It's fun to have House Speaker and former Governor Froilan C. Tenorio --'Lang' -- back in the headlines. Unlike most politicians, what you see really is what you get. No bland statements here, thank you.
In fact, it's hard to keep up. "This idea of suing the federal government is not good," he tells the Marianas Variety today. I don't remember hearing that during the campaign, though. Not that he really had to take a position on anything: I penciled him in as not only winning, but being in the leadership as soon as he tossed his hat in the ring.
I wouldn't interpret it as a ringing endorsement of the feds taking over immigration either, he just thinks discussions under Section 902 of the Covenant are the way to go.
Jack's jack
In the same issue, he is quoted as saying lobbyist Jack Abramoff earned his pay, because "he did the job that I hired him to do." Pretty good, as outrageous statements go. It's also true, though he is one of the few former or current politicians who will say that now.
Father knows best
All of this after we get distracted for a moment from the Governor's aching back by yet another fight over who should direct the Legislative Bureau. Tenorio wants former Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua in the post. It's pretty reasonable to argue that the previous Legislature can't appoint employees for its successor. At least he didn't use incumbent Glenna SP. Reyes' relation to the former Senate President as an argument.
Showing posts with label Froilan C. Tenorio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Froilan C. Tenorio. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Delegating the representation
No one has mentioned it, but our man (or woman, candidates) in Washington is quietly moving from the Executive to the Legislative branch.
The Covenant required the Washington Representative to present his credentials to the Department of State, something like an Ambassador. The Delegate will presumably have to present credentials to the U.S. House of Representatives to be seated.
Practically, there's not much difference, it's even a plus because of the ability to directly influence legislation. Philosophically, it undercuts those who argue for a more independent CNMI. Former Governor and Washington Representative Froilan C. Tenorio consistently opposed having a non-voting delegate. That may be the reason, though I've never had the chance to discuss it with him.
For all of its rhetoric, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial's administration seems supportive, at least according to Press Secretary Charles Reyes in the Saipan Tribune:
It would seem none of the candidates have a problem with the change.
Section 901. The Constitution or laws of the Northern Mariana Islands may provide for the appointment or election of a Resident Representative to the United States, whose term of office will be two years, unless otherwise determined by local law, and who will be entitled to receive official recognition as such Representative by all of the departments and agencies of the Government of the United States upon presentation through the Department of State of a certificate of selection from the Governor. The Representative must be a citizen and resident of the Northern Mariana Islands, at least twenty-five years of age, and, after termination of the Trusteeship Agreement, a citizen of the United States.
The Covenant required the Washington Representative to present his credentials to the Department of State, something like an Ambassador. The Delegate will presumably have to present credentials to the U.S. House of Representatives to be seated.
Practically, there's not much difference, it's even a plus because of the ability to directly influence legislation. Philosophically, it undercuts those who argue for a more independent CNMI. Former Governor and Washington Representative Froilan C. Tenorio consistently opposed having a non-voting delegate. That may be the reason, though I've never had the chance to discuss it with him.
For all of its rhetoric, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial's administration seems supportive, at least according to Press Secretary Charles Reyes in the Saipan Tribune:
Reyes noted that if the governor were to challenge the federalization law, the challenge would not include the delegate portion.
“The delegate portion is not harmful. He [Fitial] supports the delegate portion of the law. What he disagrees with are the other provisions of the law that he finds very damaging to the CNMI economy,” he added.
It would seem none of the candidates have a problem with the change.
Section 901. The Constitution or laws of the Northern Mariana Islands may provide for the appointment or election of a Resident Representative to the United States, whose term of office will be two years, unless otherwise determined by local law, and who will be entitled to receive official recognition as such Representative by all of the departments and agencies of the Government of the United States upon presentation through the Department of State of a certificate of selection from the Governor. The Representative must be a citizen and resident of the Northern Mariana Islands, at least twenty-five years of age, and, after termination of the Trusteeship Agreement, a citizen of the United States.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
