Lawmakers seek Schorr’s replacement

Local lawmakers yesterday asked the Office of Insular Affairs to replace its CNMI liaison officer Jeffrey Schorr following disclosure by the U.S. House Resources Committee that he has engaged in partisan political activities and other improprieties affecting the Northern Marianas.

At the same time, they expressed anger over the findings made by its chair Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) on the allegations, saying OIA officials and employees found guilty of violating federal laws should suffer the consequence.

The report, contained in a May 15 memorandum to members of the committee which has oversight of all insular areas such as the CNMI, detailed what Mr. Young described as illegal federal lobbying targeted against Republican leaders of Congress who are opposed to President Clinton’s legislation and policy towards the Commonwealth.

The U.S. lawmaker maintained these activities violated the Hatch Act prohibitions against political campaign using government time and resources.

“Congressman Young’s report will place all those people who have tried very hard to kill the CNMI economy where they rightfully belong,” said House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial in reaction to the findings.

He stressed the island was just caught in a political fight between the Democrats and the Republicans in the U.S. which has turned the CNMI people into victims who have been burdened because of the campaign to push federal takeover legislation in Congress.

“We do not need to get involved in the fight between these two parties. We need to do what we need to do and that is to revive our economy so we can continue to provide the programs and services that our people need,” said Mr. Fitial.

“I do not want to say if Mr. Schorr needs to be replaced but take a look, you will notice that I keep myself away from people I consider not to be friendly,” he added.

Replace him

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes believed it will be appropriate for OIA Director Ferdinand Aranza to remove Mr. Schorr and put in place someone that the CNMI can trust.

If Mr. Aranza is really sincere in his commitment to bridge its differences with the Commonwealth, he said he should begin by appointing a new liaison officer here since his position is very critical in linking the OIA with the local government.

“Now that Mr. Schorr has been implicated, his presence in the CNMI becomes suspect. For any activities that happen here, we have to watch our back, not because we are doing the wrong thing, but… because we know there’s going to be political assassin around. We know who he is now,” Mr. Reyes told in a separate interview.

Mr. Schorr, who was contacted last Friday for comment on Mr. Young’s report, said he would not be able to respond to the charges.

“He’s untrustworthy in the CNMI. We don’t trust him. The Legislature doesn’t trust him and I personally don’t trust him,” the senator said.

Although CNMI lawmakers were not surprised about OIA’s activities concerning the island, they nevertheless want Mr. Young to pursue the investigation and punish those found guilty of breaking the laws.

Mr. Reyes said he expected this to happen in light of OIA’s treatment of the island, but added officials and employees responsible for the smear campaign should not be allowed to remain in office.

“There should be some kind of retribution. These are people who can’t claim ignorance because they know what’s happening,” he said.

Aside from Mr. Schorr, those implicated by Mr. Young were former OIA Director Allen P. Stayman, Mr. Aranza and former chief information officer David North who retired last year amid the House investigation.