By Nancy I. Maanao
As a continuation of recommendations for Biden Administration appointments Congressman San Nicolas has transmitted Senator James (Jim) V. Espaldon to serve as United States Ambassador to the Freely Associated States of Micronesia.
"With years of experience as a local leader serving in the Guam Legislature Senator Espaldon has distinguished himself among our freely associated allies in his years of service in the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), opened Congressman San Nicolas. "Jim's reputation as a statesman focused on people above Party precedes him at home and in the region, with a proven track record of consensus building and relationship preservation whether agreeing or disagreeing," Congressman San Nicolas continued. "The work he has done and the relationships he has built will be of incalculable value to the diplomatic mission of the United States in the FSM, at home, and throughout Micronesia, and we are honored he has accepted this recommendation for nomination," Congressman San Nicolas concludes.
Mr. Espaldon has decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He currently is a non-profit executive with Ayuda Foundation, which has spearheaded humanitarian relief to the FSM.
The former senator did run into some controversy in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands involving a multi-million dollar government contract. The issue made its way through the Guam Legislature's ethics committee.
Further recommendations for administrative positions may be ongoing pending availability and will be announced upon transmittal.
