Flashback – September 21, 2000-2003

Sept. 21, 2000

Woodruff’s role as CUC legal counsel questioned

Dismayed by lack of legal advice on pending legislation, Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez yesterday questioned the absence of legal counsel Steve Woodruff whom he said is off-island to assist the board of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. He said there may be conflict with the two hats worn by Mr. Woodruff as legal counsel to both the Senate and CUC, noting he can not meet the demands of the two jobs. “It looks like there is a conflict of interest. Who is the Senate legal counsel? Is he representing the Senate or CUC,” he told reporters in an interview. “We have to address that.”

CDA adjusts approved home loan target

The Commonwealth Development Authority has adjusted its target to seal at least 1,000 home loan agreement by the end of the year to 2001 due to slowdown in lending activities by private financing institutions. Board Chair John S. Tenorio said there remains a strong demand for home financing but private banks have taken a conservative approach on long-term loans primarily because of Article 12 restrictions. However, Mr. Tenorio pointed out that CDA was able to encourage some of the banking institutions operating in the Northern Marianas to earmark a portion of their portfolio for long-term housing loans to meet the demand.

Sept. 21, 2001

Government urged to tap Northern Islands’ resources

Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro yesterday urged the Legislature to tap potential business activities available in the Northern Islands to help the Northern Marianas prevent deeper economic crisis. Ogumoro said that passage of three critical legislation now pending at the Legislature will enable the CNMI to capitalize on the potential commercial fisheries, agriculture, land mineral mining, and other related resources available in the Northern Islands. “It is clear that the CNMI has not invested much time nor resources into tapping the huge market for eco-tourism and other nature-based resorts and activities,” said Ogumoro in a letter to House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial and Senate President Paul Manglona.

Sept. 21, 2002

NMI promotes family health, fitness

September 28-the last Saturday for this month-will be a day for the family and for fitness, as the entire United States, including territories such as the CNMI, celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day. In line with this, Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed yesterday morning the proclamation that signals the Commonwealth’s participation in this national activity. As explained by the organizing group, Heart of the Marianas, the event’s purpose is to promote family involvement in physical activity-one of the goals of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health.

Sept. 21, 2003

Bioterrorism preparedness plan offered

House Vice Speaker Manuel A. Tenorio has put forward a comprehensive proposal envisioned to prepare the Commonwealth in times of emergency health threats, including bio-terrorism. The proposal, dubbed the CNMI Emergency Health Powers Act of 2003 or House Bill 13-325, stresses the need to institute extraordinary government powers and functions in order to rapidly and effectively respond to potential or actual public health emergencies. The 12-page legislation, introduced during a session Friday, proposes the development of an elaborate plan to establish a well-synchronized response in times of public health emergencies.

Compensation sought for 16 PSS employees

The House of Representatives adopted a joint resolution Friday requesting the Public School System to set aside $130,000 to compensate some 16 employees who reportedly failed to receive the 14-percent pay increase pursuant to Public Law 7-31. Floor Leader Jesus T. Attao led House members in pushing for the salary increase, which, he said, applied to all CNMI autonomous agencies, including PSS. House Joint Resolution 13-35, which unanimously passed the House during a session, indicated that the Commonwealth Compensation Adjustment and Salary Act of 1991 mandated a 14 percent across the board pay increase over the salary schedule contained in PL 6-23 for all CNMI government employees.