Senate bill introduced to widen criteria & requirements of those subject to Fono confirmation

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A bill which amends the requirements and criteria of Directors of Cabinet Departments and heads of bureaus and offices under the Governor's Office to include confirmation by the Fono, was introduced in the Senate yesterday by Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono.

The proposed bill would require Directors of Cabinet Departments, the heads of bureaus and offices who do not report to a department head, and all agencies and offices under the Governor's Office, to be confirmed by a majority vote of both chambers of the Fono.

The proposed bill requires that "directors are US Citizens or US Nationals of American Samoa ancestry, ensuring that those appointed have a vested interest and deep connection to our community.

"By requiring directors to be continuous residents of American Samoa for at least 12 months before confirmation, promotes a leadership that is well versed in local issues and needs, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their governance," the bill reasoned.

To maintain high ethical standards within the government, the bill stipulates that "directors must not have been convicted of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude or felonies. This requirement ensures that those in leadership positions have demonstrated a commitment to integrity and accountability."

According to the bill's Preamble, "the effectiveness and integrity of leadership within our government departments are paramount to ensuring the delivery of services and the advancement of our community's welfare.

"As such, it is crucial to establish clear and consistent language as to which director must be confirmed by the Legislature as well as criteria for the appointment of directors. By clarifying and defining both, we aim to ensure that all appointed directors possess the necessary criteria, commitment, and integrity needed for their roles."

The bill goes on to say that "these changes outline the essential qualifications for director roles. It removes ambiguity and ensures a consistent and transparent [sic] of the law. This clarification is vital for maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in our government's process."

"These changes in the law demonstrate our duty and responsibility to improve the overall effectiveness of our government. Qualified, committed, and ethically sound leadership is crucial for implementing policies and honest governance," the bill declared.

It has now been referred to the Senate House Rules Committee, which is chaired by Senate President Pro Temp Senator Magalei Logovi'i.

BACKGROUND

Samoa News should point out that the bill seems to be anticipating that the Pula & Pule Administration is planning to re-organize the government leadership structure to include “Executive Directors” to whom directors of departments would report. The executive director is immediately listed under the Governor & Lt. Governor, according to the chart Samoa News has seen, but not verified, which would indicate that they (Executive Directors or EDs) would be under the Governor’s Office.

For example, Under a Finance ED, the department heads of Treasury, Budget, Procurement, Audit, Property Management, ASEDA, OFI, ARPA, and CIP/SP would report.