Fitial backs Norita for CPA post

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is lobbying the Commonwealth Ports Authority to hire former Rep. Clyde Norita as its executive director.

Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said yesterday that the governor had written the CPA board of directors in support of Norita’s bid for the top management position at the ports authority.

“It’s just a recommendation, an expression of support. The governor believes that Norita is qualified for the job. But the decision is still up to the board,” Reyes said.

He also said that Norita was interested in the job.

The CPA board maintains, though, that the hiring of a new executive director should follow proper protocol, and that all applicants will have to apply for the position.

Norita, a former police official and one-time member of the House of Representatives, lost his senatorial bid in the November 2005 general elections. He ran under the governor’s party, the Covenant Party, and helped lead Fitial’s Transition Committee.

The position of CPA executive director is currently vacant. CPA deputy director for operations Regino Celis has been appointed to hold the post in an acting capacity.

The CPA board of directors had initially appointed Saipan seaport manager Lee Cabrera to replace retired CPA executive director Carlos Salas. But Cabrera stepped down effective April 3, 2006 to resume his position at the Saipan seaport.

The board reportedly plans to put out an advertisement in the U.S. mainland to look for a new executive director who has “20 to 30 years experience in airport management.”

‘We’ve got to go through the process’

The CPA board said yesterday that protocol must be followed in the appointment of the executive director, meaning that even the governor’s candidate, Norita, would have to apply for the position.

“The governor’s recommendee has to turn in an application. We have to go through the process,” said CPA board personnel committee chair Barbara Yamada yesterday.

She said she has no problem with Fitial writing a letter to recommend Norita, but she said that the board will decide, based on the candidates’ qualifications.

“The governor can recommend. I have no problem with that. He is the governor. As for the board, it will choose whoever is most qualified,” said Yamada.

She said CPA has advertised the position vacancy for weeks now.

As of now, though, she said that she is not aware of the governor’s letter in support of Norita.

Board member Benigno Fejeran likewise said that he has not seen the governor’s recommendation letter but that he has heard of “the rumor.”

“I heard the rumor that the governor wants to put him [Norita] in but I don’t know if there’s a letter,” said Fejeran.

“We are announcing the position. The notice is already out,” said Fejeran, agreeing that candidates have to go through the application process.

Yamada said acceptance of applications would end on May 5. (with Liberty Dones)