GOV. Eddie Calvo yesterday nominated attorney Maria Teresa Bonifacio Cenzon, the governor’s chief legal counsel, for the position of Superior Court Judge.
Cenzon’s nomination follows Judge Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson’s retirement in March.
At the nomination ceremony, the governor praised Cenzon’s competency in law, her professionalism, humanity and compassion.
Cenzon had done work in support of the tax refunds, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues, and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
Members of the Legislature were present at the nomination ceremony, including Sen. Adolpho Palacios, chairman of the judiciary committee.
Palacios stated at the nomination ceremony that he would work to expedite Cenzon’s confirmation process.
In a press release sent out later, Palacios also assured that he will hold a confirmation hearing for Cenzon and present a committee report of action by the full Legislature within the next month or two, pending a background check which would take up to two to three weeks.
Also present along with Palacios at the nomination ceremony were Sens. Aline Yamashita, Mana Silva Taijeron, Tony Ada, Christopher Duenas, Frank Blas Jr., Sam Mabini, and Dennis Rodriguez Jr. All senators present spoke in support of Cenzon.
Cenzon’s proud parents, Ed and Nita Cenzon, as well as her two children and husband, were also present to congratulate her. Mr. and Mrs. Cenzon each made a speech about their pride and happiness for their daughter.
On leaving her current position, Cenzon said before accepting the nomination: “It is bittersweet. It’s the hardest job I have ever loved. I am confident leaving here because I know that the government – the island – is in good hands.
Compassionate
In a letter to Speaker Judith Won Pat, the governor explained his choice: “She is a compassionate woman, devoted to her family, pure of heart, and with unquestionable ethics and integrity. She is someone children can look up to and aspire to be. She is a role model, whose character is unassailable and whose judgment can always be trusted.”
Cenzon was among four who were on the list of possible nominees. They included Elyze McDonald Iriarte, Linda Ingles, and John Weisenberger.
Cenzon will be the second judge Gov. Calvo has nominated. The first was current Judge James L Canto II. Judge Canto had also been the governor’s chief legal counsel before becoming a judge.
Cenzon took his place in October 2011. A replacement for Cenzon has not yet been chosen.
Cenzon graduated from law school in Loyola University in Chicago in 1996. Before working for the governor, Cenzon was a partner at Mair, Mair, Spade & Thompson in 1997, a partner at Cabot-Mantanona LLP in 2008, a partner at Carlsmith Ball LLP in 2009, and served as director of Policy, Planning and Community Relations in the United Judiciary of Guam in 2010.
