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Sablan v. Gutierrez, Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid11753993 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid7698385 6}}}{\fs20\insrsid11753993  of 11}{\i\fs20\insrsid11753993 
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid7698385 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 DAVID J. SABLAN, }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 as Chairman of the Republican
\par Party of Guam and a registered voter; the}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  REPUBLICAN
\par PARTY OF GUAM; }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 and}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  ORPHA T. MATANANE,
\par }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Petitioner-Appellee,
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 CARL T.C. GUTIERREZ, }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 in his official capacity
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 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 lahen Gu\'e5han}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ,
\par }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Respondent-Appellant,
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 GERALD A. TAITANO, }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 in his official capacity
\par as Executive Director of the Guam Election 
\par Commission; and the}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  GUAM ELECTION 
\par COMMISSION, }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Government of Guam}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Supreme Court Case No. CVA02-019
\par Superior Court Case No. SP0064-02}{\insrsid7698385 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 OPINION}{\insrsid7698385 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Filed:}{\b\insrsid7698385  }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 August 30, 2002}{\insrsid7698385 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Argued and submitted on August 28, 2002
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam
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Appearing for the Respondent-Appellant}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 :
\par Douglas B. Moylan, Esq.\tab \tab \tab \tab Eric A. Heisel
\par Moylan & Van de Veld\tab \tab \tab \tab Assistant Attorney General
\par Union Bank Building, Suite 215\tab \tab \tab Office of the Attorney General
\par 194 Hernan Cortes Avenue\tab \tab \tab \tab Suite 2-200E, Judicial Center Building 
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab 120 West O}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Brien Drive
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\par }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 BEFORE:}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 JOHN A. MANGLONA, Chief Justice,}{\cs15\super\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\fs20\super\insrsid11753993 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid11753993 
  The Chief Justice and Associated Justices recused themselves from this matter.  Designated Justice Manglona, as the senior member of the panel, was designated as the Acting Chief Justice.}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  RICHARD H. BENSON, Justice }
{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Pro Tempore}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , and HOWARD TRAPP, Justice }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Pro Tempore}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 .}{\insrsid7698385 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 PER CURIAM:}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [1]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab David J. Sablan (Chairman of the Republican Party of Guam), the Republican Party of Guam, and Orpha T. Matanane (hereinafter collectively referred to as }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Petitioners}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ) requested the Superior Court to issue a writ of mandamus commanding Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Gerald A. Taitano (Executive 
Director of the Guam Election Commission), and the Guam Election Commission to appoint those individuals recommended by the Republican Party to the Guam Election Commission (hereinafter }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 GEC}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ).}{
\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The Petitioners argued and the Superior Court found that, pursuant to Title 3 GCA }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  2101(a) (1996), the Governor has no discretion in the appointment of members of the GEC, and that he must appoint those very persons whose names are submitted to him by the political parties.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 From our study of the same provision, we conclude that a certain amount of discretion does reside in the Governor in appointing members of the GEC, and therefore reverse the judgment of the Superior Court.}{
\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
We vacate the Judgment Regarding Preemptory Writ of Mandate which directs the Governor to appoint to the board of the GEC the persons currently recommended by the Republican Party, and find that the Governor may, 
in the exercise of sound discretion, reject the names submitted by the Republican Party and request additional recommendations. 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 I.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
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\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [2]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab 
Petitioners filed a Petition for Writ of Mandamus in the Superior Court of Guam asking that the lower court issue a writ of mandate directing the Governor to appoint the board of the GEC as required by Title 3 GCA }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7698385  2101(a).}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [3]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Section 2101(a) directs the governor to appoint six members to the board of the GEC from recommendations made by the recognized political parties of Guam.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The Governor failed to appoint any}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 of the three persons recommended by the Republican party.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
The lower court held that the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s failure to name the Republican nominees to the GEC board violated section 2101(a).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The lower court}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s decision rested on two alternative grounds.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
First, the board of the GEC is not a part of the executive branch, and thereby not within the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s power of appointment as conferred by the Organic Act.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Second, even assumi
ng the GEC is an executive agency, the power of appointment is not exclusive to the Governor and can be limited by the legislature.}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [4]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Based on the above findings, the lower court rendered a judgment directing that a writ of mandate issue, compelling the 
Governor to appoint to the GEC board those individuals who have been recommended by the Republican and Democratic parties of Guam.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The Governor now appeals this judgment.}{
\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 II.}{\b\insrsid11753993 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [5]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab 
We determine that the resolution of the question of law on which the Decision and Order of the Superior Court is based will materially advance the termination of this litigation and clarify further proceedings herein, and should it be questioned whether t
he judgment of the Superior Court is final and available for appellate review pursuant to Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  3108(a) (1994), we certify the judgment of the Superior Court available to immediate appellate review pursuant to Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  3108(b)(1) (1994).
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 III.}{\b\insrsid11753993 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [6]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab The grant of a writ of mandate is generally reviewed to determine whether the court}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s judgment is supported by substantial evidence.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Holmes v. Territorial Land Use Comm}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 n}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 1998 Guam 8, }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  6.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 However, when the questions presented for review are strictly questions of law and no facts are disputed, as in the instant matter, then the court}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s review is }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 de novo}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 .}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Id.}{
\i\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [7]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab In seeking mandamus relief, the Petitioners must establish that (1) the Governor had a clear, present, and usually ministerial dut
y to act; and (2) the Petitioners had a clear, present, and beneficial right to performance of that duty.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Bank of Guam v. Reidy}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 2001 Guam 14, }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  13.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 A.\tab Section 2101(a)}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [8]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Section 2101(a) reads:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 There is within, as an autonomous instrumentality and an independent commission of the government of Guam, the Election Commission.}{
\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The Commission shall consist of seven (7) members, all of whom shall be eligible voters on the date of their appointment.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 I Maga}{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 lahen Gu\'e5han}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  [Governor] shall appoint six (6) members from }{
\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommendations}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  made by the recognized political parties of Guam.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Each of the recognized political parties, via a duly passed resolution, shall }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommend}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  an equal number of names to}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  I Maga}{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 lahen Gu\'e5han}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  and the six (6) members appointed by }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 I Maga}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 lahen Gu\'e5han}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
 shall be appointed so that the recognized political parties are equally represented. . . .}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 One (1) member shall be selected and appointed by the six (6) members appointed by }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 I Maga}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 lahen Gu\'e5han}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
. . . .}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 3 GCA }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  2101(a) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
The Petitioners are claiming that section 2101(a) imposes upon the Governor a ministerial duty to appoint to the GEC board the three people recommended to him by the Republican Party.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
The Governor does not dispute the Petitioners}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
 reading of the statute and instead argues that section 2101(a) violates the Organic Act by unconstitutionally restricting his power of appointment. 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [9]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab First and foremost, we disagree with the parties}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  ongoing interpretation of the statute.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The language of the statute requires the Governor to appoint the GEC members and to make those appointments from those persons }{
\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommended}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  by Guam}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s recognized political parties.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 However, what section 2101(a) does not require is that the Governor automatically appoint any person whose name is submitted to him by a political party.}{
\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [10]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Section 2101(a) states that the Governor shall appoint the GEC members from the }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommendations}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
 made to him by the two political parties.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 We find that the use of the term }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommendation}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  vests in the Governor the discr
etion to decline appointing any specific individual from the list of names submitted to him.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Cf. Hetherington v. McHale}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
, 329 A.2d 250, 252 n.1 (Penn. 1974) (including as members of an agricultural commission persons }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 designated}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  by private groups).}{\cs15\super\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \chftn 
{\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\fs20\super\insrsid11753993 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid11753993   The term }{\fs20\insrsid11753993 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid11753993 designate}{\fs20\insrsid11753993 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid11753993 
 means }{\fs20\insrsid11753993 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid11753993 to appoint.}{\fs20\insrsid11753993 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid11753993   }{\scaps\fs20\insrsid11753993 Webster}{\scaps\fs20\insrsid11753993 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\scaps\fs20\insrsid11753993 s New World Dictionary}{
\fs20\insrsid11753993  164 (1991).  }}}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 This reading arises from two basic principles.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 First, it is consistent with the plain meaning of the term }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 recommendation,}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  which }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
refers to an action which is advisory in nature rather than one having any binding effect.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 People v. Gates}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 116 Cal. Rptr. 172, 178, 41 Cal. App. 3d 590, 599 (Ct. App. 1974).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
And second, we are reluctant, without a clear signal from Congress, to conclude that it intended to foreclose the Governor from exercising some degree of discretion in the appointment of the members of an agency such as the GEC.}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [11]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab 
Should either political party present the Governor with an unqualified and unsuitable candidate for membership on the board of the GEC, the Governor must, as a public official responsible for protecting and ensuring the welfare of the 
public, be empowered to decline to place that person in a position of public trust.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
If a list of names submitted to the Governor contains only three recommendations, as has been the traditional practice in Guam, there is no statutory language preventing t
he Governor from rejecting one or all of the recommended people for reason and requesting that some additional names be submitted.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Cf. James v. Schorr}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
, 65 A.2d 810, 813 (Del. 1948) (}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 all}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  of whom are to be appoin
ted by the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Thus, unlike the lower court}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s interpretation of the statute, we find that section 2101(a) does vest the Governor with some amount of discretion in making}{\insrsid7698385  appointments to the GEC board.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [12]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab We note the Petitioners}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  argument that an interpretation of section 2101(a) which allows the Governor to reject or accept a political party}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s recommendations could invite a political standoff, wherein the Governor continually rejects each name submitted to him until he exhausts the pool of potential candidates.}{\insrsid7698385  }
{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 We reject such an argument and instead choose to presume good faith.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See Bracy v. Gramley}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
, 520 U.S. 899, 909, 117 S. Ct. 1793, 1799 (1997) (}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Ordinarily, we presume that public officials have 
}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 properly discharged their official duties.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ) (citation omitted); }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 see also Reiter v. Ill. Nat}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 l Cas. Co.}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 73 N.E.2d 412, 417 (Ill. 1947) (}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
The rule is well settled that public officials in the performance of their official acts are presumed to act in good faith and with honest motives.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 It is the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s duty to exercise his discretion in a sound and reasonable manner and not arbitrarily refuse to appoint to the GEC otherwise qualified people.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 B.\tab Organic Act
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [13]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Although section 2101(a)
 does not completely divest the Governor of his discretion in appointing the members of the GEC, it does place a limitation on his power of appointment by restricting his group of candidates to persons recommended by Guam}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s recognized political parties.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Therefore, we must address the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s argument that }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 any}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  limitation placed on his power of appointment violates the Organic Act.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 The Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s appointment authority is limited and set forth in 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  1422, which states that the Governor }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
shall appoint, and may remove, all officers and employees of the executive branch of the government of Guam, except as otherwise provided in this or any other Act of Congress, or under the laws of Guam . . . .}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  1422 (1950).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Assuming }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 arguendo}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
 that the GEC is an executive agency, the phrase }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
except as otherwise provided . . . under the law[] . . . .}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  is an }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
unmistakable recognition of the authority of the lawmaking department to provide for the appointment of all officers whose appointment is not definitely regulated by the Constitution itself.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Driscoll v. Sakin}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 1 A.2d 881, 882 (N.J. 1938).}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [14]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Unlike the facts presented in }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Bordallo v. Baldwin}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 624 F.2d 932 (9th Cir. 1980), and}{\insrsid7698385 
 }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Nelson v. Ada}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 878 F.2d 277 (9th Cir. 1989), no other provision within the Organic 
Act limits the manner in which the legislature may restrict the power of appointment with respect to the GEC.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Bordallo}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 624 F.2d at 934-35 (finding that a statute rendering the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s power to appoint hospital trustees ministerial conflicted with the provision of the Organic Act that vested the Governor with authority to maintain Guam}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s health services); }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 see also Nelson}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 878 F.2d at 279-80 (finding that a statut
e divesting the Governor of his power to appoint school board members conflicted with the provision of the Organic Act that vested the Governor with authority to maintain Guam}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s public school system).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Therefore,
 section 2101(a) is a legitimate exercise by the legislature of its express authority to determine how the members of a board it created are to be selected and appointed.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Welch v. Key}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 365 P.2d 154, 157 (Okla. 1961).}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [15]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Moreover, limiting the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s power of appointment in this manner is a reasonable and accepted method of ensuring that the body of an election commission is representative of an area}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s political parties.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See Independence League v. Taylor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
, 97 P. 303, 305, 154 Cal. 179, 183 (1908).}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Bipartisan membership in an election commission is a desirable means for securing a fair and honest election.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See Driscoll}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 1 A.2d at 882 (}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
To insure a democratic form of government, it is necessary that there be at least two strong political parties holding different views upon political questions. . . .}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
To insure honest elections it is essential that the county board be made up at least by the choice of both powerful political parties.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ).
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [16]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Therefore, we find that the legislature can restrict the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s selection and appointment of the GEC board members to persons recommended by Guam}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s recognized political parties without being inconsistent with the Organic Act.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Welch}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 365 P.2d at 157.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Although the Governor retains some d
iscretion to either reject or accept the names submitted to him, he does not have the discretion to select individuals not recommended by the political parties.}{\insrsid11753993 
\par }{\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [17]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab The mandate as issued by the lower court requires the Governor to appoint the very people recommended.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Because the Governor could, in a reasonable exercise of his discretion, reject those recommendations, we find that the issuance of such a mandate was in error.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Despite our ruling, we note that a writ of mandate may still be proper.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
Mandamus may not ordinarily issue to command a body to exercise its discretion in a particular manner. . . .}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Nonetheless, where the exercise of discretion, or the failure to exercise such discretion 
is so fraudulent, arbitrary, or palpably unreasonable that it constitutes an abuse of discretion as a matter of law, mandamus may issue.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Holmes}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 1998 Guam 8 at }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  12 (citations omitted); }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 see also Hollman v. Warren}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 196 P.2d 562, 565, 32 Cal. 2d 351, 355 (1948) (}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 While ordinarily, mandamus may not be available to compel the exercise by a court or officer of the discretion posse
ssed by them in a particular manner, or to reach a particular result, it does lie to command the exercise of discretion to compel some action upon the subject involved.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 ); }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Independence League}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 97 P. at 304-05, 154 Cal. at 180-83.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Given the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s imperative duty to appoint a GEC board, a preemptory writ of mandate could lie to compel the Governor to exercise his discretion and select the individuals to be appointed.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 See Holmes}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 , 1998 Guam 8 at }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7698385  11-12.}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [18]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab As a final matter, we address the lower court}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s holding that the GEC was not an executive branch agency.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 We find that in light of the foregoing, we need not address this issue.}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Whether or not the GEC is an agency within the executive branch, the Governor is vested with the power to appoint its board.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
We find it unnecessary to determine whether the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
s power of appointment is derived from the Organic Act or from statute.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 IV.}{\b\insrsid11753993 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid7698385\charrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [19]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Section 2101(a) does not preclude the Governor from rejecting the recommendations of political parties.}
{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Also, the statute constitutes a permissible restriction on the Governor}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s power of appointment.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Because the Governor retained discretion to reject for reason the three names submitted by the Republican Party, the lower court}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 s granting of the writ of mandate was in error.
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [20]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab The Decision and Order of the lower court is }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 REVERSED}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 .}{\insrsid7698385  }{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 This matter is }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 REMANDED}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  with directions that the Judgment Regarding Preemptory Writ of Mandate be }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 VACATED}{
\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385  and for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.}{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [21]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab Let our mandate to the Superior Court issue forthwith.
\par }{\b\insrsid7698385 
\par }{\b\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 [22]}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab The filing of a petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit or the United States Supreme Court shall not stay our mandate.}{
\insrsid7698385 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 HOWARD TRAPP\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 RICHARD H. BENSON
\par Justice }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Pro Tempore}{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid7698385  }{\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Justice }{\i\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 Pro Tempore}{\insrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid7698385 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7698385 {\insrsid11753993\charrsid7698385 JOHN A. MANGLONA
\par Chief Justice (Acting)
\par }}