Heinz steps down as minority leader

A seven-member House minority unanimously voted Monday to elect Rep. Arnold I. Palacios as its new minority leader, replacing Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider.

According to the minority group, Hofschneider decided to “step down” from the post.

Hofschneider recently declared his intention to run as governor, challenging partymate and incumbent Gov. Juan N. Babauta in a primary.

Hofschneider plans to run with Rep. David Apatang.

In an interview, designated minority spokesman Rep. Ramon Tebuteb said the election of Palacios took place during a meeting Monday morning.

“Rep. Hofschneider resigned from being a minority leader and we unanimously voted for Rep. Palacios,” said Tebuteb.

Present in the meeting were representatives Jesus Attao, Benjamin Seman, Joseph Deleon Guerrero, Apatang, Hofschneider, Palacios, and Tebuteb.

Rep. Martin Ada, who recently assumed the chairmanship of the House Committee on Commerce, was absent.

When asked, Tebuteb said that Hofschneider’s political plans were not openly discussed but it may have been a factor in his decision.

“Part of it is a big race coming up, but it’s a consensus among us that there needs to be some changes,” Tebuteb said.

He said the minority bloc continues to be united and that Hofschneider would stick with the group. “There is harmony, absolutely,” he said.

Hofschneider was reached but he remains inaccessible for comments.

In a separate interview, Palacios said it was Hofschneider’s desire to relinquish his post “to pass on the experience to other members.”

“He decided it’s time for him to pass it on,” he said. “It’s not a coup d’ etat. We talked about it. He’s been offering it since a month ago.”

As minority leader, Palacios said he is determined to keep the unity of the group.

“We’ll continue to engage in discussions in a productive manner. We would probably be more aware, more conscious of how we approach things such as in pushing or opposing legislation,” he said.

He said his job also means constant consultation “with everybody in the group.” He said coordinating with minority members is not hard since all of them are not new to the job.

Sources said that Palacios, who represents Precinct III, was “the ideal choice” in view of changes that would take place in the next months.

Sources said Attao and Seman would no longer seek re-election, leaving the minority’s leadership in the hands of Palacios, Tebuteb, and Deleon Guerrero.