by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Governor Eddie Calvo says he is against Bill 102. The legislation which was introduced by Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz would allow the Civil Service Commission to hold closed meetings without having to record or keep a transcript of their discussions. Commissioners however would have to vote in public. During the public hearing on the bill earlier this week CSC executive director Tony Lamorena said the bill was necessary because commissioners were concerned about their safety. Former senator and attorney Robert Klitzkie said if they feel uncomfortable then perhaps funding should be provided for security. The governor today said he vehemently opposes the legislation which proposes to shroud the Civil Service Commission in further secrecy. He added Bill 102 is antiethical to the administration's stance on transparency. Calvo added the CSC's testimony in support of the measure was not sanctioned by the front office, and the action will be dealt with accordingly, members of the administration are required to subscribe to the governor's policies and philosophies, chief among them this commitment to transparency. He went on to say the CSC is not a privately-run and funded operation, and has no right to hide its proceedings from the public. Meanwhile during the hearing on the bill Senator Klitzkie pointed out that the legislation contradicts a decision issued by Sen. Cruz when he was a judge in 1984. Klitzkie says at that time then judge Cruz issued a decision that prevented the CSC from conducting secret deliberations in sessions closed to the public.