Rory Respicio

Majority Leader Rory J. Respicio is serving his fifth consecutive term in the Guam Legislature, and is also Chairperson of the Committee on Rules; Federal, Foreign & Micronesian Affairs; and Human & Natural Resources.

Prior to serving in the Guam Legislature, Respicio, who is an effective lawmaker and skillful parliamentarian, attained a tremendous amount of executive branch experience as a Director of the Department of Youth Affairs; as a senior staff member of the Governor's Office; as a member on numerous government and civilian boards and councils; and as a six-term member of the Guam Youth Congress (serving two terms as Speaker). 

FAMILY

Respicio is married to Joleen D. Flores and they have a 7 year old son, Rory J. Respicio, Jr. ("RJ"). His parents are Robert & Rose Manley Respicio, and his siblings are Robert, Jr. & Sonia Altemus (Shelby & Sidney); and Rebecca Respicio. His in-laws are Jimmy Dee Flores & Jackie Flores. His brother-and sister-in-law are Dr. James & Valerie Flores of Los Angeles, and they have a daughter, Isa.

EDUCATION

Respicio is a 1991 Graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Government & Politics, minor in English/Business & Management from University of Maryland University College.

DYA DIRECTOR

As Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, Respicio managed a team of more than 100 employees in three divisions. He implemented successful programs encouraging the positivedevelopment of adolescents, including prevention, incarceration and rehabilitation. Under Respicio's leadership, DYA was named Department of the Year for three straight years. Following several years at DYA, he ran for public office and was elected to his first term as Senator in Nov., 2002.

ELECTED OFFICIAL

As a first-time lawmaker in the 27th Legislature, Respicio chaired the Committee on Youth and Senior Citizens, Federal and Foreign Affairs, Military and Veteran Affairs, Human Resources and Natural Resources. In 2005 and 2006, Respicio was a guest columnist for the Marianas Variety newspaper, writing a weekly column on issues affecting our island.

Respicio has served continuously since he was first elected, and has been successful in having a number of his bills become law, including: establishment of the Office of Finance and Budget to assist developing annual GovGuam budgets; require that testimony on fiscal matters be given under oath; championing voters' rights; assisting the injured and disabled by permitting the use of telemedicine services, and providing greater access to air ambulance services; introduced bond legislation for tax refunds; required budget savings go toward reducing the GovGuam deficit; improved alien certification laws for foreign workers; and allowed for electronic remittances of child support payments.

MAKING GUAM FIRST

Respicio is known for his desire to bring all of the various interests in Guam together to speak with one voice concerning the military buildup. Respicio has always believed that Guam will be more successful if we work together. To promote the buildup, he created the Guam First Commission law.