“We want to provide the best legal service to the Mayors Council,” Rapadas said during a special meeting held Wednesday at the council’s headquarters in Hagåtña.
Also present were Chief Deputy Attorney General Phil Tydingco; Deputy Attorney General Pat Mason of the Civil Litigation and Solicitors Division;
Deputy Attorney General Bobbie Cepeda of the Child Support Division; and Deputy Attorney General Carol Hinkle Sanchez of the Family Division.
One of the concerns brought up was the designation of just one attorney for the Mayors Council.
The organization’s president, Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares, said when a mayor has a concern, they go through so many people before they are actually directed to the right deputy attorney general.
Rapadas said the main point of contact could either be him or Tydingco.
“But the reason why you’re moved to different attorneys is, many times, especially in the civil division, your issues vary, so we can’t give one specific attorney,” explained Rapadas.
Rapadas and Tydingco said they will try their best to direct mayors to the right attorney who can provide them the best service.
“If it’s a water issue, we want to make sure you talk to an attorney who deals with water issues. Don’t feel as if we’re kicking you around,” said Rapadas.
Another question brought up by Savares was about memorandums of understanding grants and sub-grants that are awaiting the AG’s signature.
“Those just take too long and our programs are about to start,” she said.
Tydingco said they have an order to give MOUs a priority and most especially grants from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, which must be obligated by September of this year.
