MVarietyNews.com

Politics first at NMC

THE number of long-time instructors remaining at Northern Marianas College continues to shrink, leaving many unanswered questions for the student body and the community which provides

funding to the CNMI’s only institution of higher learning. The recent terminations, especially of an exemplary educator like Sam McPhetres, must be a red flag for those who review NMC’s accreditation.
The non-renewal of contracts, to be sure, is routine business in the private sector but not at colleges where outstanding instructors are prized above all, not only because of their rapport with students, but because of the knowledge and experience they impart. This is why they have been employed for a long time.
In the case of McPhetres, his students, past and present, will attest to his competence, professionalism and intelligence. He not only taught them vital lessons about political science, but also allowed them to find the answers themselves by becoming more aware of what was going on in their community through research and surveys.   Apparently, that was his “sin.” His class was producing young men and women suddenly becoming aware that there should be a better way for the CNMI.
In other words, his employment was ended because he was doing a good job as an educator — which didn’t suit the political requirements of his employer.
Although the NMC president has the prerogative to hire and fire employees, it should only be done according to established standards. There should be no room for the injection of personal bias in making these decisions, particularly in a college where studying different ideas and approaches are at the heart of the learning experience.
However, what NMC students are learning from all this is that no one should dare question the status quo, however bad it is for the commonwealth.
This is not the way to run a college.

Unsolicited advice to the election commission

SIMMERING below the surface are election challenges in the Northern Islands and Rota. The questions raised in those protests could have an effect on the other races. It is telling that the election commission chairwoman is telegraphing a quick deadline for the destruction of ballots. This was put into effect by previous election officials, but an irregular practice nonetheless because the Open Government Act requires the retention of government documents beyond what the election commission seems to be contemplating.
We suggest that they consult with counsel before undertaking such a move.

‘Business’ as usual

THE holidays are upon us, but there is still no sign of relief for the battered economy. Whatever boost was supposed to be gotten from federal stimulus funds missed the mark locally. Tourist numbers continue to lag. Companies are downscaling or shutting down. Investors are taking their business elsewhere.
Meanwhile, several federal officials have arrived on island to take over immigration functions, sending employers and employees into a frantic race to get paperwork done so they can remain in the CNMI for at least two years. Beyond that, nothing is certain.
All this didn’t stop the Legislative Bureau from rehiring someone who has just won a House seat. The LB didn’t want to save a thousand or so dollars on what is clearly a nonessential post occupied by a relative of a lawmaker who promised “change” during the campaign season, only to embrace the status quo in the runoff.