Overhaul of Saipan mayor's office sought

The Saipan Mayor’s office needs to redefine its functions and institute reforms to avoid duplication of services provided to the community by the central government, according to House Majority Floor Leader Ana S. Teregeyo.

Mayor Jose C. Sablan expressed frustration over the current set-up, which has diminished the role of his office in the delivery of basic services as well as in handling events and functions on the island.

He said he’s been trying not to sidestep the governor in performing his duties although at time he feels “out of place” during official functions held on Saipan where the Commonwealth leader is accorded protocol.

“I don’t discriminate once members of the community ask for our assistance,” Sablan told the budget hearing yesterday on the Office of the Mayor, “provided we don’t overstep the governor’s authority.”

Rey Diaz, budget officer for the municipal government, raised the possibility that they may not have to beg for additional money from the Legislature if it is given more authority to generate revenues for local appropriation.

“We have so much revenues here (that we can generate) … if you consider Saipan as a separate government from the central government. Someone has to let go… The Saipan delegation has to let go,” he said.

These statements were in response to an inquiry by Teregeyo, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which conducted the hearing, whether the Mayor’s office has been able to fulfill its obligations to the community, noting that it has been known only as an office for “road repair and water delivery services.”

In an interview after the three-hour discussion, the representative said Saipan municipal officials must back up with a feasibility study its appeals for additional funding from the CNMI government in light of findings that they only duplicate functions of some departments and agencies.

“They have to do a lot to support their intent of requesting for more services given such responsibility and authority to the mayor,” she explained. “They have look at what programs they feel they should take over versus the central government’s responsibility.”

Teregeyo, however, acknowledged that instituting sweeping reforms would take a while, citing concerns by the mayor on his relationship with the Office of the Governor in providing some services to island residents.

“My question is what we can give to the mayor to administer and be totally responsible and accountable for the municipality of Saipan,” she pointed out.

Legislators may introduce amendment to the Constitution and the Covenant that spell out the duties of the Saipan mayor to seek clear separation of roles and responsibilities between his office and the Commonwealth which is the case on Rota and Tinian where the municipal governments are granted broad powers.

“It so happens that the central government is located here and there is so many duplication of services and functions. We just want to try and give it to the mayor and let him run it,” Teregeyo said.