Consolidated Commission on Utilities candidates talk what they each bring to the table amid tight race

It’s a tight race for the Consolidated Commission on Utilities as five candidates are running for just two seats this election. 

The CCU is made up of five elected members who function as the board of directors for both the Guam Power Authority and the Guam Waterworks Authority. 

There are just two spots open as three sitting members continue their term and longtime CCU Chairman Joseph Duenas steps down. 

Number one on the ballot is newcomer Melvin Duenas. 

He is currently an educator for the Guam Department of Education and holds two masters degrees. 

Duenas is also a certified master electrician who worked for GPA for 18 years. 

“There’s a lot of things I’ve seen inside the utility department that is a lot of waste and a lot of abuse. I don’t want to point fingers, but we can run it more efficiently with ethics and honesty,” said Duenas.  

“There are people in the CCU who have been there for many, many years but it's still the same thing going on and the power bill goes up and the service is not as good as it should be. So that’s the main reason why I’m running. I’d like to contribute back to the people of Guam and fight for lower power rates,” Duenas added. 

Also a newcomer, Evangeline Cepeda is number two on the ballot. 

Cepeda is the Guam Charter School Council Chairperson and a former Guam Education Board member. 

Though she admits she’s never worked with the utility agencies, her family has 40 years of employment history with GPA, so becoming a commissioner lies close to her heart. 

“I care about our people and I care about our island. That’s the first thing– I don’t have any ulterior motives running for higher office. The goal really is to provide better service. I think there is room for major things to explore with GPA and GWA. There's many different federal programs that are available out there, so instead of imposing an increase of power or increase of water, if we get the employees of GWA (and GPA) to focus on many different options of federal monies to bring in, that will alleviate the increase of power and water,” said Cepeda. 

Third on the ballot is Charles “Chuck” Ada II. 

Ada is no stranger to public service, with 27 years in GovGuam under his belt.  

He was the former Guam International Airport Authority Executive Manager and Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense Administrator. 

Ada is currently employed with FEMA as an advisor for GovGuam. 

“I want to continue this legacy and bring the passion for public service and my credentials to advocate for the consumers on the Consolidated Commission on Utilities. If I’m elected, I will be a consumer advocate. What good is utilities if people can’t access it or afford it? This means listening to the public and understanding how GPA and Waterworks mandates– what mandates they have upon them and how their operations work and providing solutions when we understand both sides of that equation,” said Ada. 

Number four on the ballot is Nonito v.  Blas. 

Blas is a former Navy Captain and recently retired after serving 38 years. 

He currently works for the federal government to help fix submarines. 

“Once in the CCU, my number one priority is to emphasize with both the water and power authority that in order to drive down costs to our ratepayers, which I am, it’s got to be the most efficient organization. We have to run our business the most efficient way to better serve the public again in the most efficient manner,” said Blas.  

“I’m bringing my 38 years of experience of running nuclear power plants. I know in Guam we have fossil fuel plants, but I can bring a lot to the table with my experience running nuclear power plants,” Blas added.  

Fifth on the ballot is sole incumbent Pedro Roy Martinez who is seeking his second term. 

His priority is to protect access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy and clean and safe water. 

Martinez said that work is currently being done.

“I will continue to support the efforts of the management teams of GPA and GWA in the projects and programs they are undertaking to provide the most efficient and reliable power plant and water and wastewater system at a low cost at a sustainable basis for the people of Guam,” said Martinez. 

“I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experience to ensure that decisions made by management and our water and power needs are in the best interest of our people. Guam is our home,” added Martinez.