THE newly elected head of the Zoning Board, Perry Inos Jr., wants the governing body that regulates land use to operate more efficiently through the use of modern technology.
The new board members elected Inos as chairman during a meeting on Tuesday, Zoning Administrator Geralyn Dela Cruz said, adding that Inos “has been an active member since July of last year and been an asset to this body.”
In his statement on Thursday, Inos said it’s a “privilege to take on the role as chairman with the confidence and support of my fellow board members as we move into the new year. I see great change and impact to come.”
His first initiative is to introduce technology into all that the Zoning Board does in order to become more efficient.
He said he will also work closely with the newly appointed board members, and the administrator and staff to get valuable feedback concerning the zoning law.
He plans to introduce a portal for community feedback “in order to understand the community and business needs that make sense to the CNMI.”
Inos said he will also work closely with the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation to implement needed amendments to zoning laws.
And lastly, “to better serve Saipan,” he plans to implement “key performance indicators derived from stakeholder involvement will foster a stakeholder approach environment for the office and the community we serve.”
In an interview, Dela Cruz said former Zoning Board chairwoman Tatiana Babauta submitted her resignation on Sept. 5, 2021.
She said Babauta’s role as marketing manager for Marianas Visitor Authority “is very critical for the CNMI and her attention to the duties involved are warranted.”
Joe Ayuyu Jr. also submitted his resignation. His position with McDonald’s Saipan/Guam “requires him to frequent [their restaurants on] Guam and Saipan, among other duties.”
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, for his part, has nominated Shayne Villanueva, Edna Nisola and Cecilia Taitano to the Zoning Board. They were all confirmed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.
Dela Cruz said the Zoning Board “plays a crucial role in the CNMI’s economic recovery. With enough members to conduct an official meeting, certain industries may be decided upon and developed upon approval from this body.”
“I am very confident that Chairman Inos and the rest of the Board members will move the CNMI in a direction toward economic growth,” she added.