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Sens. Shawn Gumataotao and Joe San Agustin introduced a bill that seeks to modify the composition of the Guam Ethics Commission, which investigates alleged violations of the Standard of Conduct by government of Guam officials and employees. The commission is made up of seven members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Guam Legislature. Gumataotao and San Agustin’s Bill 214-38 would provide for a different commission membership which prioritizes representation of the broader community by proposing that one member shall be appointed from each of the following: governorspeaker of the Guam Legislaturechief justice of GuamGuam Chamber of CommerceGuam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, provided the individual is not concurrently serving as the appointed member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce to the commissionMayor’s Council of GuamAssociation of Government Accountants-Guam Chapter. Each appointee shall be a U.S. citizen and a bona fide resident of Guam. Local law prohibits a person who has been convicted of a felony from serving on the Guam Ethics Commission, and members shall not be an employee or have any member of their immediate family employed by GovGuam. Employee is defined as a nominated, appointed or elected officer or individual employed by a GovGuam agency, including members of boards or commissions, and individuals under personal services contracts. The Pacific Daily News reported that the Guam Ethics Commission was scheduled to meet on Oct. 24 but was unable to establish a quorum. The commission lost two commissioners in May of this year and pending new appointments, the organization is hamstrung, according to its chairperson. Gumataotao, in a statement, said recognizing the commission’s responsibility to adjudicate complaints alleging Standard of Conduct violations by public officials and employees, Bill 214-38 proposes to change its membership to include eligible residents appointed by community organizations and the two other branches of government. “The Guam Ethics Commission serves a critical role in fostering public trust by holding public servants accountable for their actions, and through the amendments offered in Bill No. 214-38 (COR), policymakers can and must strengthen the Commission’s independence and effectiveness now and into the future,” Gumataotao said.
