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A nudge from Tina
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Posted on Mar 20 2008
With much interest I read Tina Sablan’s letter to the editor in the Variety on Wednesday, March 19.
Ms. Sablan said that there were now 11 initiatives to amend the Commonwealth’s Constitution. I must admit to knowing nothing about the Constitution, and thus have some reading to do. However, it strikes me that this is a rather large number of initiatives in a rather short period time.
I’ve been under the impression that amendments to the Constitution are generally few in number , occurring to make major changes in the way a country is governed. I sure would appreciate a listing of the proposed amendments with some comment on the likely effects they might have on how we conduct our lives here on Saipan (I.e. pros and cons).
I agree with Ms. Sablan when she calls for public hearings. The Commonwealth owes it to itself to encourage discussion and debate so that the Legislature can be careful to carry out the will of the people—all of the people. I’ve noticed a tendency for meetings and presentations on Saipan to be last-minute affairs without much prior notice; consequently there is very little time for people to weigh in on the issues. Proposed amendments deserve the utmost of scrutiny and lively debate; a time for the light of transparency.
It’s time for our elected officials to exhibit real leadership and to be transparent in all the processes of legislation and for government policies, procedures, plans and programs. Might someone on Capital Hill take this project on and provide the citizenry with accurate and timely information concerning these amendment initiatives?
Thanks for nudging your fellow legislators, Ms. Sablan.
[B]Perry Conner[/B] [I]As Matuis[/I]
