USCM's visit to Saipan mulled

The Office of Saipan Mayor disclosed yesterday that plans are now underway for the possible visit this year of officials of the United States Conference of Mayors.

Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan, who was recently elected president of the Association of Marianas Island Mayors, said plans are being discussed to invite on island USCM president Brent Cole and other organization officials.

With the possible visit of Mr. Cole, he said USCM will have greater understanding and concern to assist Northern Marianas on various programs that will enhance and promote developments.

Should the plan push through, the visit will be the first for the USCM history and dignitaries will get the specific details on how the CNMI should be assisted in terms of federal grants and other related programs.

The Saipan mayor was installed as AMIM president this year whose members include mayors, vice mayors and municipal council members of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The mayor stressed that with him on the helm of AMIM, he hopes to motivate greater citizen interest and encourage more active community participation in various municipal matters, including cultural, economic, and environmental issues.

In addition to this, Mr. Sablan said he will pushed for programs that will enhance, promote, and preserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the Mariana Island people and to establish mutual cooperation, public harmony , and general prosperity among local governments.