‘It’s time to let go’

I have been keenly interested on the ongoing legal controversy between the governor and the mayor of Tinian regarding the non-renewal of the two resident directors on Tinian because I believe that the governor’s involvement on the case has no strong legal basis and therefore not merited.

It concerns me deeply that, what started as an exercise of protective political power play has now moved to the governor having the opportunity to engage his legal team to undermine and weaken the powers granted to the mayors of Tinian and Rota. Furthermore, I am aghast to have heard from reliable sources that Senate President Joaquin G. Adriano, elected from Tinian, is behind all the governor’s moves on the issue. Of all people, he should be at the forefront in protecting and defending the long-term best interest of Tinian.

The issue of decentralization as a workable means for a more effective government for Tinian and Rota has been jointly fought and pursued by the leaders of both islands. Amendment 25 in the CNMI Constitution came about because of the recognition by the drafters of the amendment that such decentralized powers of the mayors are needed. Therefore, it is incumbent for the elected leaders of both islands to always stand united in protecting and defending the purpose and intent of Amendment 25. However, as I observed, Adriano supports actions by the governor to take away the power of the mayor of Tinian to fit his political agenda, while the leaders of Rota are staying silent because it does not affect Rota at this time, even though the effect of the governor’s action may have negative consequences for Rota as well. The long practice and tradition by Rota’s leaders is obvious. Tinian is their brother when it comes to helping defend Rota’s interest but, if none of their interests is at stake, they take the hands-off approach. I think that it is time for Tinian leaders to reassess the relationship between Rota and Tinian. Tinian should not defend Rota’s interest anymore, unless required for mutual defense.

I am not saying that the governor shouldn’t have any say-so on Tinian and Rota. But, in certain areas, the governor should respect the island mayor to run the local government the way he sees appropriate. There are problems and concerns that are unique to Tinian only and cannot be clearly understood or effectively addressed by a department’s secretary. Furthermore, the lack of concern, information, and attention to Tinian’s problems by a department secretary makes it difficult to solve problems and address issues on a timely bases. Who would be a better official to take responsibility in the delivery of public services, the elected mayor of Tinian or the secretary of a particular department?

Common sense tells me that it is ridiculous for anyone to support retaining someone in an appointed position whose superior does not want his or her services anymore. Civil Service-protected positions are understandable, but not appointed ones. Regardless of the justifications or arguments in support of such retention, once the appointing authority no longer needs the services of his appointee, the trust and working relationship will surely be absent, affecting the productive execution of the appointing authorities’ policies and vision for their respective departments. Politically, the governor has his reasons and motives in trying to assert his wishes on the mayor of Tinian, but I believe that there should be limitations on how he uses his power and the resources of the government in engaging in a political fight.

Former resident directors Norbert Hofschneider and Ernie Hofschneider should accept the fact that the mayor no longer needs their services. Their political support to the mayor or any other reason they are using to justify their efforts to keep their jobs is not valid on this case. It was the mayor that decided to appoint you two, so it should be the discretion of the mayor to renew your contracts, period. The two directors should just accept the decision of the mayor, rather than retaliating to hold a position that is not rightfully theirs. To argue that the mayor’s action not to renew their employment is politically motivated because they have been in the position for so long is not necessarily a strong argument and a reflection on their good performance. It could also be that they have been tolerated for much too long for political reasons. They should accept their situation with grace, and stop trying to retain their position through questionable means. They are not wanted in the position anymore so they should ship out. If I were in their shoes, it would be embarrassing to keep fighting for a political job when I am not wanted.

Ben C. Reyes
San Jose Village, Tinian