Integrity

Saipan Tribune reported: “BOE closes probes on annual leave cash-out.” It is amazing how PSS financial management works. They seem to have a magician that with, a cover of a black handkerchief, the annual leave cash-out instantly becomes one payroll advance. I wonder how many magicians are working at PSS. The investigation alleged that some personnel cashed out up to 400 hours of annual leave, and BOE chair Ada reported that the amount received by those involved just amounted to about $2,000, and Ada described the matter as a minimal problem that was easily resolved. I hope BOE is not building bridges for corruption.

What about the two approving officials, Waldo and Rita, and their action and violation of BOE policy? What course of action was taken by BOE? Justice must be served on individuals involved in these kinds of activities, big or small, in order to maintain the trust of dedicated teachers, principals, and parents.

As long as the magician is still with PSS, no matter how much money is given to PSS, they will never have enough, cause the magician can turn numbers into letters and the money can disappear without a trace. But I am pretty sure the Inspector General, FBI, and the Office of the Public Auditor would like to go after those magicians.

One auditor says: “It’s better to be chased by a dog ‘cause the dog might not catch you, than by an auditor who is capable of smelling and following your traces until they catch you.”

Judge Joseph Camacho said, “There can be no justice without appropriate punishment.”

Former OPA Lamote said: “No amount of responsibilities can entitle the executive director to misuse government funds for her personal gain and ignore responsibilities to properly manage government resources.” (You may replace executive director with COE, BOE, etc.)

The old saying: “Your credential on the wall does not make you a decent person.”

Whatever action is taken by the Board of Education on illegal activities would reflect their integrity. Therefore, I’m urging BOE members to do the right thing, don’t build bridges for corruptions. Two of Saipan BOE members will be up for re-election this November. The people of Saipan will vote for candidates who have integrity. So BOE, prove yourself.

This is my second letter regarding PSS and many of you are wondering why I’m doing this. It took me two years to come back to life. In April 2010, I was told by my cardiologist that my two heart bypass collapsed. I then become very, very sick between the months of June and July 2010, in and out of ER. I was working for PSS, so I submitted my application for disability retirement with my doctor’s certification. The Commissioner of Education denied my application for disability retirement. I appealed my case to the Board of Education, none of the members responded to me, so I appealed my case to NMPASI. If you are in my shoes, what do you do? Do not do unto others as you don’t want them to do unto you. What goes around comes around.