Ads by Google Ads by Google

Traditional leaders select Fano as one of three Maoputasi senators

Traditional leaders of Fagatogo, Utulei and Fagaalu last Friday afternoon following a meeting to select its next senator. The leaders selected Fano Mitch Shimasaki (middle in brown).  [photo: AF]]
reporters@samoanews.com

Following a traditional Samoa meeting last Friday, the tradition leaders of Fagatogo, Utulei and Fagaalu selected Fano Mitch Shimasaki as their Senator for the next four years when the new Legislature convenes in January next year.

Fano will represent one of the three senatorial seats for Maoputasi.

Another seat was filled over the weekend when Pago Pago returned Sen. Tuaolo M. Fruean to the Senate, while the third seat to be filled is the one currently held by Sen. Uti Petelo, and comprises the villages of Aua, Leloaloa and Atu’u. (See yesterday’s Samoa News story on Tuaolo.)

When asked last week, Uti told Samoa News that the traditional leaders of Aua, Leloaloa and Atu’u plan to hold a meeting some time this month for the selection of their senator.

Fano’s senatorial selection was made during a meeting at Sen. Afoa L.S. Lutu’s Guest House in Fagatogo, according to chiefs who were present at the meeting. Additionally, the selection was peaceful and a consensus was reached for Fano.

In a phone interview yesterday, Fano says he is pleased and thankful for being selected to be the next Senator. He is also thankful to the Heavenly Father for the chance given to him to serve in the Senate, and this is another way to be a public servant.

Of the 18-member Senate only three have been selected so far. Last month, traditional leaders of Vaifanua county council returned Sen. Gaoteote Tofau Palaie, the current Senate President, to take up their senatorial seat for the next four years.

Based on information received so far by Samoa News other counties are planning to hold meetings in the coming days or weeks to select their senator and to have all selections for counties completed before Dec. 31.

The new Legislature will be sworn into office at 12-noon on Jan. 3, 2017.

Samoa News reporters Ausage Fausia and Fili Sagapolutele contributed to this report.