Lease is up, but GEC's got no moving plans

by Janjeera Hail

Guam - The Guam Election Commission's lease is up today - but it didn't look like anyone was going anywhere.  The agency's contract with the GCIC ended Thursday, notwithstanding an eviction notice the GEC received on September 3, ordering them to evacuate the premises immediately for late payment. 

But GEC Executive Director John Blas says he's got no plans to vacate, telling KUAM News, "We have in-office voting tomorrow. We will continue to prepare for and conduct in-office voting until such time by whatever means we are required to leave the office space."

Meanwhile, attorney for GCIC Ed Ching says he's been working with the GEC's legal counsel to try and get his client paid, and to accommodate the agency during the election, including a request for exclusive access to the second floor conference room at $3,000 a month.  "We said 'OK, if you need more space we're willing to work with you, but can you pay for it in advance?'  He said no. 'Well, OK, can you pay a security deposit?'  'Mmm...maybe not.'," the lawyer recalled.

And the wait continues. The GEC still has a $535 balance for September, and whether or not the agency will be allowed to pay up front - be it through an emergency procurement or a deposit - has been deferred to a higher authority.  "He said he's working with the Attorney General's Office on that, and it still hasn't been done yet. We're waiting," Ching said.

The General Services Agency in the meantime opened proposals submitted to a request for proposal issued for the GEC's office space. GSA officials say three proposals were submitted and are currently being evaluated.