Give local people the benefit of the doubt

In the “short take” segment of Ruth Tighe’s column, she asserted, “How could anyone in his or her right mind [think] that there are people in the CNMI whose credentials match those of Abe Malae? Where is the person who holds master’s degrees in civil engineering, public works administration and general science/physical chemistry, who has been as successful a utilities director, who has held as influential a position as CEO of a development bank, as Abe Malae?”

It is quite apparent that Tighe did not bother to look at the job description and employment contract language for the CUC executive director and approved by the board, which says: “The employer requires the services of a qualified executive director. The requirements for this position are dictated by statute in 4 CMC & 8133 (a), which states: “The board [board of directors] shall appoint an executive director to administer the operations of the corporation on behalf of the board. The executive director shall have, in addition to such other qualifications as the board may prescribe, a minimum of five years experience in public utility services, business management, or finance and shall possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.”

In Tighe’s column, she asked where we are going to find someone to match the qualifications of Abe Malae? Does someone need to have a master’s degree if they have a bachelor’s degree and significant experience to demonstrate the capability to handle the position responsibilities? Timothy Villagomez, for example, was the former CUC executive director. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering and worked his way up the ladder to become director. The experience he accrued would be looked upon and considered “equivalent” to an advanced degree in civil engineering mentioned by the columnist.

The most striking thing about Tighe’s perspective is she has not given the island community the benefit of the doubt in terms of prospects with qualifications. Any individual who has at least five years in either public utility services, business management, or finance and a college degree in any major could qualify. The issue appears to be that the number of people applying for the position has not been high.

Timothy Villagomez made a public statement regarding the position being filled by a person like Abe Malae. The Vice Speaker’s comment was not “anti-Samoan”; rather, it was “pro indigenous people of the CNMI”. Since he held the position of executive director, then he would know which candidates in the CNMI have the qualifications for this particular position and not Ruth Tighe.

Dr. Jesus D. Camacho
Delano, California