Sablan confirmation hearing set

Public Auditor-designee Michael S. Sablan today faces the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations where he is expected to be grilled on the issue of public expenditures.

The former top finance advisor of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, however, is likely to be confirmed later in the day in a scheduled session by the upper house.

EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano said the committee does not foresee any problem with his nomination to the Office of Public Auditor.

“I expect that this is going to be a very smooth confirmation process,” he said, noting Mr. Sablan has drawn the support of the community to assume the critical post.

Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, a member of the committee, expressed support for the governor’s choice whom he has known as “hardworking and credible” public official.

“From what I have gathered, other members are ready to support him. Even some House members are backing him,” he told in a separate interview.

But Mr. Adriano stressed members may ask him about the public purpose issue as it relates to expenditures by lawmakers, particularly on the differences between the Legislature and the Department of Finance on the interpretation of the law.

Finance officials and legislators have been at odds in recent years over use of public funds in such community events as wake and sports activities due to the constitutional provisions and amendments defining the scope of public purpose.

The Senate is rushing to give its advice and consent to Mr. Sablan as the new public auditor in view of the need to designate a permanent official to head the critical government agency.

Mr. Tenorio named his close advisor last Friday after weeks of speculation. Four others, including two off-island applicants, were believed to be under consideration.

His nominee replaced former Public Auditor Leo L. LaMotte who quit last October to devote his time to his growing family. The 63-year old official also considered his resignation as retirement from government service.

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.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adriano said the Senate is ready to confirm seven nominees to the Free Trade Zone Authority board in today’s session, including one who came under scrutiny because of his court record.

The appointments of former congressman Karl T. Reyes, SGMA Executive Director Richard A. Pierce, Triple J Motors executive Jay B. Jones, George M. Fleming Jr., Remedios Ogumoro, who all represent Saipan in the board as well as Philip M. Long of Tinian and Joaquin Atalig of Rota will be approved, he said.

These new officials will oversee implementation of the free trade zones that island leaders hope will revive the economy and boost local revenues.