Casino commission to lose representation of Rota, Tinian

Rota and Tinian representation on the Commonwealth Casino Commission will come to a temporary halt today, April 30, 2018, as terms for both commissioners representing both islands expire.

Commissioners Justin Manglona and Martin San Nicolas’s terms representing Rota and Tinian on the commission ends today, April 30, 2018.

The law that created the commission states that, “No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms” while also stating, “…each member shall serve one term.”

According to 4 CMC§ 2313 (b)(4), each member shall serve a term of six years. The same exact provision also states that “…each member shall serve one term.” Contrary to the local mandate, another section of 4 CMC§ 2313, specifically section (b)(6), states, “No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms,” which implies that commissioners are allowed to be reappointed to the commission.

Confused, Commission executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero opined the law as it is written now is a waste of government resources since it does not allow Manglona and San Nicolas’ term to extend. Failing to extend Manglona and San Nicolas’ terms would force the casino commission down to three commissioners, which is just enough to establish a quorum.

Despite having a quorum, all three remaining commissioners will all represent Saipan.

“Unlike other commissions, this commission requires some knowledge [of how casinos function],” he said. “We have bombarded the five commissioners with enormous amounts of training; we have sent them to Las Vegas… Singapore, [and] around the world to help them understand the industry, to help them understand how to regulate,” he said.

“In my opinion, it is a waste of funds to just let [their terms] die out because the law says they cannot serve anymore,” he added.

In a lottery in 2016 to determine who will serve the shorter terms during the establishment of the casino commission, both Manglona and San Nicolas drew two-year terms while Alvaro Santos, vice chair Joseph Reyes, and chair Juan Sablan drew four-year terms.

As the law is written now, Rota and Tinian would not be represented in forthcoming casino commission meetings unless a bill that addresses the confusion is enacted.

Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan) introduced in the House last year House Bill 20-82, a lengthy bill that clarifies the roles and functions of the casino commission while also amending the confusing provision in the law that states commissioners shall serve only one term. The bill was referred to the House Gaming Committee, which he also chairs.

However, during a House Gaming Committee meeting in November 2017, the committee deleted the provision in the bill, cleanly omitting any mention of 4 CMC § 2313 (b)(4), or the bill that seems to restrict casino commissioners to only one six-year term each.

The House Gaming Committee would meet soon to discuss H.B. 20-82.