Borja out of reach on eyed changes to succession law

Lawmakers connected to a bill that seeks to amend the law on mayoral succession were mysteriously silent yesterday, with efforts to solicit comments coming up nil.

Several attempts to contact Sen. Francisco Borja (R-Tinian) who introduced Senate Bill 20-79, which would alters the succession law for mayors went for naught and calls to interview the lawmaker on the bill were unanswered.

Borja’s bill, if enacted, authorizes the governor to appoint a “qualified person” with the consent of the Senate to the position of mayor to an island or a group of islands if less than half of a mayor’s term remains.

Attempts also made to reach out to Tinian senators Francisco Cruz (R-Tinian) and Jude Hofschneiders (R-Tinian) were unanswered as well.

Press secretary Kevin Bautista, speaking on behalf of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his administration, told Saipan Tribune in an email yesterday that the administration has no comments on the bill.

“[We have] no comment at this time. We respect the legislative process, and we’ll allow the bill to run its course through both houses until it reaches the governor’s desk for his action,” the email stated.

S.B. 20-79 fails to specify the reason why the change is necessary, merely stating that the intent of the bill is to amend Commonwealth Code Section 5103.

“The Legislature finds that Article VI, 2(b) of the NMI Constitution provides that a vacancy in the office of mayor shall be filled by special election if one-half or more of the term remains and otherwise as provided by law. Accordingly, the purpose of this legislation is to amend 1 CMC Section 5103 to authorize the governor to appoint a qualified person to the office of mayor subject to the advice and consent of the Senate when there is a vacancy and less than half of the term of the mayor remains,” the bill states.

Insistent rumors said the bill was prompted by rumors that Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas will resign in early January 2018. He has denied the rumor, adding that he supports a “move by the Legislature to amend the law regarding mayor vacancies.”

Hypothetically, if San Nicolas were to let go of his position as Tinian mayor, current law provides that Ramon Dela Cruz, who garnered the second highest number of votes during the 2014 general elections, would step up to be San Nicolas’ successor for the remainder of the term—if he is willing.

The governor would only appoint a candidate for Tinian mayor if candidates who ran in the previous elections decline the position.

S.B. 20-79, if enacted, would stop that, leaving Tinian without a mayor for a period of time before the governor appoints a suitable candidate and the Senate confirms the appointment. (Erwin Encinares)