Public Auditor of Guam


The Public Auditor of Guam is an elected territorial office independent of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Government of Guam. Five individuals have held the office of Public Auditor since its creation in 1994. The incumbent is Benjamin Cruz.

Election and term of office

The auditor was initially appointed to a six-year term by the governor after a commission recommended at least three candidates, and then be subject to a retention vote by voters. Neither appointed auditor served long enough to face a retention election. In 1999, legislation changed the office to a nonpartisan election with four-year terms and no term limits.

Powers and duties

The Public Auditor heads Guam's Office of Public Accountability, which is tasked with promoting effective management of public resources through audits of territorial agencies and local governments and administration of procurement appeals. The Public Auditor is also responsible for:
  1. maintaining a government ethics training program for elected and appointed public officials;
  2. operating a hotline for investigating citizen concerns and whistleblower complaints of fraud and abuse of power; and
  3. publishing meeting agendas and approved minutes prepared by territorial agencies, boards, commissions, and public corporations.

History

The position of Public Auditor was established in 1992 and was originally appointed. In 2000, Doris Flores Brooks became the first Public Auditor elected.

List of Public Auditors (1994–present)

;Appointed auditors
NameStartEnd

;Elected auditors