Credibility of FTZ nominee questioned

Rep. Stanley T. Torres yesterday prodded the Senate to look into allegations leveled against one of the governor’s nominee to a government body overseeing implementation of the free trade zones in the CNMI.

In a letter to a Senate President Paul A. Manglona, he cited an anonymous letter questioning the credential of George Fleming Jr. who is representing the private sector to the board of the Free Trade Zone Authority.

The anonymous letter, signed by an individual calling himself or herself “justa concerned citizen,” has raised concerns about the board’s credibility and integrity if Mr. Fleming assumes office because of a purported criminal case filed against him in 1991.

“I find the court record, Criminal Case No. 91-155, to be very serious charges against Mr. Fleming,” Mr. Torres wrote to the Senate president.

“It will be deplorable to confirm this person to the board if your committee on EAGI does not thoroughly scrutinize his credentials,” he said.

“I like to say that I am only cautioning and being prudent. I hope and respectfully request your committee on EAGI would seriously consider this matter,” added the Saipan lawmaker.

Mr. Torres’ appeal and the anonymous letter that was also addressed to Mr. Manglona are the first signs of opposition against the governor’s choices to sit in the FTZ board.

These steps came as the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations wrapped up its public hearing on the nominations.

EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano said the other day he expects the seven nominees to be confirmed by next week when the upper house holds its session.

He maintained there is no objection to any of the appointments and the committee will endorse them for the Senate’s advice and consent as required under the law establishing the free trade zones.

Former congressman Karl T. Reyes, who helped craft the legislation that led to creation of these special economic sites, is among the seven nominees who are certain to get the Senate’s nod at its next session.

SGMA Executive Director Richard A. Pierce, Triple J Motors executive Jay B. Jones, Remedios Ogumoro and Mr. Fleming, who all represent Saipan in the board as well as Philip M. Long of Tinian and Joaquin Atalig of Rota are also up for confirmation, according to Mr. Adriano. (BS)