War of words between SHEFA exec, NMTI owner heats up

The tug of war between the Saipan Higher Educational Financial Assistance and Northern Marianas Trade Institute founder Anthony Pellegrino over funding has taken a nasty turn, with SHEFA administrator Henry Hofschneider claiming that Pellegrino had threatened him and Pellegrino denying the allegation.

During yesterday’s meeting of the SHEFA board, Hofschneider told the board that Pellegrino had threatened him in a recent exchange of emails where discussions centered on funds the institute is asking from SHEFA.

In a copy of the email exchange obtained by the Saipan Tribune, Pellegrino wrote Hofschneider on May 25, asking him for a “civil discussion” on matters concerning the trade institute. In the same communication, Pellegrino said, “Neither of us will enjoy the alternate result if we cannot talk decently and sincerely to one another. It will not be pleasant.”

Hofschneider believes this statement is threatening in nature. “I took his remarks as a threat. I didn’t ask him what are his intentions if I didn’t meet with him…but I told him that I didn’t appreciate that,” Hofschneider told the board.

But Pellegrino, in an email dated May 27, indicated that he’s not threatening Hofschneider or SHEFA.

“I am not threatening. I never do that. But after two years of talk and talk from SHEFA and no concrete results, the feelings begin to bend,” said Pellegrino, adding that there is a March 2009 law that requires SHEFA to share its funds with the trades institute.

Pellegrino pointed out that over 150 NMTI students have applied for SHEFA scholarships but only 10 have been approved so far.

Hofschneider told the board, however, that NMTI applicants keep asking his office for denial letters so they could use it as proof at the Workforce Investment Agency and food stamp office to obtain financial assistance.

“It’s untrue because NMTI students turn in incomplete applications and at the same time ask for denial letters. In fact, there was a template of a denial letter prepared even before I came onboard at SHEFA. I told my staff to stop giving them denial letters,” said Hofschneider, adding that Pellegrino claims he is not aware of this practice.

Board chair Jose Mafnas expressed surprise at the administrator’s revelation. “The students turned in incomplete applications and asked and begged to be denied by SHEFA? Wow!”

Mafnas reaffirmed the board’s position that it will not give away or share SHEFA’s budget with the trades institute.

According to Mafnas, the institute’s students are welcome to apply for assistance but they cannot demand to be given top priority. SHEFA regulations place priority on undergraduates, master’s degree students, online students, and then NMTI students.

“But it’s not true that NMTI is being kicked in the pants by SHEFA as claimed by Mr. Pellegrino,” said Mafnas.

NMTI earlier asked that 25 percent of SHEFA’s $3 million annual budget be allocated to the institute for the next three years so it could sustain its operations. A bill was introduced to this effect but this was opposed by SHEFA. In a recent meeting among parties, a $50,000 assistance for the institute was contemplated.

“As for Rep. Ray Palacios’ bill, it was for a lousy $50,000. Your group [SHEFA] picked up $100,000 just for administration!” said Pellegrino in his letter to the administrator, pointing out that the institute is educating people, just like what SHEFA is trying to do.