What began as a routine legislative session quickly escalated into a heated debate over the CHamoru Land Trust Commission nominations.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero recently dismissed two CLTC commissioners, leaving them without a quorum.

“They were removed simply for doing what they were appointed to do: making decisions in the best interest of the people and our island,” said Senator Telo Taitague. 

To fill the vacancies, she put forward three nominees. 

However, the nominees were met with strong opposition in their confirmation by senators today, with arguments that the commission was being prevented from making progress on residential leases and securing loan guarantees for Typhoon Mawar victims.

“I believe it’s wrong to condone the firings by moving forward on these nominations right now,” said Senator Therese Terlaje. 

“In the hearing they revealed that they have little to no understanding of the mandates of the CLTC,” added Sen. Chris Barnett. “There was a sense of entitlement from the nominee as if they knew that no matter how they answered or didn’t answer the questions that they would be pushed through.” 

“It isn’t a case of ‘the Governor’s going to do what the Governor’s going to do’ – dalai! We are a body that is supposed to provide a check and balance on the executive branch,” said Barnett. 

Supporters of moving forward with confirming the nominees defended the Governor’s authority.

“All those who are nominated to boards and commissions serve at the pleasure of the Governor,” said Sen. Chris Duenas. “Our duty and our job is to confirm or not confirm.”

And despite heated exchanges between Senator Terlaje and Speaker Frank Blas Jr. over the nominations and speeches veering into accusations of political interference. 

“I move to overrule the Speaker’s ruling otherwise we are going to be having censorship here on who decides what we get to talk about,” said Sen. Terlaje. 

All three nominations were passed and placed into the voting file.