Lizama steps down from the bench

Superior Court Associate Judge Juan T. Lizama will step down from the bench effective tomorrow, Saturday.

Lizama, who is said to be planning to run as CNMI’s first delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, submitted his letter of resignation to Superior Court presiding judge Robert C. Naraja on Wednesday.

“I think it’s wise at this time to step down and allow the next generation of lawyers the chance to gain the benefits and experience from this position,” said the judge in his resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by Saipan Tribune yesterday.

Lizama said he has greatly enjoyed and appreciated “the myriad aspects” of the judge’s position and that he will surely draw on these experiences for the rest of his life.

“Now that there has been word of my intent to retire publicized to the community, I think it is prudent to step down sooner than later,” said the judge, referring to Saipan Tribune’s article last week about his plan to retire on July 17 to pursue his dream to be the CNMI’s first delegate.

In that article Lizama only stated that “it is very, very likely” when asked if he is retiring.

In the same article, the judge neither confirmed nor denied if he intends to run as a delegate.

“It’s better to be on the side of caution until the time comes,” said the judge in that story.

In his letter of resignation, Lizama said that tomorrow, May 24, will be a mere 40 days short of his 10th year on the bench.

“Therefore I declare my retirement from the bench effective May 24, 2008,” Lizama said.

A source earlier said that Lizama is willing to challenge Washington resident representative Pete A. Tenorio, a possible candidate for the delegate position, and other hopefuls.

But the source said Lizama will not run “for good reason” if former attorney general and now private lawyer Robert Torres files his candidacy for the delegate post.

In 2003, then presiding judge Edward Manibusan and associate judge Lizama were up for retention. Manibusan opted to retire. Lizama became the first judge in the CNMI to be retained. Thus, his term on the bench was extended until 2010.

The landmark election for the first NMI delegate to the U.S. House will be held in the Commonwealth on Nov. 4, 2008. This will coincide with the general election in the U.S.