Senators didn’t hold back as they grilled the Governor’s nominees to serve in the CHamoru Land Trust Commission during a public hearing that lasted nearly four hours Monday. 

The Governor’s controversial dismissal of two commissioners and appointment of a director without the previous board’s approval did not sit well with senators. 

“Six out of 60,000 since 1994 is absolutely a cruddy track record for this community. We should not accept this continuation of ‘okay, we’re going to do something.’ And then just not do it,” Senator Shawn Gumataotao. 

Fabrienne Cruz Respicio, Joseph Artero-Cameron and Jeremy Rojas were nominated by the Governor after she dismissed commissioners Jeffrey Ibanez and David Herrera. 

As reported, the commissioners were not on the same page as the Governor in her push to return Ypao Point. 

“We’re at a crossroads with these CLTC properties. That’s why we keep trying to drive that point home if you would be able to serve independently and in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the trust,” said Sen. Chris Barnet.

“I believe that I am,” said Respicio. 

In total, five bills are before the legislature to remove land from CLTC inventory. 

Sen. Therese Terlaje questioned each nominee whether they support the transfers. 

“Do you believe that those transfers, even for other government purposes, should occur? After we talked about the reasons for all the delay and use of those properties,” said Sen. Terlaje.

“I am not party to the intimacies of those conversations so I’m limited to what I would truly want to say. But certainly on another day once I get in, you can call me and I’ll talk to you. I absolutely will,” said Cameron. 

The Governor also appointed Agriculture’s Deputy Director Roy Gamboa as CLTC’s Director, which caused disagreement among the previous commission who wanted to be part of the decision.

“This question I keep asking you, are you committed to hiring your own director or are you subject to the will of the governor to hire the director? Because statute says you the commissioners hire your director. So which is it going to be because I’m not getting very firm answers from some of the nominees,” said Sen. Terlaje. 

 “If it’s mandated by law, I’m always one to always follow the law. I’d review the mandates and follow the law,” said Rojas. 

Meantime, Gamboa testified he already started his first day Monday.