by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The last few times Benita Manglona has appeared before lawmakers to say the least there's been some friction. Today a much different story.

Manglona is no stranger to sitting in the hot seat. She's already been through a confirmation process as she currently serves as director of the Bureau of Budget Management & Research and has undergone an oversight hearing as acting Department of Administration director. She's testified during several public hearings and has been grilled by lawmakers many of times. Today as she appeared for her confirmation hearing to serve officially as the director of DOA, She received overwhelming support from the community.

Kim Anderson Young proclaimed, "I have found her to be honest hardworking and solution driven." And for the Legislature, Senator Tony Ada said, I think the advantage that you do have is that your a hands on director."

In her time serving as acting DOA director lawmakers even went so far as recognizing her for some of the changes she's implemented such as the turnaround time in cutting checks once public health completes the paperwork for the Child Care Block Grant Program. Senator Aline Yamshita said, "The block grant payments were actually cut within 48 hours when you received the paper work last week and we greatly appreciate that."

It wasn't all accolades and pats on the back. Senator Judi Guthertz did ask her about an Attorney General's opinion calling the Health Insurance Transparency Act inorganic. "Why did you do that what was your intent in doing that? Was this your idea?" She questioned. "Was this something suggested to you."

Manglona said the decision to seek the AG opinion was made as a result of meeting with her HR staff and trying to determine who actually would signoff on the final contract. Manglona said, "I did not consult with the executive branch we did this on our own."

Although no one will know for sure what the Legislature will decide when it comes together as a body and votes, based on today's confirmation hearing she seems to have won several senators over. One such policymaker, Chris Duenas, said, "It was once described that you were at the bottom of the Marianas trench 100today I see you know pun intended, not politically on the proa sailing on the surface, and you certainly have my support and I know you're gong to do a great job, Benita."

No word yet on who will replace Manglona at BBMR if confirmed as director of DOA.