LaMotte calls it quits

Public Auditor Leo L. LaMotte has resigned from the government, citing personal reasons for his decision to quit the post he has been holding for the last six years.

He handed in his resignation letter last Oct. 4 to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio whom he said had immediately accepted it. It will take effect on Dec. 16, he said.

“I can’t stay here for a bit longer,” Mr. LaMotte told reporters in an interview yesterday, adding he has to devote more time to his family.

The OPA chief has three boys with his wife Teofila LaMotte. “I felt some personal matters were left unattended [while in public service],” said the soft-spoken chief government auditor.

Mr. LaMotte’s resignation came immediately after he apparently drew flak from the Tenorio administration for a news article where he said the CNMI government needs extra effort to fight graft and corruption in public service.

He noted the level of corruption on the islands is “quite intolerable.” Mr. LaMotte later wrote to the governor to clarify the statement, saying he did not characterize it as “rampant” and that he was misquoted.

Mr. LaMotte, who has had over 30 years of experience in the auditing and accounting profession, told in yesterday’s interview the governor was “not upset” when he tendered his resignation which he also described as retirement from public service.

He stressed working for the Office of Public Auditor was a “privilege.” He was appointed on July 1, 1994 by then-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, but was not confirmed by the Senate until May 4, 1995.

“I never felt frustrated. I find the job stimulating. I love Saipan so much. It has been a wonderful experience,” he said.

Noting the accomplishments he has helped achieve in the Office of Public Auditor, he said collective efforts of the staff have culminated in the improvement of the government operations in the CNMI.

“I have every reason to believe that we made some improvements in the CNMI government,” he pointed out, but added “there’s always room for improvement.”

According to Mr. LaMotte, he had recommended Wendell Harwell, a former public auditor of the American Samoan government, to replace him.

Gov. Tenorio has offered the job to Mr. Harwell, who is in San Francisco working as certified public accountant but is interested in the job, he said.

Mr. LaMotte stressed the government should find a public auditor who is from outside the islands and is secure in his life in order to dispense his duties and responsibilities without being influenced.

“I didn’t have to kowtow to anybody,” he said.
His last day at the OPA is on Dec. 15, after which he and his family will move to Virginia where Mr. LaMotte said he maintains a house.

Then they are expected to move again to San Antonio where he plans to enjoy time with his family and work in a real estate firm, he said.