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AGO reorganization looms
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Posted on Feb 14 2000
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio is expecting to see a major house cleaning at the Attorney General’s Office with the assumption to office of a new chief government counsel amid widespread criticisms on alleged inefficient management.
Mr. Tenorio expressed confidence newly-appointed Attorney General Herbert D. Soll will be able to effectively carry out a reorganization at the AGO. Mr. Soll’s appointment Thursday was sent immediately to the Senate for its advice and consent.
“I am confident he [Mr. Soll] can bring the people’s trust back to the Attorney General’s Office. I expect him to carry out a major house-cleaning,” the governor said without elaborating.
Mr. Tenorio is raising hopes that the new attorney general’s appointment will be confirmed by the powerful Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations.
EAGI had persistently refused to attend to the nomination of acting Attorney General Maya Kara since she was appointed to the position in 1998.
The Superior Court earlier this year ordered the governor to appoint a permanent AG, declaring Mr. Tenorio’s appointment of Ms. Kara as unconstitutional.
Legislators previously expressed concerns on the absence of a permanent AG for almost two years. Ms. Kara held the position on an acting capacity for 18 months.
Mr. Tenorio is hoping that his nominee to the AGO will be able to get the Senate’s confirmation this time in order for Mr. Soll to completely carry out the needed changes in the office.
He said the reorganization at the AG’s office depends on how fast the Senate will act on his confirmation.
The Senate had consistently rejected the confirmation of Ms. Kara’s appointment as attorney general, prompting the local chief executive to withdraw her nomination on Sept. 23, 1998.
