Rota delegation elects legislative secretary and unanimously passes three local bills

The Rota legislative delegation met June 10 at the Rotemayor’s Conference Hall in Tadpatsu and elected Senator Paul Manglona as legislative secretary, adopted the session journal and voted unanimously to pass three House local bills aimed at generating municipal revenue and supporting local operations.

The delegation elected Paul Manglona after Senator Cavill nominated him for legislative secretary; the nomination was seconded and the motion to close nominations carried. "I'm honored and privileged to nominate senator Paul Manglona to serve as our legislative secretary for the 20 fourth ROTA legislative delegation," Senator Cavill said during the nomination.

Why it matters: The bills passed during the session would change local revenue and operations if enacted and transmitted to the governor. Delegation members said they will schedule another meeting next week to resolve outstanding questions on one appropriation before transmission.

What the delegation passed

- House Local Bill 24-14: The delegation voted to pass a measure described in the record as "to impose a 5.5% ad valorem local excisor tax for the privilege of importing construction materials from outside and within the Commonwealth by licensed construction contractors into the First Senatorial District." A roll call showed Senator Cavill, Representative Ogo, Senator Paul Manglona and Chairman Mignogna voting "yes;" the clerk announced all four members voted yes and the bill passed.

- House Local Bill 24-23: The delegation passed the "Rota Cultural Heritage and Education Tour Act." During discussion members amended the bill on page 2, line 18 to specify that "the resident department head of DCCA ROTA shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section." The amendment was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote; the final passage was recorded 4-0 (the clerk announced all four members voted yes). In public comment Mayor Aubrey Holkook said the bill would help the Historic Preservation Office and waive fees for students. "I support this endeavor to help, generate and increase and diversify our revenue sources," Mayor Hoku said, and described student waivers and support for the Historic Preservation Office.

- House Local Bill 24-24: The delegation passed a bill to establish a Department of Public Works equipment rental fee; a roll call recorded four yes votes and the clerk announced the bill passed.

Other formal actions

- House Local Bill 24-17 was filed by motion (the clerk announced the filing).

- House Local Bill 25-13 (relating to compensation of members of the Bridal Casino Commission) was tabled for further review. The floor leader moved to table and the motion carried.

Public comment and department requests

Mayor Aubrey Holkook and Frederick Aterlik Moulonia Jr., resident director for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in Rota, spoke during public comment in favor of the cultural-tourism and DPW measures. Moulonia asked for support of 24-23, saying it would help cover fuel and maintenance costs and support tours of historic sites: "I ask for your support in this bill to help us, especially at my department, under the historic preservation office." Mayor Hoku said the DPW fee would allow planning around priorities and help offset material and parts costs for equipment.

Process notes and next steps

Chairman Mignogna said the delegation did not act on House Local Bill 24-27 (an appropriation of $305,000 to the Rota Casino Gaming Commission) and plans an additional session to gather clarification from the gaming commissioners before transmitting bills to the governor. The delegation also discussed pending House action on a $1,000,000 allocation for NAP benefits and ongoing discussions about austerity measures; members said further action depends on negotiations between chambers and relevant agencies.

The session closed after routine announcements and a motion to adjourn, with the clerk recording the adjournment at about 4:35 p.m.