawmakers who then pushed to legislate its procurement.
Mr. Sablan served as chair of the CUC board for two years, between 1996 to 1998. Recently, the board designated him as chief of the task force to study the feasibility of a water desalination facility on the island.
Last February, a jury acquitted him of bribery charges filed against him in the U.S. District Court that involved a federally-funded project administered by the utility corporation in 1996.
