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Senate committee hears support for Marco Rebalaman’s nomination to CEIA board
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Summary
The Senate EAGI Committee on Jan. 27 heard unanimous public and agency support for Marco Rebalaman’s nomination to the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority board, with committee members questioning how CEIA will coordinate incentive districts, agency authority and Northern Islands development; written testimony in favor will be forwarded to the full Senate.
SAIPAN — The Senate Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee on Jan. 27 held a public hearing on Governor David M. Apatang’s nomination of Marco Rebalaman to the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority board to represent the private sector and the Carolinian community.
John Paul B. Regis, Special Assistant to the Governor, introduced Rebalaman and summarized a long public-service record that includes serving as secretary of the Department of Commerce and as a special adviser to the Northern Islands mayor. "I am pleased to introduce Mr. Mark O'Rovoliman, the governor and lieutenant governor's nominee," Regis said.
The hearing drew a string of endorsements. Anthony Torres, chair of the Economic Incentive Authority, called Rebalaman "precisely the kind of dedicated, expert, experienced, and forward-thinking public servant our board needs" and urged confirmation. Business and civic leaders including Vin Armani, president of the Trade Council of the Marianas, and Joshua Cook, the council’s vice president, also testified in support. "I couldn't recommend anybody better to be on this board," Armani said.
Committee members pressed Rebalaman on the authority’s mission and how CEIA’s work differs from existing programs such as CEDA’s qualifying-certificate and microloan efforts. Rebalaman described CEIA’s role as "managing and overseeing the development and operation of designated incentive areas," saying the authority will focus on targeted incentive packages for identified industries and may negotiate with both public lands managers and private landholders.
Several senators highlighted economic opportunities and constraints affecting the Northern Islands and other municipalities. Senator Manny Castro urged the committee to consider energy projects — including geothermal and potential hydrogen conversion — as a way to reduce costs that currently discourage investment. Vice Chairman Jude Wolf Snyder asked how CEIA will coordinate with the Department of Public Lands and other regulators to provide certainty to investors; Rebalaman said coordination and bringing industry experts together with local stakeholders will be central to the board’s work.
The clerk disclosed nine written testimonies in support of the nomination (from the Northern Islands mayor, Department of Commerce staff, trade council leaders and others) and noted that no written opposition had been filed. Chairman Francisco Cruz said all oral and written testimony will be included in the committee’s recommendation report to the full Senate for consideration in the confirmation process.
The committee took no confirmation vote at the hearing. The session concluded after a voice vote to adjourn. The full Senate will receive the committee’s report and the submitted testimonies as it considers whether to confirm Rebalaman.
