Senate approves governor's nominations to two Admin boards

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga’s appointment of Ale Tifimalae Ale as a member of the Territorial Planning Commission was approved in a unanimous vote on Friday.

A Senate Resolution introduced last week says Ale has over 40 years of dedicated service to the American Samoa Government.

Gov. Lemanu stated that Ale’s expertise and leadership will be a great addition to the Commission. Adding that Ale was nominated during the Second Regular Session of the 37th Legislature and was confirmed by the House of Representatives (H.R. 37-38), but he was off-island on the day of his Senate confirmation hearing.

All 11 Senators voted yes to approve the Governor’s nomination after a hearing where the Senators had no questions for Ale.

AMERICAN SAMOA VISITORS BUREAU BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED

On Friday the Senate approved Tauese V. Sunia and Tuli Fruean as members of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau Board.

There were five nominations submitted by Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga aside from Tauese and Fruean, other nominees are Agnes Polu, Petti T. Matila, Poe Mageo, and Tuli Fruean.

The absence of other nominees did not sit well with Senate President, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean.

 “Even during the budget hearings some of the Directors are overseas. The same practice is happening with the nominations submitted by the Governor, they should have been told to be ready to appear before the Senate for the hearings.”

He reminded the Senate meets only 45 days a session.

“This is not a new issue, but we have been lenient and giving them chances and see what is happening.

 “The Fono should take appropriate actions, we cannot sit idle on such issues, this is outright disrespect to the Senate. We should be working together, given there are 45 days per session, we don’t want to be blamed for not conducting our duties,” said Tuaolo.

Former Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono said the decision is up to the Senators.

“They submitted their nominees, we gave them a hearing date and if they don’t bother to show, then we can vote whether to reject the nomination. The decision lies with us,” explained Togiola.

The Senator then motioned to give the nominees, Agnes Polu, Petti T. Matila, Poe Mageo another chance to appear next week Tuesday if not, then they will reject the Governor’s nomination.

He said there was a notification from the Governor’s office through to the Senate President’s office, that the nominees are overseas.

 “Again it is up to us, we can reject these nominees and if the Governor wants to re-submit their names again, it is up to him,” said Togiola.