By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
With newcomers joining the legislative body, the Republican-led 38th Guam Legislature today convened for its inaugural proceedings, which Speaker Frank Blas Jr. said marked "a turning point" toward reclaiming its former glory.
“It is a time for healing, reflection and a renewed commitment to the welfare of our people,” Blas said in his inaugural address, taking the legislature to task for losing track of its mandate and fixating on squabbles.
The newly installed speaker said the legislature had lost traction among the people of Guam, who “are tired of the bickering and they've had it with the berating."
“Our mandates from the voters are clear. To bridge divides, mend what's broken, and forge a future where our people can enjoy peace, prosperity, and work to make Guam great again,” Blas said, adding that Guamanians "are disheartened by all the forgotten promises.”
The 38th Guam Legislature, he promised, will enact laws that "will reflect compassion, equity, transparency, accountability and the relentless pursuit of justice."
Blas is the first Republican speaker of the Guam Legislature since 2008. Republicans have retaken control of the Guam legislature after flipping seats in the Nov. 5 elections, which secured nine seats for the party against the Democrats’ six.
Tony Ada, a former senator who returned to the legislature, has been named vice speaker.
The legislature also welcomed four new Republicans" Sabrina Matanane, Shelly Calvo, Vincent Borja and Shawn Gumataotao. They joined the party’s other old-timers, Sens. Jesse Lujan, Chris Duenas, and Telo Taitague, along with Democrats, Sens. Therese Terlaje, Chris Barnett, Joe San Agustin, Tina Rose Muna Barnes, William Parkison and Sabina Perez.
The new set of lawmakers entered the fresh year, which carried over the island's unresolved issues including its struggling tourism industry, crumbling health care system, aging infrastructure, worsening drug problems and associated crimes and housing shortages among others.
"Everyone has a vision of the way things should be. Everyone has their own idea of how we can get there," Blas said. "The challenge is having a harmonious vision and congruency in the ideas to move forward. This is our challenge and the only way to success is to work together with open communication and objectivity."
He noted the legislature’s dwindling popularity compared to two other branches of government.
“While the dismal public rating can be partly attributed to a lack of understanding of the policy-making role of the legislature, the actions of the legislators themselves have greatly contributed to the lackluster rating we have received from the committee we serve. Our people deserve better,” Blas said.
The speaker also noted that the legislature used to be known for “statesmanship, decorum, collegiality, compromise, sincerity and respect” and other qualities that “led to meaningful discussions and focused deliberations.”
Read related stories
The old legislature, Blas added, “produced legislation that prioritized our concerns, built our economy, protected our people and our resources, elevated our voices and pronounced to the world that our land and people are not to be taken for granted.”
“While over the years we've lost that edge, we cannot and must not let it continue. What our people want is clear. It is our duty to provide what they expect," Blas said.
In a statement after the inauguration ceremony held at the Congress Building in Hagatna, Guam Del. James Moylan said his office looks forward to working with the 38th Guam Legislature “to address issues of importance from a federal perspective” and “assist with federal inquiries.”
“This group collectively brings experience and compassion from many perspectives, and we are optimistic that we can collaborate positively and across the aisle as we all continue to work for the people of Guam,” said Moylan, a former senator.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition
Comments