Senate committee holds public hearing on Francis A. Torres nomination to Civil Service Commission
February 19, 2025 | Senate, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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The Senate Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Investigation held a public hearing on Feb. 19, 2025, in Saipan to consider the nomination of Francis A. Torres to the Civil Service Commission to represent the island of Saipan. The committee received oral testimony from the nominee and more than a half-dozen supporters; five written letters in support were submitted and no written opposition was reported.
The nomination matters because the Civil Service Commission oversees employee appeals, rulemaking, and administrative hearings for Commonwealth government employees. Senator Corina Magofna (member, Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Investigation) noted the commission’s backlog and the vacant administrative hearing officer post as a central concern for pending cases.
Francis A. Torres, introduced by Joanie Lanizou as the governor and lieutenant governor’s representative, testified she is “honored to be considered for a seat on the Civil Service Commission” and described more than 15 years in workforce development. Torres told the committee she would “listen carefully to all parties, consider every case on its merits, and work diligently to ensure that the Commission’s processes remain transparent, fair, and free from undue influence.”
Multiple witnesses from workforce and human-resources agencies spoke in support. Ray Munier, identified in testimony as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, said he was “in full support of the nominee” and described a longstanding personal and professional relationship with Torres. Joseph M. Panglinan, identified as Director of Personnel, Office of Personnel Management, testified Torres is “more than qualified” based on education, work experience and performance records. Other supporters included staff and leaders from the Workforce Investment Agency (WEA), the State Workforce Development Board and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute; Velma Palacios, chairperson of the State Workforce Development Board, told senators Torres “knows labor policies” and would bring “fairness, transparency” to the commission.
Senators focused questions and recommendations on several recurring operational problems. Senator Corina Magofna and Senator Donald Molony raised the vacancy for the administrative hearing officer, noting that long case backlogs stem in part from that vacancy. Torres said the position was being advertised and that Department of Labor leadership and others were advocating for applicants; she also said the commission had discussed short-term contracting of an administrative hearing officer as a stopgap while recruitment continues. On processing delays and case status visibility, Magofna recommended upgrading the commission’s website and systems so employees can view case status online; several witnesses and Torres acknowledged delays and supported automation or clearer status updates.
Other issues raised included a reported disconnect between the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget that can slow personnel actions for outer islands, and suggestions for expanded drug testing and more localized authority for Rota and Tinian offices. Torres said bridging skills gaps through registered apprenticeships and recognizing apprenticeship certificates alongside academic credentials would be a priority if confirmed.
Procedural items recorded during the hearing: the committee adopted its agenda by voice vote, took oral testimony from the nominee and members of the public, received five written letters in support (from Jodina Attel, Audrey Joy A. De Leon Guerrero, Margaret C. Torres, Velma Palacios and Zachary Titano), and closed public comment. The committee chair stated that all written and oral testimony will be included in the committee’s recommendation report to the full Senate; no confirmation vote was taken at the hearing.
The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn, which the committee approved by voice vote. The committee indicated the nomination and accompanying record will be forwarded to the full Senate for consideration at a future session (the chair noted the next session will convene on Rota).
The nomination matters because the Civil Service Commission oversees employee appeals, rulemaking, and administrative hearings for Commonwealth government employees. Senator Corina Magofna (member, Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Investigation) noted the commission’s backlog and the vacant administrative hearing officer post as a central concern for pending cases.
Francis A. Torres, introduced by Joanie Lanizou as the governor and lieutenant governor’s representative, testified she is “honored to be considered for a seat on the Civil Service Commission” and described more than 15 years in workforce development. Torres told the committee she would “listen carefully to all parties, consider every case on its merits, and work diligently to ensure that the Commission’s processes remain transparent, fair, and free from undue influence.”
Multiple witnesses from workforce and human-resources agencies spoke in support. Ray Munier, identified in testimony as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, said he was “in full support of the nominee” and described a longstanding personal and professional relationship with Torres. Joseph M. Panglinan, identified as Director of Personnel, Office of Personnel Management, testified Torres is “more than qualified” based on education, work experience and performance records. Other supporters included staff and leaders from the Workforce Investment Agency (WEA), the State Workforce Development Board and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute; Velma Palacios, chairperson of the State Workforce Development Board, told senators Torres “knows labor policies” and would bring “fairness, transparency” to the commission.
Senators focused questions and recommendations on several recurring operational problems. Senator Corina Magofna and Senator Donald Molony raised the vacancy for the administrative hearing officer, noting that long case backlogs stem in part from that vacancy. Torres said the position was being advertised and that Department of Labor leadership and others were advocating for applicants; she also said the commission had discussed short-term contracting of an administrative hearing officer as a stopgap while recruitment continues. On processing delays and case status visibility, Magofna recommended upgrading the commission’s website and systems so employees can view case status online; several witnesses and Torres acknowledged delays and supported automation or clearer status updates.
Other issues raised included a reported disconnect between the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget that can slow personnel actions for outer islands, and suggestions for expanded drug testing and more localized authority for Rota and Tinian offices. Torres said bridging skills gaps through registered apprenticeships and recognizing apprenticeship certificates alongside academic credentials would be a priority if confirmed.
Procedural items recorded during the hearing: the committee adopted its agenda by voice vote, took oral testimony from the nominee and members of the public, received five written letters in support (from Jodina Attel, Audrey Joy A. De Leon Guerrero, Margaret C. Torres, Velma Palacios and Zachary Titano), and closed public comment. The committee chair stated that all written and oral testimony will be included in the committee’s recommendation report to the full Senate; no confirmation vote was taken at the hearing.
The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn, which the committee approved by voice vote. The committee indicated the nomination and accompanying record will be forwarded to the full Senate for consideration at a future session (the chair noted the next session will convene on Rota).
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