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Initiative not meant to politicize AG post
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Posted on Dec 07 2000
The proponent of a legislative initiative seeking selection of Attorney General through popular vote has brushed aside fears that his proposal could politicize the position and breed influence peddling.
Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano said there are safeguards included in the initiative to assure the public that any candidate for the position does not get influenced by others nor endorsed by a political party.
“I hope that will not happen because that is not the intention of the initiative,” he told in an interview, but added those are concerns the Senate will have to consider in reviewing the proposal.
On fears that it may result to an Attorney General beholden to families who voted for him or her into office, Mr. Adriano noted the initiative calls for a non-partisan candidate who will never be part of any political parties.
“Even donation and campaigning for votes are out of the question,” he said.
The Tinian senator, who also heads the powerful Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations, has sponsored SLI 12-2 to bring the issue of appointing the Attorney General to the people.
It seeks to amend the CNMI Constitution in order to allow direct election by voters among candidates to the critical post. At present, the chief government lawyer is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Senators cleared the measure last month on first reading and will be presented to the public in a series of town meetings to gather input and recommendations.
Mr. Adriano said he wants his committee to handle the public hearing and subsequent review of the initiative before a final voting in the upper house.
The AG’s appointment has become a battleground between the senators and the governor in recent years, leading to a long succession of acting officials due to failure to get the Senate’s confirmation.
Current Attorney General Herb D. Soll is the first official to hold the position in a permanent capacity in over six years. (Benhur C. Saladores)
