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Chamber wants street naming implemented
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Posted on Sep 22 2000
Members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday prodded legislators to push for the implementation of the street naming project to help ease the conduct of business on the island.
Chamber president Lynn Knight said some of the business leaders emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the project, which has been delayed due to lack of funds and squabbles over names.
While the maps to be used in the project have been prepared, the Street Naming Commission has yet to receive money for the purchase of materials and installation of the signs. An estimated $800,000 is needed to fund the project.
The Chamber members met with House Floor Leader Oscar Babauta and Senate President Paul Manglona during association’s monthly dialogue with legislators.
“We have been talking about it for years and it is not just happening,” Ms. Knight said.
Chamber director Alex Sablan has also inquired about the status of the proposed measure establishing a one-stop permitting shop similar to the one installed in Guam. The bill is pending with the Senate.
On the issue of raising fees, government agencies must at least provide enough period for the employees to comment on before its implementation. Chamber director David Wiseman believes that there must be a statute that will stipulate the review period before a change in regulation takes place.
Mr. Wiseman noted that government agencies need to raise fees to cope with the operational cost due to budgetary cuts but this must be carried out after providing time for review since such adjustments will result in increase in cost of living.
The business leaders also asked the legislators leaders for a schedule of public hearings so that they can send their representatives to participate in discussion or submit their comments timely.
