A FORMER Tinian gaming commissioner is asking the Office of the Public Auditor to look into the possible abuse of municipal funds.
Martin San Nicolas, in his complaint dated Jan. 23, 2011, told Public Auditor Michael Pai that there should be a formal investigation into Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruzs handling of public funds.
œIt is unfortunate that during these times of fantastic distress for our people, he continues to exploit our meager funds for excessive travelling, to and from Saipan, San Nicolas said, referring to the mayor.
He said Felipe Ataligs Open Government Act request has œexposed questionable buy orders of alcohol, brake pads, travel advances and edible panties.
In an interview, Dela Cruz said he welcomes the complaint of San Nicolas since he has nothing to hide.
He said he has questioned OPA to audit his office.
œI am not the type of person that will pocket money, he said, adding that all his travel expenses are justified.
Dela Cruz said San Nicolas complaint is a œpersonal vendetta because the mayor turned down San Nicolas request for a street light on his farm.The former Tinian gaming commissioner also wanted the mayor to question municipal council members Joseph SN. Cruz and Estevan Cabrera to resign, Dela Cruz.
The mayor said he turned down this request because the two are elected officials.
San Nicolas, in his complaint to OPA, also cited the recent travel of the mayor to South Korea paid by Neo Gold Wings Paradise, a hotel-casino investor.
œIt is a conflict for an official to expose himself to bribery that leads to corruption, San Nicolas said.
œAs residents and taxpayers, it is our right that elected officials are held accountable for their actions and that abuse be exposed, he added.
Warning
The Tinian municipal council, for its part, was warned against confirming the appointment of Don A. Farrell to the Tinian gaming commission.
Former Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council member Felipe Atalig said theres a conflict of interest if the Tinian council will confirm Farrells appointment.
Atalig said it œalarms him that Dela Cruz may be attempting to appoint his brother-in-law, Farrell.
He said this is another act of nepotism by the mayor.
But Dela Cruz said he will no longer appoint a new commissioner due to lack of funding. A commissioner gets about $100,000 a year in salary and benefits. The commission has five seats, three of which remain vacant.
Atalig said that if any council members vote to confirm Farrell, he will sue them.
œIt is [also] clearly unethical to hold the municipal council chairmanship if you are currently hired under the very administration you are supposed to watch over, Atalig said, in his letter to council chairman Patrick Manglona, vice chairman Estevan Cabrera and council secretary Joseph SN. Cruz.
Cabrera is deputy resident director of public works while Cruz is deputy resident director of land and natural resources.
He said pursuant to the Government Ethics Code, codified at 1 CMC § 8535 (a), Cruz and Cabrera are in direct conflict of interest if they vote to confirm Farrell.
Atalig said he is informing the council of their fiduciary duty.
Article source: http://www.mvariety.com/2011012433710/local-news/opa-urged-to-investigate-tinian-mayor.php
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Halo Sobat, Nama Saya Sofyan Syah, Memulai Dunia Blogging Sejak Nov 2011, Meskipun Masih Baru terjun di Dunia Blogging, Saya tidak patah semangat Untuk menjadi Yang terbaik dari yang Terbaik, karena saya yakin, Tidak ada hal yang tidak Mungkin.Buat saya Blogging Is My Life.Senang rasanya jika sobat sudah Berkunjung di blog ini.
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