California appoints Pinay as lieutenant governor

Filipino-American Mona Pasquil was formally appointed interim lieutenant governor of California, the first woman to be ever named to that position. Pasquil, a former political director in charge of the West Coast during the Bill Clinton administration, assumed the top state position Thursday on the strength of the California State Constitution’s provision, which states that the chief of staff of the incumbent lieutenant governor may immediately assume the office in the event of a vacancy.

In Tuesday’s elections, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi won the congressional seat vacated by Ellen Tauscher, who was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as undersecretary in the State Department.
Garamendi’s term as lieutenant governor ends November next year.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this appointment,” Pasquil said by phone. “And I thank Congressman John Garamendi for appointing me because I was told that I am the first Filipina and first woman lieutenant governor of California.”

Pasquil—45, who was born in this capital city and now lives in nearby Walnut Grove—is the first Filipino to rise to, symbolically, to the second highest position in California government, but also as the state’s first woman lieutenant governor.

She will serve in a temporary capacity until the majority of both the California Senate and the Assembly confirms, or rescinds, her appointment during a regular session in January 2010.
Alice Bulos, the “Grand Old Dame of Filipino-American politics,” was ecstatic about Pasquil’s feat.

“The Filipino-American community is very proud of the appointment of Mona, who is highly deserving of her new position,” said Bulos, a former sociology professor at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
“I personally know Mona since way back as a very hardworking public servant and very intelligent person,” Bulos, noting that Pasquil was formerly western political director in the Clinton White House, one of numerous important positions she has held in her illustrious career.

Pasquil continues to be a ranking member of the Democratic National Committee.
California State Senator Leland Yee, a long-time friend of the Bay Area Filipino American community, also lauded Pasquil’s appointment.

“I have no doubt that Mona will do well in her temporary role as lieutenant governor. Her previous responsibilities in the Clinton administration, other governments, and serving as Garamendi’s chief of staff will give her the support and knowledge needed for this new position. This is another great accomplishment for Filipino Americans in California,” the senator said in a statement.

As lieutenant governor and president of the State Senate, Pasquil is authorized to preside over the business of the Golden State’s upper chamber.

She will also sit on the Board of Regents of the University of California system and the California State University Board of Trustees.

Pasquil will also serve as chair of the powerful State Lands Commission, chair of the Commission for Economic Development, and member of the California Emergency Council and the Ocean Protection Council, among other positions.

--Jun Medina

The Manila Times