(Updated Nov. 16, 20202/12:05 pm)
President Donald Trump has nominated Guam Superior Court Judge Maria B. Cenzon to serve on the bench of the District Court of Guam. But Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero wasn't exactly pleased with the nomination.
"We have nothing but respect for any person nominated to serve in such an important capacity. Unfortunately, given the waning hours of the current administration, we were not a part of the normal consultation process associated with other judicial nominees in the past and that’s important for the people of Guam," the governor said in a statement.
"With the upcoming holiday recess, a Senate majority up for grabs, and a coming presidential transition, we hope that all critical decisions involving Guam are addressed deliberately and without the rush associated with an outgoing administration,” she added.
Cenzon, who was originally nominated by former governor Eddie Baza Calvo to serve on the Superior Court of Guam bench in 2012, "is a woman of integrity who will bring her profound professionalism to the federal district court, as well as her legal experience in both the public and private sectors," the Republican Party said in a press release.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would replace Federasl Judge Frances Tyidingco-Gatewood, whose term expired in 2017.
The Democratic Party of Guam has issued a statement supporting Cenzon's nomination.
"Judge Cenzon is a daughter of Guam and, at this point, is the one nominated by the President which will go through the confirmation process in the US Senate confirmation. We wish her well,” said Democratic Party chairperson Sarah Thomas Nededog.
Cenzon served as chief legal counsel to Calvo prior to the appointment, and has also practiced law for 17 years, primarily in private practice.
A mother of two, Cenzon is a daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, who was born and raised in Guam.
Upon her graduation from the Academy of our Lady of Guam, Judge Cenzon completed her undergraduate studies at Marquette University, and then later earned her law degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. This nomination not only serves as an honored milestone in the career of Judge Cenzon but evidences a noble accomplishment for her family who have embraced such words as hard work, sacrifice, education, and dedication over the years.
The Republican Party and Democratic Party of Guam issued separate statements congratulating Cenzon and urging the U.S. Senate to expeditiously confirm her nomination, "so that another daughter of Guam can proudly serve the island community and the nation on the bench of the United States District Court of Guam."
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