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Internet bill needs safety net
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Posted on Mar 21 2001
Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona urged the Legislature to install a comprehensive safety measure to effectively implement the proposed networking of all government agencies in the Northern Marianas.
A written comment forwarded to House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication Chair Rosiky Camacho, Mr. Manglona said House Bill 12-337 or the Internet Portal for Electronic Services will improve government service through electronic means.
He said not only the government will benefit from the proposed measure, it will also stimulate interest from the private sector and possibly result in a good investment return.
However, the bill failed to address funding issues that may arise once the program is fully implemented, the Rota mayor said. He asked the Legislature to hire a network communication engineer to improve some aspects of the house bill.
The Office of the Attorney General, on the other hand, pointed out that failure of the Legislature to clarify whether the portal will be a government property or it will be used to benefit a private corporation.
“Whether the rendering assistance to a CNMI resident to establish an Internet portal when similar Internet services are already available through the private business sector constitutes a recognized function of government is very doubtful,” Assistant Attorney General Senior Counsel Elliott A. Sattler said.
The bill, which aims to assist the CNMI Public Library System in providing access to the Internet, can be accomplished legally and expeditiously without authorizing the expenditure of existing funds identified for personnel and procurement programs, Mr. Sattler stressed.
The Legislature proposed the creation of an Internet portal to improve search capabilities for specific content. It requires the government to award the contract through Request-for-Proposal within 180 working days of the Act’s approval.
The bill also seeks to establish an oversight committee known as the Access CNMI Committee to review and approve the development and operation of the Internet portal for electronic services. (EGA)
