Speaker Judi Won Pat was unanimously chosen by her colleagues to be their presiding officer.
In her inaugural address, Won Pat said as elected leaders, they are guardians of the people, but like good parents, leaders must first learn to listen before “we can speak.”
The senators who make up the 31st Legislature are the following:
• Democrats — Won Pat, Vice Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz, Ben Pangelinan, Rory Respicio, Judi Guthertz, Tom Ada, Adolpho Palacios Sr., Tina Muna-Barnes and Dennis Rodriguez Jr.
• Republicans — Frank Blas Jr., Tony Ada, Aline Yamashita, Mana Silva-Taijeron, Chris Duenas, and Sam Mabini.
All lawmakers are required to take a course, Ethics in Government. The class will be given by the University of Guam.
“Headlines of political corruption, using public office for private gain and campaign mudslinging make it plain that real ethics must remain the cornerstone of any hope for restoring the public trust,” said Won Pat.
“We mean business when it comes to ethics and the Legislature should hold itself to strict standards,” she added.
Won Pat said she expects the same for the incoming Calvo administration.
Lawmakers will grapple with a government-wide financial shortfall, a staggering deficit, a shortage of police officers, a financially strapped Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, a dysfunctional Department of Education and a myriad of other serious issues facing the government.
Won Pat said she and her colleagues are committed to working with the new administration to resolve government-wide issues.
“It’s going to take a lot of dialogue and compromise,” she added.
