The Committee on Government Finance and Operations recessed the Department of Parks and Recreation's budget hearing Tuesday after the administration did not send an appointed or acting director to defend the agency's budget, sending only career classified employees.
Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dueñas said he would not require classified employees to answer for decisions made by appointed leadership. "This budget should be defended by an appointed official — whether confirmed or serving in an acting capacity — not by the hardworking civil servants who carry out the agency's day-to-day operations," Dueñas said.
Five DPR employees appeared and identified themselves for the record: Recreational Administrator William Stinnett, Park Police Lt. Anthony Martinez, Park Police Superintendent Joey Terlaje, Parks Administrator John Glenn Taitague and Administrative Services Officer Melba Limo.
Dueñas said the committee has significant questions tied to the department's 2024 audit findings that should be answered by executive leadership, and that the matter may later be taken up by an investigative committee. He also expressed frustration that the committee received no advance notice or communication about the absence. The department had recently seen the resignation of Director Sablan, and the status of acting Director Warren Pelletier impending appointment was raised at the hearing.
Vice Chairman Sen. Tony Ada, who shares oversight of the department, supported postponing the hearing. "Those questions should be addressed by the individual responsible for leading the agency, not by classified employees who are carrying out their duties," he said.
Dueñas also signaled he would question the department's appointed officials over a media release concerning legislature-marked equipment found at a park, saying such matters should be handled with a phone call rather than public statements. Both senators thanked DPR personnel for their service, particularly their upkeep work at cemeteries.