by Mindy Aguon
Guam - The names are in and
it's up to District Court Judge Conseulo Marshall to decide whether she will
replace the federal management team that now consists of Dr. James Kiffer. Attorney
Daniel Somerfleck, who represents the consumers who filed the lawsuit against
the government that resulted in the amended permanent injunction, submitted
four names of proposed receivers.
Felix Vincenz, Anthony Menditto, Andrew Phillips and Thomas
Barrett - who all live off-island - are all aware of the issues facing Guam and have the experience needed for the job.
Somerfleck has requested that the court appoint a team of individuals rather
than a single person.
The governor meanwhile has proposed that the FMT be removed
and that Mental Health and DISID directors be allowed to resume management of
the respective departments with the assistance of SAMHSA officials. The governor also submitted Barrett's name to
the court but made it clear they only recommend him to be a consultant and not
have the powers and authority of a receiver or a federal management team.
