Parties submit proposed receivers to court

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.