Legislation introduced to reorganize
Guam Election Commission
By David Macaluso
PNC Staff Reporter
5:35pm Senator Robert Klitzkie has introduced a bill that may straighten
out some of the problems that the Guam Election Commission has experienced
over the past few elections.
The new bill would restructure the GEC by creating the Administrator
of Elections and the Bureau of Elections. The Administrator of Elections,
which is the same position as the GEC Executive Director, would be a classified
position.
The administration would have responsibility over the election process
and be in charge of the Bureau of Elections. The bureau, in turn, would
take over the operational and clerical responsibilities for the elections,
which is what the GEC staff does now.
The bureau would also create a Board of Canvass and Appeals, which would
not take part in the day-to-day operations of the election process. The
Canvas and Appeals Board would hear appeals, proclaim rules and certify
elections and other matters. Klitzkie feels accountability is the key
for these new job titles.
Meanwhile, GEC Director Gerry Taitano agrees that the election process
is need of some changes. Taitano said his staff is pleased with this bill
because it would make their positions classified and that means there’s
more protection for their employment.
PNC News
November 14, 2006
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