In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the salary structure for the Attorney General of Guam, highlighting significant concerns regarding proposed increases and the implications of tying the Attorney General's salary to that of the highest-paid attorneys in the office.

Currently, the Attorney General's salary stands at $148,063 for fiscal year 2024. A proposed amendment suggests that the Attorney General's salary be set at $2,000 above the highest compensated Assistant Attorney General, which is currently $175,000. This would effectively raise the Attorney General's salary to $177,000, a notable increase that has sparked debate among lawmakers.

Critics of the amendment expressed skepticism about the justification for such a salary increase, questioning the Attorney General's performance and the fairness of linking his pay to potentially inflated salaries of his subordinates. Concerns were raised that this could lead to a situation where the Attorney General could manipulate salary structures to benefit himself, as he has the authority to determine the salaries of his deputies.

Supporters of the amendment argued that aligning the Attorney General's salary with that of the judiciary, specifically 90% of a Superior Court judge's salary—which is currently $167,788—could help attract qualified candidates to the position. They emphasized the need for competitive compensation to ensure that the office remains appealing to skilled legal professionals.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of salary adjustments within the government, particularly how changes in one sector could influence pay scales across the board. As the judiciary has recently adopted a resolution to ensure that judges' salaries are at least $2,000 higher than the highest-paid non-judicial employee, the potential for escalating salaries within the legal framework of Guam remains a contentious issue.

As discussions continue, lawmakers are tasked with balancing the need for competitive salaries against fiscal responsibility and public accountability. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of legal compensation in Guam and set a precedent for how government salaries are structured moving forward.