One part of the Decision 2022 election race does not get that much attention. The Guam Election Commission today announced the candidates who made it onto the ballot for the non-partisan race for the Guam Education Board and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities.  Here's who you can expect to see when you cast your vote for the general. 

Nine candidates are making a run for the Guam Education Board. Newcomer and teacher Elaine Duenas Ulloa says, "I am doing this after 30 years of being in the system and giving service to the children. I want to ensure education freedom - I want the children toenjoy the learning like it once was before. I’m really want fight for our teachers and students so they can get what they need."

Newcomer and Mayors Council of Guam executive director Angel Sablan says, "I’ve been in government service and public service for over 30 years and a product of both private and public schools. I just see all the resources we put into the public school system seems to still be lacking as far as making a good environment for our students, and assisting teachers and administrators. I want to be a part of finding solution. We need to make sure we provide our kids the tools and the teachers to be successful."

Incumbent Maria Gutierrez, who started only as a parent rep says, "When I made this commitment that I wanted to be in education board, it was for the kids, including my grandkids, and I felt that I want to continue to advocate. Of course, I am not a miracle worker to fix everything. But I feel that I want to continue my service and continue to advocate especially for the students."

Incumbent and president of the Guam Community College Dr. Mary Okada says, "I am still interested in continuing my work with the GEB in helping to address the department’s high-risk status. A lot of progress has been made and the continuity of effort is needed. These efforts are important to the department and have a broader impact on our community."

Incumbent Peter Alecxis Ada is a former teacher and held other government positions. He says, "I really feel that I have contributed and would like to continue my contribution toward the education of the children. I’d like to see the implementation of agriculture, shop, industrial arts, music, and home economics. Some kids may not be up to par academically but they are good with their hands. If we can deter our children from dropping out of school through elective courses then this could help that child."

Incumbent Dr. Ron McNinch, a professor at UOG says, "I am particularly interested in helping our young people in the community overcome the impact of COVID these last years. I want stabilization for the new superintendent. I would like to add a home school perspective to the education experience for Guam. There are a lot of parents during COVID who had to become home school teachers and I think that is part of conversation."

Incumbent Lourdes Benavente told KUAM News, "I am a retired teacher, an administrator. I first started to give back to the community. There is so many changes and just so much to do. It’s never going to end. I am a product of public school system along with my kids, grandkids and now great-grands. I just want to support and listen to all our stakeholders. I want to give back to the community while I still can.:

Newcomer Joseph Santos is a retired army officer. He says, As an Urban Planner by profession, I have seen GDOE’s public schools continue to remain in great disrepair.  I want to be in the Board to set policies as it relates to facilities planning with hopes that proper guidance is provided so our students, teachers, employees and parents are educated in a  heathy and safe environment. Also, ensure that The Every Child is Entitled to Adequate Education Act (PL 28-45) .  In short, our precious students and employees must feel safe to teach and learn in the best environment that we can provide."

Small business owner and newcomer Raenate Camacho says, "I was a former student representative to the board when I was in high school. I am a current parent. My children go to charter school but participated in summer school during the pandemic, and in DOE’s Pre-K GATE program and G.A.T.E. Visual Performing Arts Program. I am a former employee. I’ve worn many hats at DOE. I see all of their efforts toward improving the quality of education for our students and would like to be a part of that effort at the policy making level."

Six candidates are on the ballot for Consolidated Commission on Utilities. Newcomer and retired GPA general maanger Ricardo Sablan Unpingco says, “I think it’s time that I give back to the community the expertise I acquired over the years. I can hit the ground running because I know the business and can work well with the other CCU members. I can contribute to the utilities to ensure we have reliable water, wastewater and power services and improve the operations and maintenance for the services.”

Newcomer and retired U.S. Navy N.V. Nito Blas says, “The main purpose is so I can be an advocate for the rate payers and for the employees. I think utilities both GWA and GPA with some guidance can run efficiently and effectively and therefore pass those profits to the ratepayers.”

Incumbent Francis Santos, a former senator, is currently the superintendent of the Guam Department of Education. KUAM reached out to speak with him about his campaign and await his response.

Incumbent Michael Limtiaco, is also a former senator and businessman. He says he enjoyed his time on the CCU and decided to run again.

Incumbent Simon Sanchez is a former senator and businessman. He says, “The only way we will lower power bills is to reduce our use of oil. The new Ukudu generator and more utility and roof top solar will significantly reduce our oil consumption and lower power bills, while significantly reducing harmful air emissions and permanently ending future load shedding. We have made major wastewater upgrades with new plants up north and in Agat. And we’ve replaced or upgraded all our water storage tanks ending boil water notices and insuring our water is always safe to drink. Now we can turn our focus on reducing our water losses so we continue to protect our most precious aquifer. Much has been achieved but much remains to be done. I want to continue to work on these efforts which is why I would like to continue to serve ratepayers on the CCU.”

Newcomer Melvin Duenas is a teacher, a pastor, worked at GPA for about 20 years, and served in Guam Army National Guard. He says, “I got tired of seeing the power increase and so people have been telling me they are concerned with utility costs and prices keep going up and the waste goes to the people. They don’t feel they are being represented correctly to regulate. There’s too much waste. I’d like to fight for the people of Guam to stop the waste and lower the power utilities instead of continually being wasteful. It’s time. We need a fighter in there.”