APPENDI I I Mr. tra nk . C. Canahan, Director becoming economically self-reliant. ae 7 APPENDIXI p We in the Northern Mariana Islands have raised taxes and have attempted to attract new businesses in order to broaden our tax base. The additional revenues raised may not be reflected on Table 2 which appears on page 38 of the draft. We are in the process of verifying our statistical data and will advise you accordingly by separate letter. In closing, we feel that the present system is working well but could be improved. OTIA has been, in our opinion, most responsive to our needs particularly in the areas of technical assistance and infrastructure improvements. If anything, we would suggest that its role in dealing with the territories be expanded so that it could be more effective in dealing with other agencies such as OMB when it presents its recommendations to the Congress or to the President. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment and present our views. Sincerely, TENORIO eisAo ay ape Governor 63 9000270