‘Smooth’ confirmation hearing for Gregory

In stark contrast to his predecessor, Attorney General Matthew T. Gregory faced no opposition during his confirmation hearing yesterday.

Former judges, attorneys, and friends showed up to support Gregory as he appeared before the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations.

“The Attorney General’s Office is the highest law enforcement office in the Commonwealth. We may have more questions for you than the other appointees. But be patient, be comfortable, and don’t worry,” committee chair Henry San Nicolas assured Gregory at the beginning of the confirmation hearing.

Gregory, who had no prepared statement for the hearing, briefed the committee on his professional background and his plans for the agency. Specifically, he vowed to enforce the law vigorously and make the AGO more efficient.

“I’m offering to make tough decisions,” Gregory said, as he assured the lawmakers that the AGO under his administration would be open to ideas from all sectors of the CNMI community.

Members of the public were given an opportunity to testify on Gregory’s appointment. All of those who testified expressed their support for Gregory.

The senators took turns in asking Gregory questions and making recommendations concerning the Marianas Public Lands Authority, immigration issues, and illegal gambling, among other issues.

The Senate committee members unanimously approved Gregory’s nomination.

“Consider yourself confirmed,” San Nicolas told Gregory before ending the smooth hearing.

SUPPORT

John Del Rosario, the governor’s senior policy adviser, was the first to testify during Gregory’s confirmation hearing. He conveyed Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s request for the Senate to confirm Gregory’s appointment.

Former Covenant Party chair Martin Manglona, who has rejected Gregory’s decision to name him as Immigration chief, also testified in support of the 37-year-old attorney general.

Manglona said he was impressed by the meticulous research that Gregory had done when he represented former Covenant candidate Rose Ada in her fight for inclusion in the 2005 election ballot. “He may be young, but he’s very energetic and dedicated to his work. He’s going to make a lot of changes. I know he could help a lot,” he said.

Former attorney general Herbert Soll, who has also served as a Superior Court judge, touted Gregory’s consistency. “I think you’ve got the right man,” he told the Senate panel.

Attorney Brien Sers Nicolas also threw his support for Gregory, whom he said he had fought against in court in numerous cases. He described Gregory to be a man of integrity and honesty.

Attorneys Perry Inos and Ray Mafnas also spoke in support of Gregory’s nomination.

‘A RELIEF’

Senate Vice President Pete P. Reyes, probably the most vocal critic of former Attorney General Pamela S. Brown, said he was impressed by the plentiful support for Gregory’s nomination.

“I have never seen so many lawyers [and] former judges come out to support an appointee to this position. I’m proud you’re going to be the attorney general. What a relief,” Reyes said.

He also urged the new attorney general to restore the credibility that he claimed the AGO’s had lost over the past years.

For his part, Gregory said he had no expectations about the confirmation hearing. “You never know what to expect. But I enjoyed the confirmation process very much,” he told reporters after the hearing.