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Zachares is still DOLI chief
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Posted on Jan 12 2001
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday denied speculations that Labor and Immigration Sec. Mark D. Zachares has resigned to take up a new post with the incoming Bush administration in Washington D.C. or with the Preston Gates lobbying firm.
“He did take a leave. It’s a one month leave but he did not resign from his position at this time. None that I know of,” he said when asked about it.
But he indicated that he may have to appoint somebody to the Department of Labor and Immigration if Mr. Zachares indeed chooses to leave his administration.
“I don’t know what will be his decision at this time. I’m not sure if he will be provided a position in this new [Bush] administration,” explained the governor. “If he is, then of course the position will be vacant and we have to find somebody to be responsible for that department. It’s a very important department.”
He said if Mr. Zachares has better opportunities in Washington D.C., he will “wholeheartedly” support his move as he does with any of his officials who want to go to take up other positions.
Mr. Tenorio’s reaction came amid talks of a heated argument between the governor and the DOLI chief supposedly on labor issues that may be sensitive to CNMI’s relations with the federal government.
The disagreement, according to scuttlebutt, had prompted Mr. Zachares’ resignation — speculation that the governor flatly denied.
He is adamant in saying that he has never disagreed with him, noting he has delegated authority to his Cabinet officials to perform their duties in the department or agency they are assigned to.
“I never try to interfere with any department or any agency because I like to see that they comply with their department’s requirements,” said Mr. Tenorio.
Since most of his appointees in the executive offices have still one year to go before his term ends in January 2002, he said he wants them to stay.
“[They] are still good for another year…. This year is the most important for me because I want to make sure that we try to do our best to comply with all the requirements and laws that are our responsibility to the community,” added the governor.
