Fitial removes CDA board member for ‘dereliction of duty’

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial removed Nathan M. Quichocho as a member of both the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s board of directors on Wednesday, citing “dereliction of duty.”

Fitial cited Quichocho’s absences from NMHC’s board meetings that resulted in delayed actions on important projects. He said Quichocho’s absence and inaction has been a “hindrance” to NMHC and CDA.

The governor immediately notified Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) that he’s appointing Edwin P. Aldan who, if confirmed by the Senate, will serve Quichocho’s remaining term that will expire on July 8, 2014.

Fitial, at the same time, formally appointed on Wednesday former House floor leader and attorney Joseph James N. Camacho to serve as an associate judge for the CNMI Superior Court.

The governor previously told reporters he will be appointing Camacho, whose candidacy for delegate got the governor’s support and endorsement in 2010. Camacho lost to Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, who is serving his second term as the CNMI’s first and so far only delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Camacho’s nomination requires the Senate’s advice and consent.

“If confirmed, Mr. Camacho will serve a six-year term,” Fitial told the Senate president in a letter received yesterday.

Fitial said he’s confident that Camacho is “well qualified and will be a valued asset” to the CNMI Judiciary.

The Senate president, when asked for comment yesterday, said the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations will review Camacho’s nomination.

Manglona said the Senate didn’t expect the governor to appoint anyone this soon.

Manglona is the author of an initiative that seeks to reduce the number of associate judges from “at least four” to “at least three,” saying the fewer number of cases filed in the past years and the economic hardships no longer justify the need to have at least four associate judges.

Camacho was at the Senate yesterday.

The governor sent a one-page letter to Quichocho dated Aug. 10, and copies of which were received yesterday by the Senate, among other agencies.

“In anticipation of your resignation as expressed by you, this letter serves to remove you for cause from your post as a director for the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation on the grounds of dereliction of duty pursuant to 4 CMC 10304,” Fitial told Quichocho.

The governor also told Quichocho that he was sworn in as a director for the CDA/NMHC board of directors on Feb. 26, 2011 “to carry out the mission of those agencies which are considered vitally important, especially during the current economic state of our Commonwealth.”

But the governor said based on attendance records of NMHC, Quichocho was not in attendance for board meetings after April 19, 2011.

“There are important projects pending that require board action, which remains unresolved as a result of your absence… While I regret to resort to this remedy, I must ensure that the mandate of the CDA and the NMHC continues to be carried out as required by law,” Fitial added.

He reiterated that there are pending matters that require board action that can no longer be postponed.

“Your absence and inaction has been a hindrance to these agencies which prompts this action,” Fitial said.

Press secretary Angel Demapan said yesterday Quichocho is being replaced following his decision to relocate outside of the CNMI.

The Senate confirmed Quichocho’s appointment on Feb. 11, 2011, just a few hours after holding a public hearing on his nomination. Quichocho represented Tinian on the CDA/NMHC board.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune a few days after his Senate confirmation, Quichocho vowed to work on the CNMI’s economic development through a comprehensive plan and sound legislation.

Quichocho could not be reached for comment yesterday.