Strong support for Larson’s nomination as Finance secretary

No less than acting governor Eloy S. Inos presented the Fitial administration’s nominee, Larrisa Larson, during the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigation’s public hearing yesterday on Larson’s nomination as Finance secretary.

Inos, a former Finance secretary, thanked Larson for accepting the nomination given the challenges that come with the job, especially during tough economic times. He spoke of Larson’s qualification, skills and ability, as well as the administration’s strong support and faith in her.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Inos nominated Larson as Finance secretary on April 5; Larson has been holding the post in a temporary and acting capacity since Jan. 10. Her nomination requires the advice and consent of the full Senate.

As part of the process, the Senate EAGI Committee has to review the nomination and hold a public hearing, which the panel did yesterday.

Attorney General Ed Buckingham and former CNMI public auditor Mike Sablan testified in support of Larson’s nomination.

Others who testified in support of the nominee were Customs director Jesus Muña, special assistant for administration Esther Fleming, special assistant for management and budget Virginia Villagomez, and Northern Marianas College board of regents member William Torres.

Larson, in an interview, said she’s humbled by the support she has received. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with anyone I work with. It’s been a humbling experience. …I’m a little overwhelmed by the support,” she said.

Larson began work in government in 2000 as a business development consultant and special assistant to the president at Northern Marianas College. She moved to the Office of the Public Auditor in 2003 as an analyst. She started working at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in 2010 as a technical analyst until being named acting Finance secretary in January, and officially nominated to the post in April.

The mother of three said despite the demands of her job, she makes sure she has time for her children.

Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian), chairman of the EAGI Committee, said the panel also received written testimony from Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz supporting Larson.

“We also received emails, texts and verbal messages supporting the nominee. Everything we received were in support of her; nobody is opposing her nomination. It’s more than likely that she will be confirmed by the Senate,” Cruz told Saipan Tribune.

During the public hearing, Senate floor leader Pete Reyes (R-Saipan) and other EAGI Committee members stated that they will vote for Larson once her nomination is up for voting.

Reyes said it is “rare” for the governor or the acting governor to attend a public hearing on the governor’s nomination. He said Inos’ presence says a lot about the administration’s confidence in the nominee.

Press secretary Angel Demapan said the administration is confident that it has presented a nominee that will likely be confirmed.

If and when confirmed by the Senate, Larson will fill the position left vacant by Robert Schrack, who stepped down on Oct. 31, 2010.

When Shrack left the post, Connie Agulto was temporarily assigned to head Finance in November. By Jan. 10, then acting governor Inos named Larson to become acting Finance secretary until Fitial nominated her to the post in April.

The Senate also held separate public hearings on the governor’s nominations of former senator Diego Songao to serve on the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors and Ignacio Perez to serve on the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission. Nobody opposed their nominations.

Cruz, Reyes, Senate Vice President Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian) and other senators expressed concern about the urgency to confirm Perez not only because the end of the 90-day period is approaching but more because the CPUC no longer has a member starting today due to Viola Alepuyo’s appointment expiring on June 7.

Alepuyo was the chairperson and only commissioner until the last day of her appointment, which was already extended by 30 days.

Perez, in an interview, said it would be a challenge to serve on the commission by himself if and when the Senate confirms his nomination.

Once confirmed, Perez will serve the remainder of the term of former CPUC commissioner Kimberly King-Hinds. That term expires on Feb. 6, 2012.

Senators said Perez is likely to be confirmed, absent any opposition to his nomination.

“But the governor should also appoint other members,” Cruz said.

Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) said he recommends that the House also hold an immediate public hearing on Perez’s nomination, and vote to confirm him soon to ensure that CPUC functions are not disrupted.

The governor submitted Perez’s name to the Senate on March 21. The 90-day period expires June 21.