Congressional candidate, former Gov. Togiola Tulafono, has called on the current generation to do more to contribute to American Samoa and “our democracy” just like our forefathers and ancestors did over the last 114 years.

Togiola was speaking last Saturday during his first public political rally, which was also part of his official campaign kick off at Su’igaula o le Atuvasa at Utulei Beach. Those in attendance at the rally included supporters, friends, and family members such as Togiola’s cousin, Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga.

Togiola acknowledged that Lemanu, accompanied by his wife Pohakalani, had set aside his official ASG position of lieutenant governor and instead had attended as part of their immediate family. Togiola became a little emotional when touching on the issue of Lemanu being present.

At the campaign rally, Togiola told the audience that he has spoken previously about various issues pertaining to the Delegate’s post as well as matters of importance to American Samoa, and said that the Delegate must work closely with local leaders and the administration in order to achieve the best results and benefits for the territory and her people.

Togiola says that his many years of public service have provided him with vast experience and knowledge to continue to serve the people of American Samoa as the Delegate to Congress. He says it has been an honor to serve American Samoa in past years [as governor and lieutenant governor] — and he wants to continue that public service in Congress.

“I truly believe that the work of the Delegate [in Congress] is in support and to support local leaders and the people of American Samoa,” he declared. However, he says the work of the Delegate is not easy, it's complicated and difficult at times, but with God’s help all things can be achieved.

He went on to point out that the “vote” is a person’s right to choose the candidate for public office and urged voters no to be afraid of using that “right” to vote instead of staying home on election day and wasting that right given to every qualified person in a democratic society.

Togiola stressed that free democratic societies are formed and created by people who are given the right to vote for those whom they choose for their government. He urged voters to go to the polls on election day to “vote” because “it’s a person’s right”.

He is thankful that this year there are nine candidates vying for the Delegate seat, saying that this is a clear sign that democracy is alive and well in American Samoa, and that was the democracy chosen by our ancestors, our forefathers, he said.

“Our great grandparents gave us this democracy when they made the agreement that ceded us to the United States. Our great grandparents gave us our Legislature, our parents gave us our Delegate and elected governor and lieutenant governor,” he reminded the audience.

“My question today — to my generation and all of us — is, what have we done for our government? So far not much. We’re running this democracy, we’re operating things for our people, but what have we put into this democracy that is supposed to be alive and well, and it is [alive and well],” he said.

“But what has our generation done for it, to make it better, to improve it? To enhance the work of yours and my great-great-grandparents; yours and my great grandparents; and yours and mine's parents?” he asked again.

“We are here today, because we want to make that contribution. And with all the help from God and working together with our administration and our leaders, our government today, I pledge to you that I will help find that contribution, that our generation should and must give to our democracy,” he continued.

“Let us pass on to our children and their children a democracy that is better because we lived in it and we did something for it. But let today be the beginning of what we can contribute, not what we can take,” Togiola declared.

As part of his closing remarks, he thanked his supporters, family members, friends and Sailele CCCAS Rev. Solomona Faiva for attending the campaign event. He also wished Lemanu and Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and their administration the best.

Also in the audience was Swains Island Rep. Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings, and Togiola also wished him the best for the future, especially in his quest to move forward an amendment to the Constitution.

(The proposed amendment pending in a House committee would have the Swains Island delegate vote on legislation presented to the full House floor. Currently, the Swains delegate can only vote in committee.)

Togiola says he prays that the Fono would approve this issue and present the matter to voters in a referendum.