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Senate to declare Tinian seat vacant
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Posted on Oct 04 1999
A resolution is expected to be adopted by the Senate urging the Board of Elections to hold special polls on Tinian after former Sen. Herman M. Manglona resigned in the wake of his conviction on bribery charges in federal court.
Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez said he will file the resolution during a session to be held likely this week to resolve immediately the fate of the seat left vacant with Manglona’s departure.
But he explained the resolution will not mention the circumstances prior to his resignation, noting the Senate has to declare only that the seat is vacant.
The embattled former senator resigned from the Legislature last month after pleading guilty to the charges filed against him in connection with federal projects he administered while he was mayor of Tinian.
According to Villagomez, this is the first time that the Senate is confronted with such an issue, but members have agreed to address the vacancy within the 60 days required under the law.
The forthcoming resolution will simply allow BOE to call the special elections on Tinian within 45 days, the winner of which will serve out the two remaining years of Manglona’s term, who was elected in 1997 along with Sen. Joaquin Adriano.
Sen. David M. Cing, elected in 1995, is seeking fresh term in the Nov. 6 midterm election.
Villagomez said it is unlikely that the special polls could be held simultaneously with next month’s voting as the time does not permit BOE to rush its preparation.
