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A preference for qualified on-island applicants
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Posted on May 14 2009
I was reading the article with respect to Senate President Pete Reyes “disappointment” with the Zoning Board’s decision to recruit an outside applicant for the vacant administrator position.
Just to share my take on this issue, I too would be very “disappointed” should the Board go ahead and bypass Mr. Pete A. Tenorio for the vacant Administrator position who I know is more than qualified and also has the edge, having been born and raised here.
No offense to Mr. Barrett who I believe is more than qualified for the position, but resorting to such action is only fair if any applicant who has made the CNMI their home or is a resident is not qualified. Mr. Tenorio’s background relating to our Covenant agreement as well as our economic climate and CNMI laws makes him more than suitable and qualified for the position.
Vacant positions should be awarded to qualified applicants, and I will support any decision granting a position to an outside applicant if, and only if none of the on-island applicants qualify for the position.
Like the Senate president himself said, “It’s very insulting for qualified people like Mr. Tenorio to be chosen over those who are from outside of CNMI.” We want a qualified individual to oversee and man a very controversial office and I believe that Mr. Tenorio’s broad experience and knowledge, having served as a Lt. Governor and Washington Representative, more than qualifies him for the position and will be a asset for Zoning.
If no one from here applied in the first place or is/are not qualified, then by all means I will support the board’s decision regardless of where Mr. Barrett is from as long as he is qualified for the position. One thing is for sure, credit should be extended to outside applicants for their interest in improving and being a part of the CNMI family. And I am encouraging and inviting all interested individuals to compete in pursuing their dreams/goals, whether they are from here or not. This practice will motivate our people to broaden their knowledge and skills in this very competitive era.
[B]Rep. Raymond Palacios[/B] [I]Capital Hill, Saipan[/I]
