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DPS post a hot topic within transition team
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Posted on Jan 06 2006
The commissioner’s position at the Department of Public Safety is causing much discussion within the transition committee after the name of a member of the U.S. Army came up as one of the two top contenders, the Saipan Tribune learned yesterday.
Sources in the transition team disclosed that John Wabol of the Fire Division had emerged as the initial top favorite for the commissioner’s position.
However, a certain Ed Williams, said to be a member of the U.S. Army, was recommended by a member of the transition committee, said the sources who agreed to talk on condition of anonymity.
“He [Williams] is not even here; he is based in the U.S. There was a lot of discussion about it among the transition members on Thursday night,” sources said.
One member of the transition team said Williams is the son-in-law of Martin Manglona, chairman of the transition committee.
Another round of discussion among transition committee members was set last night to finalize the Cabinet lineup.
When asked by the Saipan Tribune yesterday about the DPS position, Gov. elect-Benigno Fitial said he heard that a person from the U.S. mainland was the top contender.
Fitial, however, emphasized that he and Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy Villagomez have yet to reach a final decision about the Cabinet lineup.
“We would follow whatever the recommendations of the transition committee are,” Fitial said.
Meanwhile, other sources in the transition committee hinted that Labor deputy secretary Gil San Nicolas may get the appointment as Labor secretary.
