Guam - With elections set to take place for the Guam Federation of Teachers sometime next month, former steward Carol Somerfleck has filed for candidacy as the union's next president. Somerfleck filed today at the GFT offices in Mangilao. James Nichols, who will be running as the union's vice-president, joined her.

The two have expressed concerns about the union's current leadership. Both say they want to make a difference by being transparent. Said Somerfleck, "What we had before was based on very good hard work by people who started this union and people who put in their time and really seeked out [sic] to help the members. What I've seen, is not being responsive to the members, and that's what I'm looking to change."

"We ask for the humble vote of all members," added Nichols. "We encourage all members to come out and vote for our campaign team so we can serve the needs and address the issues of the union members."

Somerfleck says they're working on including two individuals as part of their team to run for the union's treasurer and secretary.

In the meantime, current president Matt Rector says so far, three people have submitted forms for candidacy for his position. GFT members have until next Friday to file, with elections set to take place on February 25. "Now we have them every three years because if nobody runs, if it's not contested, we don't go to a vote in order to save money and paperwork," said Rector. "Obviously this year it's contested, so there will be a ballot election."