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Blanco elected zoning board chair for 3rd time
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Posted on Jan 02 2014
Members of the Saipan Zoning Board affirmed once again their trust and confidence in their chairman, Diego C. Blanco, who was re-elected to the position during a regular meeting Friday night. This marks Blanco’s third time to take the helm of the board since being first appointed to the post.
Besides Blanco, Gus Kaipat was elected as the new vice board chairman while Bruce Bateman and Natalie Mabel Ayuyu won the seats of secretary and treasurer, respectively.
The Commonwealth Zoning Board is composed of seven members, four of whom are officers.
“I feel so honored that my colleagues re-elected me back to continue leading the board. The past several years have been so difficult and challenging for the zoning program and I am proud to have been part of its governing board to ensure that improvements to the program are continuously updated and implemented accordingly to cater to our island’s economy,” Blanco told Saipan Tribune.
Despite the office’s many progresses and accomplishments, Blanco said many challenges still face the zoning program.
“There’s still a long way to go, but with optimism and a hardworking staff, I’m sure that the benefits of zoning on our communities will far outweigh the cons in no time…please take a tour around our islands and witness the many positive changes that have already begun taking effect,” he said.
This year, Blanco’s priorities include continuing finding ways to improve the zoning law and program “to help our businesses, property owners, visitors, and overall economy; and to appeal to our lawmakers, governor, and lieutenant governor to help the program with its operational and financial needs.”
Blanco also commended Zoning administrator Therese Ogumoro and her staff for their dedication and efforts to keep beautifying the island, and particularly for the creation of the agency’s website.
