Torres on TRO denial
It is necessary to clear up a few questions about the Temporary Restraining Order and the separate Petition for Permanent Injunction and Declaratory Relief that I filed last Tuesday. After the governor refused to reply to my two letters asking for a simple explanation to how he is able to circumvent the law on budgetary matters, I felt compelled to file the TRO to bring an immediate halt to the governor’s raiding the Legislature’s and other department’s budget above and beyond the Governor’s legal authority, as per Public Law 15-1.
As to the court’s denying the TRO, the court overlooked the fact that I did file certain documents that would have helped my TRO request. But I won’t quibble over the TRO denial, because the more important petition has been filed and served on the Governor’s Office this morning. The governor has 20 days to answer the Petition for Declaratory relief, and explain how he can unilaterally take money from anywhere to cover up the mismanagement of CUC, which is a not a natural disaster.
Again, if the governor feels he doesn’t have to answer to this minority member of the House, since his majority rules the roost, then I’m confident that the CNMI courts will decide in favor of those who believe in the separation of powers. This fight is also for all the government workers who are being subjected to pay cuts while the governor continues to hire new green faces under the continuing resolution and current revenue shortfall.
Rep. Stanley T. McGinnis Torres
Capitol Hill
