Guam - The Guam Election Commission was presented the short title and short summary of an initiative to legalize bingo. GEC legal counsel Jeff Moots says the initiative did not include any unrelated subjects to the proponents intentions for profit bingo. Moots also told the commission members there is no indication of gambling in the proposal. Investors with the Guam-Japan Friendship Village are pushing the measure to be placed on the general election ballot. 

The commission Wednesday afternoon approved the title and summary calling the proposal, "An initiative to approve for profit bingo at the former greyhound park and any adjacent property that may be acquired." But GOP member Martha Ruth was the only one to vote against the approval of the title arguing she still does not know why the proponents are asking voters to approve such an initiative. GEC Chairperson Joseph Mesa intervened saying the commission is limited and does not want to end up in a court battle by questioning the proposal. The GEC will hand over the approved summary to the proponents Thursday before petitions can be circulated. 

The GEC also briefly discussed Bill 449 - the election reform bill that recently went up for public hearing. The commission instructed Executive director Maria Pangelinan to communicate with the legislative committee chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez Jr. to find out if the measure will even make it onto the session floor this month. Lawmakers are scheduled to set the session agenda Friday afternoon.