Hagåtña, Guam – Following a three-day meeting in Vail, Colorado to attend the Western Governors’ Association’s (WGA) annual meeting, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero traveled to San Francisco, California with members of her Fiscal Discipline Team for a bond presentation. Governor Leon Guerrero then headed to Fort Bliss and to Yuma, Arizona to visit deployed soldiers of the Guam National Guard.
“The annual meeting of Western Governors was an excellent opportunity to network with governors in the western region, some of whom I was able to connect with earlier this year. At the meeting, we were able to address key initiatives such as biosecurity and invasive species, the drug crisis, and establishing strong telecommunication networks to support education and telehealth expansion. I’m looking forward to strengthening my working relationship with my colleagues in order to bring Guam’s issues to the forefront,” said Governor Leon Guerrero.
San Francisco
The Governor joined members of her Fiscal Discipline Team in San Francisco for a bond rating presentation. The financial team of Bureau of Budget Management and Research Director Lester Carlson, Department of Administration Director Edward Birn, Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) Administrator Melanie Mendiola, GEDA Deputy Administrator Ricky Hernandez, GEDA Public Finance Manager Christina Garcia, Deputy Chief-of-Staff Jon Junior Calvo, and Governor Leon Guerrero detailed a compelling proposal before credit rating agencies Standard and Poors (S&P) and Moody’s on the Guam Solid Waste Authority Bond authorized under Public Law 35-21. The purpose of the bond is to finance the construction of a new cell at the Layon Landfill.
“I’m confident in the presentation our team made to two of the of the ‘Big Three’ credit raters. At the presentation, we were able to highlight our commitment to fiscal discipline throughout our government, aggressive efforts to collect on unpaid taxes and, in particular, a strong commitment to funding ‘Rainy Day Fund’ reserves,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “I believe we showcased a serious and pragmatic approach to fiscal discipline in governance and I look forward to favorable ratings within the month.”
Fort Bliss & Yuma
While in Fort Bliss, Governor Leon Guerrero visited soldiers of the Guam Army National Guard’s 1-294th Infantry Regiment “Chamorri Battalion” at McGregor Base Camp in New Mexico. The Governor and The Adjutant General of GUNG Maj. Gen. Esther C. Aguigui then took a tour of the training facilities where they saw a mock-up Forward Operating Base. They spoke with the Chamorri Soldiers at a brief ceremony, offering some congratulatory remarks, words of encouragement, and awards.
“I had such a wonderful time meeting our soldiers who are far away from home and witnessing the bond and camaraderie they have developed as they prepare for full mobilization. As Commander-in-Chief, it was a deep honor to spend time with the troops and to assure them of our prayers and support for them and their families. We will continue to pray for their safety as they honorably serve our island and nation. I look forward to their safe return,” said Governor Leon Guerrero.
The Governor is now in Yuma, Arizona to visit GUNG soldiers who are providing operational support for domestic operations at the border. She returns to Guam later this week.