Time is running out on Pai’s confirmation

The Legislature has 10 days from today to act on Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s nomination of Mike Pai for public auditor, or it will expire and the governor cannot reappoint him.

Pai was named to replace Michael Sablan as public auditor on July 22, 2008. The Senate and House of Representatives have 90 days from then—or until Oct. 19, 2008—to confirm the appointment. To date, neither house of the Legislature has taken any action.

House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios said he ordered the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations yesterday to work with the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations on Pai’s nomination. Palacios attributed the delay to an oversight in the House, and said the matter is now on top of the House’s priorities.

The Fitial administration yesterday reaffirmed its support for Pai, and called on the Legislature to confirm his appointment. “We believe there is no legitimate basis to reject Mr. Pai. He meets all of the professional qualifications and his character, reputation and integrity cannot be besmirched,” said press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr.

Although concerned by the uncertainty about his position, Pai said he is running the Office of the Public Auditor “like it is business as usual.”

‘I’m just taking it in stride,” said Pai. “I was appointed by the governor, and I consider it an honor. I would like to get confirmed. If it doesn’t happen, I guess they would like to have another public auditor.”

If the Legislature does not confirm Pai by Oct. 19 and the governor allows Pai’s nomination to expire, Pai cannot be re-nominated for the job. The governor could prevent this from happening by retracting the nomination and resubmitting it—in the process, giving the Legislature another 90 days to act on it.

Pai has been a certified public accountant for more than 20 years. He attended the University of Hawaii, where he completed degrees in engineering and business administration.

Before putting up his own accounting firm in 1986, Pai worked for a number of corporations and an accounting firm, including the Hawaiian Telephone Company, Micronesian Telecommunications Corp., and Ernst & Young.

He is currently involved in several businesses, including Chong’s Corporation and Sunset Cruise Inc. on Saipan, Plexus International in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Universal Air Supply Inc. on Guam.

Pai is also active in community activities, serving as member of the CNMI Board of Accountancy, the NMI Judiciary Historical Society, and the Pet Assistance & Welfare Services group. Pai was also a president and a board member of the Rotary Club of Saipan, and was a board member of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.