Senate committee holds public hearing for appointees to Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority

Saipan — The Senate Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing Sept. 18 for two governorial nominees to the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority, David Berger and Tina Azavan, who were introduced by Jean Paul B. Regis, special assistant to the governor. The hearing, held at about 9:45 a.m. in the Senate Chamber at the Hon. Supe Ram Nas Memorial Building, included questions from senators and remarks from business leaders; the committee did not take a confirmation vote during the session.

The hearing matters because the authority — created by what is now called the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Act (Public Law 12-20) — is the statutory vehicle to offer tax and other incentives to attract investment and diversify the CNMI economy. Vin Armani, president of the Trade Council of the Marianas, told senators the law requires a private-sector majority on the board and noted the nominees were selected from names submitted by a qualifying chamber of commerce. Armani reminded the committee the law’s legislative findings call for “aggressive actions to broaden the CNMI’s economic base through diversification.”

David M. Berger, introduced as a nominee representing the private sector, described himself as a long-time resident and certified public accountant licensed in Guam and the CNMI. “I’m honored to be nominated… I’ve been here in the CNMI for 35 years,” Berger said, noting his background in auditing, tax returns and…