Nikolao Pula
PAGO PAGO (Talanei/Pacnews) — Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has called on the support of everyone to build a better government for American Samoa.
In a video posted on social media, he said that the people’s desire for change has resulted in their success.
Pulaalii thanked the candidates for the gubernatorial election, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Laapui Talauega Eleasalo Ale, and also Vaitautolu Talia Iaulualo and Maefau Dr Mary Taufetee.
He expressed appreciation to the voters and people for a peaceful election on November 5 and the special election on November 19.
Pulaalii said he and Pulu’s humble appeal is for everyone to come together and help in building a better government. He also called for the support of the outgoing administration.
The Governor-elect spoke about the vote for change.
Senate election
Meanwhile, certification documents for seven senators who have been selected by their respective counties have been submitted by Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega to Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean.
The group includes former Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau who has been selected as senator for Vaifanua District No 3. Gaoteote served three terms as Senate President and made an unsuccessful run for Governor in 2020.
Atualevao Asifoa has been selected as the senator for Leasina District. Atualevao has previously occupied the Senate seat for Leasina.
The new senator for Alataua District is Noa F Vae. This will be his first term as senator for his district.
The other senators whose certification documents have been submitted are Utu Sila Poasa who’s returning as the Senator for Saole District, Misalaefua Hudson, who will represent Manu’a District No 2., Olo Uluao Letuli who is returning as the Senator for Fofo District and Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, who has been returned by the District of Maoputasi No 6. Pago Pago.
All districts must select their senators no later than the first Tuesday of December of each general election year.
Transition reports
In another development, all government departments are to submit their transition reports to the Governor’s Office no later than this Friday, Nov. 29 as the Lemanu and Talauega administration prepare to hand over the reins of government to Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt Governor-elect Pulu Ae Ae Jr.
In a memo issued, Governor Lemanu said, “One of the top priorities and final opportunities to demonstrate good public service is to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.”
Directors are responsible for ensuring completion of their transition reports and are to designate a transition team within their departments to prepare the reports.
Deputy Chief of Staff Lydia Amisone is named as the primary point of contact for submission of the reports.
The Governor laid out guidelines for the transition reports and the information it should contain.
These include the authority of the department or agency, indicating the constitutional, statutory, executive or regulatory authority for the department or agency’s existence, their mission and vision statements; the functions of the department or agency; policies and standard operating procedures.
The departments should also provide an organizational chart which identifies any vacant positions, short term contractors, contract specialists, and career service employees.
The department or agency’s budget to include names of local and federal program accounts, a list of outstanding single audit and grant monitoring findings and or corrective actions to those findings and identify any grant program on current high-risk designation.
Accomplishments and strengths and any other additional information that may assist the new administration to make the department or agency more effective and efficient.
The Governor reminded directors that they should have completed their inventory reports. A September 24 letter from the Office of Property Management told directors of the Governor’s directive to complete their inventory reports and these were to be submitted by the end of the business day on September 30.
Lemanu said if any directors have not completed their inventory reports they must do so immediately and submit them.
A cabinet meeting is scheduled for December 23 where key officials of the incoming administration will be present and where directors will present their transition reports.
Directors will also schedule briefings with incoming counterparts.
Lemanu said that office space has been made available in the Customs warehouse in Tafuna for the incoming transition team to use.
According to the timeline in the Governor’s memo, by 8 a.m. on the date of the inauguration, Jan. 3, 2025, all keys and equipment will be turned over to the new government and by 12 noon that day, the Lemanu and Laapui administration will come to an end.
