Sablan named public auditor

After weeks of speculation, the governor’s close finance advisor Michael S. Sablan was finally appointed on Friday as the new head of the Office of Public Auditor.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio submitted his nomination to the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations for confirmation.

Mr. Sablan, who edged four others under consideration by the local chief executive to the critical post, replaced former OPA chief Leo L. LaMotte after his resignation took effect last Saturday.

He assumes his new job today as acting public auditor until he gets the advice and consent of the Senate as required under the Constitution.

EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano has set a public hearing on his nomination tomorrow at the Senate chamber at 9:00 a.m. to hear comments from government agencies, the private sector and other individuals wishing to testify.

Mr. Sablan is qualified to fulfill the vital responsibilities of OPA, according to the governor in his letter to the presiding officers of the Legislature.

“Lieutenant Governor Jesus R. Sablan and I have considered a number of candidates for this very important position and have selected Mr. Sablan because of the extensive community support and his considerable experience,” Mr. Tenorio wrote in the letter.

He also disclosed he received numerous letters from the island community as well as other auditors and accountants in the CNMI who are vouching for Mr. Sablan.

“I respectfully request your expeditious consideration and favorable action so that the important work of [OPA] may continue without interruption,” said the governor.

Mr. Adriano earlier has said he does not see major obstacles to the confirmation of Mr. Sablan as he noted that he and other members of the committee have been pressing his appointment.

Mr. Sablan worked for Joeten Enterprises before joining the Tenorio administration in January 1998. He had been offered the OPA post twice in the past — the first in 1989 after getting his CPA certification.

Two off-island application as well as Commerce Sec. Frankie T. Villanueva and former Finance Sec. Rex I. Palacios were believed to be included in the list to succeed Mr. LaMotte.

The 63-year old former public auditor quit last October, which he described as retirement from government service, for personal reasons, citing the need to devote more time to his family.

Mr. LaMotte, who was named to the post by former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio in July 1994, had said it would be in the best interest of the CNMI to hire an outsider as a public auditor to maintain integrity and avoid potential problems in the office.

He submitted resumes from two off-island aspirants to the governor on their behalf following his resignation, according to the administration.

Before he resigned, he raised concern over the graft and corruption on the islands and said the government needs extra effort to fight these unlawful activities in public service.