With eight Democrats and seven Republicans , newly elected Speaker Therese Terlaje can expect a more challenging political process in the legislature . In her inaugural remarks on Jan . 4 , Terlaje vowed “ to raise the standard to which we will hold ourselves and the government accountable , to continue to advocate for the preservation of legislative authority as representatives of the people of Guam , and most importantly , continue to earn the respect and trust of those who have placed us here .”

While she is seen as a progressive — known for championing Chamorro self-determination and protection of Guam environment , especially Ritidian — Terlaje has also gained support from the business community . She was one of the two Democrats endorsed by Action PAC , which noted her support for local businesses and reopening of tourism . In the last senatorial race , Terlaje was the top voter getter .

A lawyer by profession , Terlaje served as legal counsel for the Guam Legislature from 2011 to 2016 . She was first elected senator in 2016 and is now serving her third term . Born and raised in Yona , Terlaje earned a bachelor in biology from Creighton University and

a juris doctor from the UCLA School of Law .

Terlaje knows the importance of balancing a responsible military buildup with the needs of the people of Guam . As chair of the Committee on Health , Tourism , Historic Preservation , Land and Justice , Terlaje has heard concerns of both the private sector and cultural activists and proposed a middle ground .

Terlaje uses science and economics when reasoning against destructions of native habitats . As a lawyer , she is aware of the importance of logic and research when presenting a case . Terlaje uses her background in law to help navigate her decisions as senator . During her first two terms in the legislature , Terlaje authored 30 bills that had been signed into law .

For this issue of the Pacific Island Times , we asked her a few questions :

What are the priorities of the 36th Guam Legislature ?

We are all focused on stability and prosperity for working families . The 36th Guam Legislature must continue critical oversight over Public Health and the Guam Memorial Hospital to ensure that we are on track for recovery with vaccinations , tracing , testing and treatment . We must ensure agencies are meeting benchmarks and removing any impediments to commerce , education and critical resources to raise the standard and delivery of healthcare .

Do you expect the 36th Legislature to be easier or harder to lead with a

slim Democratic majority ?

Most of the senators who have joined us this term are coming in after a lifetime of government service to the people of Guam . We can use their passion , skills and capabilities to improve policy and communications with the people we represent .

We need to act together as a community and it starts with leadership and a culture of collaboration within the Guam Legislature . I expect that we will all work well together and I hope to raise the standard of accountability we have amongst each other and foster cooperation during my term as Speaker for the benefit of the people of Guam .

What is your assessment of the 35th Legislature ? What do you consider its successes and failures ?

We can always find areas where we can do better and I believe that enhancing communication is going to be critical for the 36th Guam Legislature so we can act together as a community . When people can ’ t understand the motives or the priorities of the legislature , they lose trust . I want to continue to encourage more active participation from our constituents because that has been difficult this past term with social distancing mandates .

The legislature was set up as an independent branch , a house where the community comes when the rest of the government is not meeting their needs . It is my goal to continue to strengthen

those channels of communication and engagement with the people of Guam .

We must ensure that the policies we pass will benefit all of the people of Guam , especially our most vulnerable and not just the special interests of a few .

What will you do differently ?

The people of Guam are tough , but the well-being of many families and our economy are fragile . I will encourage my courageous colleagues , who stepped up during the most challenging of times , to generate the best ideas . I will support and challenge them to find solutions to our immediate problems , while having the foresight and fortitude to deal with long-standing issues that have plagued our island for many years .

The way to address these issues is to lay out all of the facts and data and thoroughly deliberate on the merits of each proposal , not the politics .

Is there anything else you ’ d like to add ?

Having served as legislative counsel for over 20 years and as a senator for the prior two terms , I have a deep sense of respect for the role that the legislature serves within our system of government , providing the critical checks and balances to protect the people of Guam . I am committed to the preservation of legislative authority and continue to believe that the people of Guam deserve a thoughtful , deliberative and responsive legislature to stand up for them .

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