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Norita named DPS special adviser
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Posted on May 21 2006
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has named former Rep. Claudio K. Norita to be his special adviser on matters concerning the Department of Public Safety.
But the governor stressed that Norita would serve at DPS only temporarily, “until such time that he is able to serve as the executive director of the Commonwealth Ports Authority or serve in other roles assigned to him by our administration.”
Fitial has been lobbying the CPA board of directors to hire Norita as its executive director.
In a memorandum issued Friday, the governor announced that Norita was appointed to assist acting DPS Commissioner Ray Mafnas in choosing a replacement for Ernest Williams, who was terminated several weeks ago over his purported failure to establish a good working relationship with other DPS officers.
Norita would also be advising Mafnas on the reorganization and operations of DPS. He will receive no compensation for his new designation.
“I have high confidence in Mr. Norita’s law enforcement experience and leadership and management abilities. However, to ensure his success at DPS, I am asking you to please extend your full cooperation to Mr. Norita, as he takes on this important community responsibilities, voluntarily and at no cost to our taxpayers,” Fitial told administration officials.
Norita, a former police official and one-time member of the House of Representatives, lost his senatorial bid in the November 2005 general elections. He ran under the governor’s party, the Covenant Party, and helped lead Fitial’s Transition Committee.
The position of CPA executive director has been vacant since April 3, 2006, when Lee Cabrera quit the post to resume his old job as Saipan seaport manager.
