Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, there will be a lot of new faces at the Guam Legislature in January and the collective level of legislative experience will be much lower.
Democratic departures include Speaker B.J. Cruz who has moved on to the Public Auditor’s Office, Sen. Frank Aguon, who is pursuing a write-in candidacy for governor, Sen. Michael F.Q. San Nicolas who is seeking the Guam Delegate to Washington seat, Sen. Dennis Rodriguez who ran in the gubernatorial primary, Fernando Esteves and longtime Sen. and Majority Leader Tom Ada. Choosing not to run are incumbent Republicans Minority Leader James Espaldon and Assistant Minority Leader Tommy Morrison.
Candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot:
Democrats
Terlaje, Jose T. (Democrat)
He holds a Bachelor’s in public administration and associate’s in police science, UOG; University of Maryland; graduate, George Washington High School. Terlaje has served as mayor of Yona, civil defense director, a legislative aide at the Guam Legislature, a police sergeant and a 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Perez, Sabina E. (Democrat)
Holds a Master’s degree in teaching, University of Guam; bachelor’s in medical technology, University of Washington; graduate, Academy of Our Lady of Guam. She has been a teacher at Simon Sanchez High School, involved in curriculum development; sales/service representative of Mettler-Toledo Sales; staff research associate, University of California; laboratory supervisor and medical technologist.
Shelton, Amanda L. (Democrat)
Holds a Master’s in public administration, bachelor’s in political science and communication, UOG; graduate, Academy of Our Lady of Guam. Has served as press secretary, Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo; chief of staff, Office of Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr.; chief policy analyst, Guam Legislature.
Terlaje, Therese M. (Democrat)
Sen. Terlaje is acting Speaker of the 34th Guam Legislature. Her Juris Doctor is from the UCLA School of Law; bachelor’s in biology, Creighton University; graduate, Academy of Our Lady of Guam.
Marsh, Dr. Kelly G. (Democrat)
First time candidate holds a PhD in cultural heritage studies, Charles Sturt University; master’s degree in Micronesian studies, University of Guam; bachelor’s degree in history and anthropology, University of Guam. She is an Adjunct professor, University of Guam; consultant and managing partner, Nihi Ta Fanhasso' Cultural and Historical Consulting; cultural anthropologist/ethnographer, Government of Palau; principal and social studies instructor, Guam International Christian Academy; social studies instructor, Trinity Christian High School
Alerta, Jermaine (Democrat)
A graduate of Guam Southern High School; undergraduate courses at the University of Guam. Extensive work at the 33rd, 34th Guam Legislature including Executive Director of the 34th. Also, Research analyst, Office of Sen. Telena Nelson; director of customer service and community outreach, MacTech Guam; committee director, Office of Sen. Michael San Nicolas; Chief of Staff/Legislative Director, Office of Sen. Mana Silva Taijeron; staff assistant, Office of Governor Felix Camacho; staff assistant, Guam State Clearinghouse; staff assistant, Office of Sen. Mike Cruz; staff assistant, Office of Sen. John Quinata
Muña-Barnes, Tina Rose (Democrat)
She was previously elected six times to 27th through 33rd Guam Legislatures. She is a graduate, Academy of Our Lady of Guam who attended Guam Community College. Other work and experience: Guam Autospot; Atkins Kroll Toyota; Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities; Law Office of Brooks & Klitzkie; Guam Public Defender Service Corporation
Ridgell, Clynton E. (Democrat)
First time legislative candidate holds a Bachelor’s in communications, University of Guam; graduate, Guam Evangelical Christian Academy. He is best known as a former reporter, anchorman, news director, Pacific News Center. Also worked as Claims adjuster, Nanbo Insurance; loan collector/loan officer, Wells Fargo; videographer, ad sales and reporter, KUAM; director of policy planning and community relations, Judiciary of Guam.
Casil, Lasia A. (Democrat)
If elected, she will be the first LGTB member of the Guam Legislature. Graduate, Bitburg American High School, attended University of Maryland. Business owner, Infinite Charm; agent, Sinvin Real Estate, New York; president, Casil & Co. Urban Retail Real Estate, New York and Los Angeles. “If the people of Guam entrust me to be their voice in the 35th Guam Legislature, my priority will be what is has always been: To protect and provide for our people who have been disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed.”
San Agustin, Joe S. (Democrat)
Incumbent is Assistant Majority Leader of the 34th Guam Legislature. Holds Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, University of Guam; graduate, John F. Kennedy High School. Other experience includes: acting compliance supervisor and assistant tax investigator, Department of Revenue and Taxation; Guam Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve; detective and police officer, Guam Police Department
Nelson, Telena C. (Democrat)
Incumbent is the Majority Whip of the 34th Guam Legislature. She holds a Bachelor’s in anthropology, University of Guam and is a graduate of Simon Sanchez High School. She has served as a Captain, Guam Army National Guard and as a teacher, Guam Department of Education.
Palacios, Adolpho B. (Democrat)
Four term veteran is seeking to return to the 35th Guam Legialature. He has a master’s in public administration, UOG; bachelor’s in criminal justice administration, San Diego State University; various job-related professional training. He is the owner of the Cop Shop; President, Palacios Security Agency; part-time instructor, UOG and GCC; chief marshal, Superior Court of Guam; police captain, Guam Police Department; stevedore, Guam Commercial Port.
Hattig, Jack E., III (Democrat)
Newcomer Hattig is a graduate, John F. Kennedy High School; bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies, University of Guam. He has been a Teacher, Guam Department of Education; Guam Army National Guard; tax preparation assistant, The Tax Shelter, Inc.; asset management coordinator, HHF Planners.
Lee, Régine B. (Democrat)
Incumbent Sen. Lee is Legislative Secretary of the 34th Guam Legislature. She is a graduate, Academy of Our Lady of Guam; bachelor’s degree, University of Washington. She has been a policy adviser, Cong. Madeleine Z. Bordallo; chief of staff, Senator Tina Muña Barnes; consultant, local and federal government agencies; small business owner.
Babauta, Celestin C. (Democrat)
Babauta holds a Master’s in workforce education and development/ bachelor’s in occupational education, Southern Illinois University; associate’s in transportation and traffic management, Community College of the Air Force. He has been a Chief Master Sgt., U.S. Air Force; associate dean, GCC; director, Pacific Vocational Education Improvement Program.
Republicans
Cruz, Harold J. (Republican)
Cruz is chief of staff, Office of Senator William M. Castro; tools and rigging gear lead, DZSP21; reserve police officer, GPD; teacher’s assistant, Department of Education; chief of staff, Office of Senator Angel L.G. Santos; deputy marshal III, Superior Court of Guam; police officer, GPD; weapons mechanic, United States Air Force
Blas, Roland R. (Republican)
Blas is a former Special assistant to the governor; Department of Chamorro Affairs; staff member, Guam Legislature; Department of Labor; Government of Guam Retirement Fund
Castro, William M. (Republican)
Incumbent Sen. Castro holds a Master’s degree, Harvard University; bachelor's degree, University of Guam. He is a graduate, Father Duenas Memorial School. Previously served as special assistant, Office of the Governor; Director, Bureau of Statistics and Plans; chief planner; director, Institutional Effectiveness, Northern Marianas College; educator, St. John's, Untalan Middle School; small business owner/webmaster.
Torres, Mary C. (Republican)
Two term incumbent Sen. Torres (33rd, 34th) holds an undergraduate degree from Tufts University. She has served as general manager, Port Authority of Guam; executive director, Guam International Airport Authority; deputy general manager, Guam Visitors Bureau; legal office management.
Taitano, MiChelle H. (Republican)
First time candidate is a graduate, George Washington High School; studied at GCC and UOG. She is a business owner and manager; held various business management positions in private sector; special projects coordinator, protocol officer, program coordinator, government of Guam; chairwoman of Guam Parole Board.
Aguon, Jenei (Republican)
First time candidate is a graduate, Simon Sanchez High School; completed two years of college. Small business owner; nine years working in the private sector, including seven years in insurance; human services worker, Department of Public Health and Social Services.
Taitague, Telo T. (Republican)
Served as senator in 30th Guam Legislature. Graduate, George Washington High School, attended UOG and Fayetteville Technical Community College. Deputy general manager, Guam Visitors Bureau; governor’s special assistant for external affairs; director, Bureau of Women’s Affairs; small business owner; professional musician, tennis instructor.
Moylan, James C. (Republican)
Holds a Bachelor’s in criminal justice, University of Guam. Commissioned officer, United States Army; parole officer, Guam Department of Corrections; manager, Moylan’s Insurance, Life Department; small business owner (Insurance and HealthCare General Agency); manager, government accounts, NetCare Health Insurance.
Servino, Benito (Republican)
Graduate, John F. Kennedy High School; associate’s degree in architecture, El Camino Junior College; bachelor’s degree in graphic communications, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, San Diego State University. Work experience includes Director, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities; Director, Student Disability Resource Center, Cal State University East Bay; program coordinator, Cal State University East Bay; ADA technical assistance specialist, Pacific Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center; executive director of Developmental Disabilities Counsel and Governor’s Commission on Person with Disabilities; special education teacher; financial services consultant; illustrator, U.S. Geological Survey.
San Agustin, Jose A. (Republican)
He is currently Special Assistant to the Governor as Administrator of the Guam Veterans’ Affairs Office. Attended University of Phoenix, San Diego. He believes the number one issue concerning Guam is the underfunding of Guam Memorial Hospital. “I think it is important for everyone living on Guam especially our younger generation to understand that the situation with Guam Memorial Hospital is nothing new.”
Ada, Ken Joe (Republican)
Holds Master of Science in Public Administration, UOG; STOS / AB Certified U.S. Coast Guard - Paul Hall/Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship; Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, UOG; graduate, Guam Adventist Academy. Adjunct professor of public administration, UOG; Mayor of Yona; general manager, Mini Camachile Tree Store; special projects coordinator, Guam Energy Office; U.S. Merchant Marines.
Blas, Amanda F. (Republican)
Bachelor’s degree in sociology, with minor in communication, University of Portland; master’s of public administration, University of Guam; studying for doctor of public administration. Chairwoman, Guam Academy Charter Schools Council; executive director, Commission on Decolonization; deputy director of communications, office of the governor; reporter and custom content coordinator, Pacific Daily News
Santos, Julius P. (Republican)
Santos, who is employed by the governor’s communication office, has said the Guam economy could benefit from a regulated adult cannabis industry, which he said would bring in additional government revenue and create new jobs.
Guerrero, Stephen J. (Republican)
Finance major, UOG and University of Washington; graduate, John F. Kennedy High School. Deputy director, BBMR; director, Department of Labor.
Muna, Louisa B. (Republican)
Incumbent Sen. Muna was previously a sales draftsperson; appraiser; musician; producer; radio personality; station manager; certified group exercise instructor; staff assistant to lieutenant governor's office.