Robert Weilbacher

Robert James Weilbacher, Sr. (14 September 1946 – 26 January 2020[1]) was a Micronesian politician and former Governor of Kosrae state. Weilbacher served as the Governor of Kosrae from February 2007 until January 2011.

Robert James Weilbacher, Sr.
Governor of Kosrae
In office
February 23, 2007 – January 11, 2011
LieutenantWilliam Tosie
Preceded byLyndon Jackson (acting)
Succeeded byLyndon Jackson
Personal details
Born14 September 1946
South Seas Mandate
Died26 January 2020(2020-01-26) (aged 73)
Finanpes, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
Spouse(s)Josepha Arriola Weilbacher
Alma materPhilippine Merchant Marine Academy

Governor Robert James Weilbacher and Lt. Governor William Tosie were sworn into office on February 23, 2007. Their public inauguration was held on March 13, 2007, with Micronesian President Joseph Urusemal in attendance.[2]

Weilbacher inherited a poor economy and massive public debt left by the administration of outgoing Kosrae Governor Rensley A. Sigrah.[3] The Kosrae state government was barely able to make payroll due to financial mismanagement when Weilbacher took office.[3] On March 8, 2007, just days after taking office as governor, Weilbacher traveled to the Micronesian capital of Palikir to request nearly $3 million in financial aid to "make payroll and meet basic services" for the remainder of the financial year.[3] Weilbacher spearheaded government reforms saying in a 2007 interview, "I want us to change how we operate. Change the way we think about government."[3]

Governor Weilbacher did not seek a second term in office in the 2009 gubernatorial election. His successor, Governor Lyndon Jackson, thanked Weilbacher for reforming Kosrae's government and economy during his inaugural address in January 2011.[4]

References
  1. "A RESOLUTION Expressing sincere condolences and sadness of the Twenty-First Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia to the family of late former Governor of Kosrae State, Robert James Weilbacher, and to the government and the people of the state of Kosrae on his passing on January 26, 2020" (PDF). Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  2. "Kosrae inaugurates Governor Weilbacher and Ninth Legislature". FSM Information Service. 2007-03-13. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  3. "Financial Shambles in Kosrae as New Administration Comes In: "Most of the principle [sic] officers of Kosrae were shocked by our own findings of their financial status," FSM official says."". Kaselehlie Press. 2007-03-21. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  4. "Chuuk swears in governor, lt. governor, legislators". Kaselehlie Press. 2011-02-04. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
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