CNMI: Conflicted Northern Mariana Islands

Conflict of interest is defined as the circumstance of a public officeholder, business executive, or the like, whose personal interests might benefit from his or her official actions or influence.

Saipan Tribune’s story “Fitial nominates three to CPA board,” published on Wednesday Aug. 20, 2008, exposed another near disastrous decision by Benigno Fitial, whom I outright refuse to address as “Governor.” Benigno Fitial never ceases to amaze me. One of his nominees to the CPA board of directors (Frank Camacho) declined the nomination, I assume due to his association with Pacific Oriental Inc., which by the way is a tenant of Saipan International Airport conducting all their business activities at the airport. Kudos to Frank Camacho for declining the nomination—I’ll assume it was his business ethics that guided him to decide in the overall best interest of the CNMI and his employer.

I can’t say the same for previous CPA board member Antonio S. Camacho, owner or executive or both of Westpac Freight whose business activities take place at both the airport and seaport on Saipan. Sadly, Antonio probably never thought his board membership was a direct conflict of interest. Ignorance is bliss, but inexcusable. I recall bringing this issue up with Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, who chaired the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication for the 15th Legislature, but all I got was an empty promise from Rep. Dela Cruz that he will “look into it.” Sadly, Rep. Dela Cruz was re-elected and is currently serving in the 16th Legislature, although I don’t know in what capacity. What a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Going back to Benigno, his decision to give full CUC authority to Tim Villagomez is asinine (foolish, unintelligent or stupid) at best. Need I say more? The collateral damage done by Tim Villagomez to Benigno and his beloved Covenant Party is huge and irreversible. My point is, Tim is a former CUC executive and should not have been given the responsibility to run CUC. Benigno and Tim should immediately cut their losses by resigning and forget about re-election. I will campaign like hell against Ben and Tim if they seek re-election. Word of advice to anyone with aspirations to run for office—don’t entertain Ben and Tim. In fact, the GOP ought to kick Tim out of the party. I sure as hell have voter’s remorse for voting for Ben and Tim—kinda like buyer’s remorse, only I can’t get my vote back. Darn, I should have insured my vote. Peace!

What is up with John Bolis Gonzales advertising his Grade Point Average (GPA) on his U.S. Congress URL (http://www.gonzalesforuscongress.com/about-john.php)? It smacks of elitism, and quite frankly is pompous and bears absolutely nothing on votes or on job performance.

John, you disappoint me! You carry yourself as a homegrown, grass roots local boy, yet you stop at nothing to gloat in your glory. Let the diploma and certificates speak for themselves on your wall of fame at home or at your office wherever they may be. You need not speak on their behalf. Focus on the issues killing the CNMI and how you’ll prepare yourself for the halls of the Capitol in Washington D.C.

Keep it real, John. The GPA thing is your first, and I hope last blemish.