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FTZ nominee says he welcomes probe
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Posted on Dec 15 2000
A governor’s appointee to the Free Trade Zone Authority board yesterday sought to refute allegations questioning his credential, lashing out at Rep. Stanley T. Torres for pressing a “personal family matter.”
George M. Fleming, Jr. claimed it may have been politically motivated, and the charge has nothing to do with his “ability to contribute my expertise and knowledge” to the board.
He sent to the news agencies a copy of a Superior Court document clearing him of any criminal record as well as a letter to Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano, chair of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations, explaining his case.
The Saipan lawmaker has asked the committee to scrutinize the credentials of Mr. Fleming, citing a 1991 criminal case filed against him for assault with dangerous weapon which he said were serious charges.
Mr. Fleming’s police clearance issued yesterday by the clerk of court indicated he has never been convicted of any criminal offense.
The EAGI chair has already referred the matter to the Office of Public Auditor for investigation.
Mr. Fleming said it is unfortunate that Mr. Torres was not there in a public hearing on Saipan conducted by EAGI on his nomination to raise the issue.
“I would have been happy to answer any of his questions at that time, even though I feel that personal family matters from nearly a decade ago have nothing to do with my ability to contribute my expertise and knowledge to the FTZ board,” he wrote to Mr. Adriano.
Likewise, he raised suspicion that Mr. Torres’ move to “embarrass me publicly” was prompted by speculations he would run for election in the House of Representatives.
“If political motivations are behind this, then it is very unfortunate and unnecessary because in fact I have no intention to run for public office at this time,” he said.
He also stressed he is committed to being a businessman and is looking forward to work to begin implementation of free trade zones in the CNMI.
“I am very honored to have been appointed by the governor and hope that your committee will see fit to confirm me,” he told Mr. Adriano. (BS)
