Calvo names Respicio as vice chairman of the body
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2012
Guam’s leaders this morning pledged to speak with ‘one voice’ on issues regarding the military buildup and federal relations. That ‘one voice’ will come from the newly-established Guam First Commission Advisory Council, empanelled by Governor Calvo when he signed Executive Order No. 2012-06 this morning.
“We are united in an agenda to support the strategic interests of the United States and her allies, and the best interests of the Guamanian people,” Governor Calvo said.
Governor Calvo is the chairman of the council and has since appointed Senator Rory Respicio as vice chairman.
“The most important thing for me is that now there is a vehicle through this executive order for Guam to speak with one voice on all matters relating to the federal government,” Sen. Respicio said. Sen. Respicio is the chairman of the federal affairs committee, and is the author of the original Guam First Commission law. Governor Calvo could not empanel the commission through that law following an opinion of inorganicity by the Attorney General.
Sen. Judi Guthertz suggested to the Governor a few weeks ago that he instead empanel the same commission through executive order, removing the Organic concerns of the AG.
“It was good advice, and I’m glad we talked it through, because this needed to happen,” Governor Calvo said of Sen. Guthertz’s advice.
The following senators also were present and expressed their excitement at the ‘one voice’ partnership between the legislature and Adelup:
- Sen. Tony Ada
- Sen. Frank Blas, Jr.
- Sen. Chris Duenas
- Sen. Sam Mabini
- Sen. Tina Muna Barnes
- Sen. Aline Yamashita
Senators Mana Silva Taijeron and Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. could not attend the signing ceremony due to a schedule conflict.
The executive order, which lays out the composition of membership, duties and responsibilities, is attached.
EO 2012-06 re Guam First Commission Advisory Council
Please call Natalie Quinata at 475-9309 or 488-6013 for more information.
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