Previous Story
AGO to address legal issues on La Fiesta
|
Posted on Jun 21 2005
The Babauta administration believes that all legal issues surrounding the purchase of La Fiesta complex would soon be settled with the issuance of a legal opinion by the Attorney General’s Office.
“The AGO is working on the issue of constitutionality in the acquisition of La Fiesta,” said governor senior policy advisor Bob Schwalbach during a recent Cabinet meeting.
During the meeting, Public School System federal program officer Tim Thornburg said that PSS would be ready to move to La Fiesta “anytime” once the legal and funding issues are resolved.
“PSS can go anytime. The board reaffirmed its position that PSS can do it if operational and constitutional concerns are addressed,” said Thornburg.
Upon hearing this, Gov. Juan N. Babauta commented, “ I don’t get it [constitutionality].”
“Well, there are many things I don’t get,” he quipped.
The governor said he hopes that the PSS could use the facility for the class opening in August.
The Governor’s Office, which currently owns the La Fiesta complex, offered Phase 2 of the mall for PSS’ use.
PSS said earlier that it would only accept the offer if the government also provides the agency with funding to run the facility. PSS said it would need $2.8 million to open a junior high and high school at La Fiesta, which would serve residents of Tanapag, San Roque, and Marpi.
PSS earlier said that the Legislature also needs to approve the annual lease payments for La Fiesta.
In 2003, Northern Marianas College bought the mall complex for $7.5 million, payable over 20 years, for its aborted Pacific Gateway program.
Amid serious funding concerns, NMC transferred the ownership of La Fiesta to the Governor’s Office early this year.
