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Saipan Senate: No to New Casino Bills

Posted on April 11th, 2011

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Saipan isn’t getting any new casino, or any form of expanded gambling for that matter. That’s the clear message communicated by state legislators. That is, however, if they are allowed to have their way in the next few legislative sessions; given the current composition of the Saipan Senate though, it is very likely that there’s no resisting that directive. Senate President Paul manglona (Ind-Rota) is one with many other senators looking to kill any new casino-related legislation that hits the Senate. The message was delivered in response to a widely circulated newspaper opinion suggesting that senators have softened their stance with regard to gambling. This comes as a direct contradiction to the series of aggressive gambling expansions adopted the United States.

Manglona said to the Saipan Tribune, “When we’re in such a critical budget crisis, everything is on the table. But I want to make it clear that the Senate, if we have a vote today, will kill any casino legislation.” He also added, “Everything’s on the table and that’s what I think Sen. Ayuyu meant,” referring to Sen. Ayuyu’s previous statements on an agreement between the senators and the governor “– that everything’s on the table – but if you put it on a vote, it’s going to get killed in the Senate because we feel there are other investors willing to come to Rota and Tinian.” That reported agreement came out because of a closed-door meeting with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial earlier in the week calling for senators to “keep an open mind” on the matter concerning casinos in Saipan. The government is actively looking to patch big holes in the budget that can severely impair the government’s ability to deliver basic services should no action be taken to mitigate the projected effects.

For the fiscal year from 2011 to 2012, Saipan expects a reduction of its projected revenue from $132 million to $122 million. The expected available budget for 2012, on the other hand, will be down to $102 million, a reduction of 16 percent, year-on-year. Ayuyu clarified his position on the matter saying he never meant to say there was already an agreement between senators and the governor. Manglona, meanwhile, believes that the decision for a legal gambling facility in the territory should come from a popular vote rather than a legislative action. Saipan voters have historically rejected gambling initiatives twice. In line with this, Manglona said “If you ask me today what my position is, it will be no.”

Manglona also reiterated the position of the previous governor turned representative Froilan Tenorio after he proposed a casino bill earlier in the year. Tenorio said he will gather the required signatures to put the initiative on ballot as the proper means for deciding the matter. “I support Froilan Tenorio’s statement shortly after the Senate rejected the casino legislation on Tinian when he stated that he’s going to go out and get signatures enough to put it on the ballot,” Manglona added. “The casino industry on Tinian will be affected. I will be very disrespectful of the people of Saipan if I make a decision on the casino because they already rejected it twice.” Echoed Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian). He emphasizes the need for the measure to be reviewed via a popular initiative, which he believes may cause a different outcome for the proposal.

Other Senators who will also vote “no” should a casino bill be reviewed in the senate today are Sen. Rakph Torres (R-Saipan) and Senate Vice President Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian) who says “I don’t think it will have a chance in the Senate today.” He adds, “Let the good people of Saipan decide on it. Let’s respect the decision of the people.” Meanwhile, four senators have been invited to visit China by the investor for the Tinian casino Bridge Investment Group. The senators due to leave today are Hofschneider, Cruz, Manglona and Sen. Henry San Nicolas (Cov-Tinian).The visit is intended to strengthen the relationship between Bridge Investment and Saipan as Bridge seeks to build a $50 million condominium and housing project in Tinian. As of now, the outcome of the expansion measure hangs in the balance.