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CSC chair asks Torres to replace him
Says governor assured his reappointment 4 months ago, but no action until now
Herman R. Deleon Guerrero gestures as he explains during an interview yesterday about his request for Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to appoint someone to replace him as chairman of the Civil Service Commission. (FERDIE DE LA TORRE)
Herman R. Deleon Guerrero urged Gov. Ralph DLG Torres yesterday to appoint someone to replace him as chairman of the Civil Service Commission since his term already expired last January.
Deleon Guerrero said there have been several communications between him and Torres’ office before and after January 2018 and they actually met last March 22, during which the governor stated he would re-appoint him, but there is no indication of such appointment to date.
“He gave me his assurance almost four months [ago],” Deleon Guerrero said.
He did clarify, though, that although he is a busy man, he is still willing to serve another term with CSC.
In fact, Deleon Guerrero said, although his term expired last January, he still participates in CSC meetings to ensure that there is a quorum, during which he acts as chairman because nobody has been appointed yet as his replacement.
Deleon Guerrero intended to submit a letter to Torres yesterday to seek clarification whether he will be re-appointed or not.
Deleon Guerrero suggested Torres to appoint someone as soon as possible so that CSC can continue to have meeting quorum and address vital issues, especially Civil Service employees’ issues.
He reminded the governor that he has not appointed anyone to the CSC board for quite a while now.
“The governor has to pay attention to the Civil Service Commission because it’s mandated by the [CNMI] Constitution and the Covenant,” Deleon Guerro said.
He underscored the importance of CSC in providing direction to employment and rights of government employees.
“The Civil Service Commission should not be overlooked,” he added.
At present, CSC has seven members, including Deleon Guerrero.
Despite that, he said they still have a quorum problem because other members do not show up for meetings for various reasons.
Deleon Guerrero began serving as CSC chairman in 2012.
“CSC before was going down, but through the legislation of Heinz Hofschneider, we revived it,” said Deleon Guerrero, adding that they have established an office and are now providing training to Civil Service employees, among other things.
Deleon Guerrero also asked Torres to increase the Civil Service budget that was cut almost in half in fiscal year 2018.
“We are trying to recoup that loss through supplemental budget requests but the possibility is dim,” he said.
Deleon Guerrero served as senator from 1977 to 1994.
