The chief of staff is a position of “trust and loyalty,” but Rep. Madeleine Bordallo has staff members who can support her in dispensing her duties as Guam Delegate, despite the resignation of John Whitt, who is facing assault and sex offense charges.
“Congresswoman Bordallo has several staff members to continue to support her and to be frank, Washington is crawling with experienced staffers,” said Guam professor Ron McNinch, in a statement. “But trust and loyalty are nurtured and are a product of hard work. Having a close staff member make a mistake is like having a family make a mistake. But time is often the best remedy.”
Whitt, who initially took an administrative leave, finally quit his post after Bordallo, herself, announced that Whitt was facing misdemeanor charges in Maryland.
Records from the District Court of Maryland show the state has charged Whitt with assault as a second-degree misdemeanor and sex offense as fourth-degree misdemeanor. The same files show Whitt made an initial court appearance on April 9 and is scheduled to next appear in court on Oct. 19.
According to Maryland court files, Whitt also faced similar charges in 1996. The alleged incident involved three male midshipmen.
McNinch pointed out that legislative staffers play a big role in the career of a politician, whose duties range from constituent, to policy work to individual support of a politician.”
“Because public figures rely on primary staff so much, they often become close members of an inner circle around the leader. Often relationships almost take on family-like dimensions. These are often close and lasting relationships,” he explained.
McNinch added that the chief of staff plays a critical role, saying he or she regulates access to a lawmaker, including the dissemination of information.
“The chief (of staff) will often supervise or manage staff. They may work on the political mission and vision for the leader. If you see a good politician, it is far more likely that you are seeing the results of good staff support. The best elected leader possible can do little without this strong support,” McNinch emphasized.
He described Whitt, who served the Guam Delegate for 13 years, as a “devoted” aide of Bordallo, a man “who is ever watchful of her interests.”
Bordallo had issued a statement that she had accepted Whitt’s resignation.
“I accepted John Whitt’s resignation as my chief of staff, effective immediately. I have a responsibility to represent and advocate for our people to the best of my abilities, and unfortunately the pending allegations against John could detract from carrying out those responsibilities.
“I appreciate the many years of service that John has provided to me and the people of Guam throughout his career in public service. John was a trusted advisor, and his counsel was instrumental to carrying out my duties as Guam’s representative in Congress, “ the statement read.
Bordallo tapped Legislative Director, Matthew Herrmann, as Whitt’s replacement.
Whitt was arrested in April on allegations of second-degree assault and unwanted sexual conduct.
Bordallo’s communications director, Adam Carbullido, said last week that Bordallo was aware of Whitt’s past, “as were many on Guam.”
“(Whitt) completed his restitution following those cases before he started working for the congresswoman as her chief of staff,” said Carbullido./The Junction News Team
