by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - This week marked the first 100 days in office for senators in the 32nd Guam Legislature. In their first 100 days in office, freshman senators have some tough lessons. From compromise and learning there's no instant gratification with any idea as education is often required to realizing that finding solutions isn't always easy.

For Senator Michael Limtiaco, he's learned firsthand that measures proposed can change dramatically once on session floor. "What was challenging is understanding that when a bill goes into session it becomes basically a committee as a whole, it becomes the Legislature's bill at that point. And what could happen to that bill was an eye-opener," he explained. Limtiaco is referring to Bill 30 - one of three measures he's introduced so far aimed at reducing senator's salaries. On session floor, amendments were made that instead of mandating a cut, made it voluntary along with deleting a provision delinking senators salaries to that of superior court judges.

Ultimately, he withdrew the bill.

Senator Michael San Nicolas meanwhile introduced four bills, including Bill 65 that would provide educational programs for new members of boards and commissions. He said, "I think it will help in making sure they follow the laws and rules and regulations. That way, they're making decisions that are informed rather than figuring it out during their tenure as a board member."

Senator Brant McCreadie saw one of three bills he introduced, the Predator Prevention Act, passed and unanimously and signed into law, noting, "That was a huge, huge bill that I wanted to get passed and it did get passed. It changes the landscape of the sexual crimes that happen on Guam and how these guys will not be part of the community if they get sentenced."

Returning senator Frank Aguon, Jr. meanwhile saw not one but two bills signed into law including Bill 76, which strengthens penalties for crimes of family violence. "Increasing the penalties associated with domestic violence of any individual who is a repeat offender, obviously the penalties and the jail time would increase," he said.

Senator Tommy Morrison also saw two of his bills passed into law - both of which were introduced his first day in office. "The first bill was the Office of Technology, and the second bill was to transfer the F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School under the jurisdictions of the Mayor's Office of Umatac," the first-time senator told KUAM News.

And as we wait to see what these new senators have to offer in the next 100 days and on, how would they rate their performance so far? "I think that ultimately the people will be the ones who rate us but we've been working at an A+ pace, that's for sure," San Nicolas said.

Aguon, the veteran, stated, "I'd say from 1 to 10, I would probably rate myself at a 5.5. Only because the first 90 days, first 100 days, I have been able to reach out to our veterans, I've been able to work with the Executive Branch to a limited degree and I've been able to work with my colleagues in addressing some legislation," he said.

And McCreadie chimed in with, "I'm just going to keep doing my job and keep doing what I campaigned on and what I had my initiatives on, and ultimately I think will be judged by the people," with Morrison adding, "We're not halfway there, but I would like to rate myself at the end of the year or maybe the next term going into our second year."

Limtiaco added, "I think I would grade myself a 7 or 8. I really would like to see a little bit more success in some of the bills, specifically 30-32."