Comments to this story (38)
anonex wrote: |
03 Mar 2010 02:20 PM |
| It sounds as if Utu has a grandeur concern for mankind that extends beyond the Samoan people. He has been resilient to the naysayers (even this establishment's own writers) for years but his track record speaks volumes. Money? We all need it. Some work hard to earn it, others put their hands out. In my small opinion, with his international accolades, he could be making a very comfortable salary in a stronger market. Which leads me to strongly believe, that it's not the $$, as eluded to in the previous comments. The going has been tough here for years, who are we fooling? Or have we soon forgotten? |
atw wrote: |
11 Feb 2010 12:32 PM |
| Nice going Mr. Utu, you can't please everyone! You only can do so much. Many times over we neglect ourselves in doing good for the good of others, either family members, friends or neigbors, or country. No one really sees our own daily struggles except God. In events or group settings like politics itself, we sure loose our individuality in it, because people can be really manuplative and ugly; and that is LIFE, either good or bad. Choose Good the Bible said, but we human tend to choose evil most of the time. There is time for everything! Utu come visit Alaska. Come see me. Call me 9072749137. Don't marry a lady from Mariana. They look Samoan but they are not Samoan. "E sili lava le Samoa moni". We surely need you to help organize the population of Samoan here in Alaska, maybe a House of Representative to start, who knows? I believe the Samoan are the 3rd fastest growing population here, we will confirm that after this year census. Let's chat on the Net. Shall we? |
Voter wrote: |
07 Jan 2010 12:48 PM |
| Malo le soifua manuia Utu! Thanks for your honest response and I agree with
grandma Sala. I don't think the governor and his partner have time to read about the concerns of our people. To be honest with you, I will fully support you next time around and maybe you can find a better partner - nothing against my friend Sao Nua but I know he's not qualified for the position...sorry :) |
L.A. wrote: |
06 Jan 2010 09:19 AM |
| Well SAID Utu Abe Malae. PERIOD. |
Grandma Sala wrote: |
06 Jan 2010 06:56 AM |
| Pisupo, another sign of a leader is his ability to be sensitive to the pulse of his people and address their concerns, good, bad, or indifferent. Utu does that. He is not too good to read our comments and blog, in here, with the rest of us. Has Talalelei Togiola or Aitofele Sunia ever addressed our concerns or comments in this forum? NEVER! They consider themselves too important to bother with us lowly bloggers debating issues, they think we have no knowledge of. Kalofae i le fia sili o gei iole aivalea. I don't think they even read what's written here, again, because they are too good for our lowly opinions. The only media they watch, listen to and read are their own press releases. However, if they would only take the time to read our blogs and feel our feverish pulse, they might learn something or two. Abe and Eni are leaders who know and understand these facts of life and are humbled by the knowledge we, the people, put leaders in their positions to lead and manage our interests, therefore they take the time to honor us by responding and commenting through the medium we use, Samoa News. This is not only good managerial trait but a sign of true Leadership. Our present Governor and Lt Governor have nither one, hence our woes. Go figure! |
Fa'i Paka wrote: |
04 Jan 2010 06:00 PM |
| Now I like the different view guy!.. |
Different View wrote: |
03 Jan 2010 06:55 PM |
| A different take- Leadership. Management has the difficult task of telling people your fired. Leadership has the ability of managing who to fire for not doing the job, and having the fired appreciate it.
As Advertised, the job of Governor was vacant. What you got for the job, that Democracy has won, is the most inept and incompetent man alive in American Samoa.
Nobody says, Democracy was fair or the candidate voted upon is the most qualified.
How do we know that the current Leader is non-qualified? Look at the Record stupid, its the economy stupid, it always is and was.
So you got 5000 dependent on the government for a job, the other 5000 dependent on ONE(1) industry for a job, ---and the accounting says, all it takes is one of these parties to say adios in the most worst case scenario.
Who was in Charge at the Office when all this took place? thats right, one guy-- Togiola was in Charge of shutting down the whole territory.
The Opportunity to change course was during an Election process. That took place the economy sunk. Nothing complicated here. The time to change to a new course is before you hit the rocks, not after.
Ride it out and see what happens-- we can expect Starkist to make a very difficult decision soon.
54 Years to Prepare for this Departure and a guy name Togiola that dropped the ball. We Remember Togiola for the Failure, and no one else for second place, well, the Lt.Governor that is expected to go upriver to the best housing program of the United States of America-- look at it this way, you get three square meals a day and pay no rent, who can beat that! |
Pisupo wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 11:31 PM |
If the editor haven't erase the rest of my comment, you'll probably know the difference between both terms. He's a fixer-upper among team-settings, but lacks "wisdom" to lead among the many by shoving his constituents for this lucrative offer, when 80% of Saipan's power & waste management is funded by DOI. We know it's a person's individual and personal choice. But, as a leader, his people always comes first. Nothing personal! I'm grateful for his long-time service in improving our degrading infrastructure and power industry. But, I have lost interest in him as a political leader & figure. |
Ateliana wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 06:15 PM |
| Happy New Year Utu. Ia manuia au galuega ma fuafuaga o lenei tausaga fou. |
Pilikaki wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 01:21 PM |
| Lalotavai and Pisupo, are you guys' serious? First, Pisupo, can you tell me the defining line between being a LEADER and a MANAGER. I find it difficult that someone can be a good manager and not a good leader, or vice versa. Under your definition, only one person can have both and that is a CROOK.
Utu made the choice to work in CNMI because it is his own free choice. He ran for governor because our people wanted him to. If given the chance, Utu could've made a difference. Look at HIS RECORD. Look what he did to ASPA, Port, and the Development Bank. IMAGINE WHAT HE COULD'VE DONE FROM THE TOP, OVERSEEING ALL THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. However, the people of American Samoa, blinded by the fraudaulent activities of the current administration, voted for Togiola/Tulifua.
To change this government, you have to change it from the top. Utu wanted that chance and the people didn't give it to him. Now he was given an offer, probably 7 digits, who wouldn't refuse such offer. I know I wouldn't.
Pisupo, you said Utu is a good manager and not a good leader. Sorry man! Your definition of being a good manager and good leader equals "dirty fraudulent politician." Utu does not flow that way.
His record as someone who can fix things in an honest way is evident by the current CNMI offer. If the CNMI government, way bigger and complex than us, relies heavily on Utu on fixing their "utilities" system, what makes you think that he can't fix our small American Samoa government.
Go Figure. Good luck Utu. You are an inspiration to us young Samoans. |
Utu Abe Malae wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 11:20 AM |
| Happy New Year from Saipan, CNMI, to all Bloggers! Note that the village and county worked collaboratively to ensure a smooth Senate seat transition. E le'i taufao le tofi. Our small community of Samoans and the bigger community of the CNMI worked collaboratively to raise funds ($34,000)and other assistance for both Samoas, yet the CNMI is harder hit by the global economic recession than AS. Under a tough consent decree by the Federal government and the watchful eye of a public utilities commission, the utility (CUC) in the CNMI is much worse off than ASPA. People on the streets come up and say, "Thank you for coming to Saipan" and then offer to share a meal. These acts of random kindness are what makes a leader's work rewarding. As for the few cynics on this site that for whatever personal reasons try to mischaracterize me, I can only pray for you ina ia faamama lou loto. Talofa e, I could have done so much to help you and your family. |
California Family wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 09:14 AM |
| Happy New Year Uncle Utu - We are all so proud of you. You are one of a kind.
The below comments amuses me and they don't even know what is going on. |
sharkie wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 08:39 AM |
| kalofa e se i le 'au no understand ma le loko leaga. Utu wanted to serve his people as a governor. The people voted for Togiola/Sunia. The same people complained when FBI investigated this administration. Now Utu decides to use his skills somewhere else where needed and people are also complaining. O fea e sili? nofo i le Fono for 4 years controlled by the questioned governor, the lt. governor pending a criminal trial and his puppet senators? Why didn't the governor take him back to ASPA or LBJ? Maybe because of political or personal reasons - who knows? I don't believe that money is the reason for his leaving. |
Pisupo wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 07:06 AM |
I agree, he's good in management, but bad in leadership... that's REALITY CHECK!!! |
Lalotavai wrote: |
02 Jan 2010 03:04 AM |
This is why Utu lost the governorship in 2008 and why I think he will never win the governorship. Why? Because he has to work collaboratively with other leaders to come up with consensus. He says it's better when he is in charge and makes all the decisions. I think Utu would make a great dictator. So he wants to lead American Samoa, but for the next two years he's going to serve the people of Saipan? Does that make sense to you? Why do you think Amata will never win? Because she just swoops in every two years and makes a run of it. You need to be on island. You need to walk the land and tautua to your people. Once again, I think Abe is a great manager. But leader he is not. A leader would not abandon his people and look out for his own ambition. He feels his time and talents were wasted in the Senate. I think we should say the same thing the next time he come here asking us to make him our leader. No man is greater than the people. His supporters will say Abe was too good for us and good for him to get away from this corrupt government. Come back and rescue us in two years. But what about the meantime? Who is he serving? When the going got tough, he quit and left the island looking for greener pastures. The truth is Abe is doing this for himself. He's getting a sweetheart deal from the utility company in Saipan, much similar to the deal he got for himself and his cronies at ASPA. He couldn't get a deal like that in the Senate. So let's be honest and say he left for more money. I don't begrudge him that. But let's not deify him for looking out for himself. |
Reality Check wrote: |
01 Jan 2010 08:56 PM |
People like "pisupo" are the reason why this govt is so screwed up and why this Banana Republic continues to get away with its irresponsible decisions i.e. $1M yacht. It's people like "pisupo" that discourage real change from happening! SAD to think that he was one of the majorty in the past election. Good Luck Abe. |
actions speaks louder, but words can be lies you know! wrote: |
01 Jan 2010 06:37 PM |
| actions speak louder than words! se vaai oe..what you said is true, but what can one servant/person do if the crooked people keeps all the money to themselves?!?!..like purchasing apples while the money was for oranges?!?!?!, warning sirens but instead bought leather furnitures, nice suites in las vegas (sin city) and personal usage if that!?!.now would you work for the FBI if they gave a free ticket to get rid of the crooked and help this island who is falling apart?!?! or just sit around and complain, complain, complain?!?!..i go for the free ticket!..seriously! once again Happy New Years to all the Samoan People around the world especially to the soldiers, marines, seamen and airmen for they are the reason why we have sweet dreams and a safe intro the 2010!... |
The Ombudsman wrote: |
31 Dec 2009 09:41 PM |
| jWash says it all, and I thank you for that clear conscious mind, assertiveness to such point obviously. Too many crooks, and lack of honest individual in the government. Loosing another fine man of the territory. Years gone by, and what change the people will see, and expected from such government? People ought to follow up with everything the Governor have had said, to see if come in reality. Lots of government plans are totally backward that I can see and know of. For example the (LBJ) and the mental facility. I think the Governor look haughty at people with mental problem, rather pay prompt response to seek treatment to help such individual heal from the problem. Same old tune and songs he's been singing, and problems are not going anywhere, nor away. |
TB wrote: |
31 Dec 2009 03:21 PM |
| Here is a classic one of the governors supporter that I've known...this person was a "FISH CLEANER" but now, this person holds a goverment job after the election laughing all the way to paradise heaven. How do you figure this out? No wonder the place is gone to the DOG.. Good on ya Abe all the best follow your dream. |
Timing is Everything wrote: |
31 Dec 2009 11:46 AM |
| Let the good times roll! Ok, so with the FEMA money now taking some economic pressure off the loss of the canneries, the current administration can forestall the inevitable a little longer. By the inevitable I mean the, er, "restructuring" the American Samoa economy will have to face once both the FEMA and the cannery income have run out. Then, when resources get tight, maybe people will realize why wasteful government has to end once and for all. Who's better at eliminating wasteful practices than Abe? Two years should be just the right amount of time to set the stage. American Samoa had the chance to put Abe in the governorship back in 2008, but apparently the majority were still seduced by the "good times" rhetoric. Ok, let's see how much of a good time we're still having by the end of 2010. |
actions speak louder than words wrote: |
31 Dec 2009 10:02 AM |
I thought Utu wanted to be a public servant? Being a chosen Senator for the people of American Samoa is an honor - and Utu chose to work for the people in Saipan instead? |
Pisupo wrote: |
31 Dec 2009 10:01 AM |
Dollar signs? |
jwash wrote: |
30 Dec 2009 07:15 PM |
| A great Loss for the Samoan Govt and its people but the island claims to to pride itself on it;s people 's accomplishments but this is just one example that the governor who is a sa moan does plays politics rather than uses politics to his advantage WITH wisdom be guided to help and serv! Utu should have at least be asked foe his advise and wisdom to be an asset to our island as hw will be for his new assigment but YOU the supposed leader Mr Tulafono....fai mai fo'i o ou matua o faifeau ma tagata auauana but you are not differnt from your party THE SUNIAS who have been acccused and and FOUND GUILTY BY THE LAW not to be the leader and honest SERVANTS of our people Talalelei God will re pay tribulation ....1Thes 6:1-6
And what is the different between Utu's replacement of his seat with FUATA and LIUFAU's seat with Paopao? Plesase GOD Help Me?
Talalelei o oe o se tagata ill advised and fell prey to your own greed! |
G.A. wrote: |
30 Dec 2009 10:02 AM |
| "Pisupo!!!!" why don't you go and grind yourself some more so that your brain may become more mincier, maybe that will help you see the fine lines of Utu's decision rather than just dollar signs. Manuia le tausaga fou "PISUPO" |
eleni wrote: |
30 Dec 2009 03:44 AM |
| maybe Utu is sick of sitting in a fono comprised of corrupted senators? a few senators can't do anything if the majority and the President continue to support the governor like the $200,000 for Hawaii festival, etc. but i still wish Utu could stay and fight the corruption. i guess that leaves only poor Velega and a few to face the bad and the ugly. |
Pilikaki wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 07:03 PM |
| To Pisupo:
Listen to yourself and really think about it and i mean really really think about it!. If Utu would stay as a Senator and try to solve most of all the problems that our own people, I mean the very flesh & blood of American Samoa has caused , what goods are we the people are going to get?!?! Nothing! Some honest people in the Senate or wherever they are in the system are trying to fix it, but most of them are in pretty pretty high places and those places can't be touched by the some honest people. So if I (Mr. Honest) wants some funds to give the future of American Samoa a better place to learn, you think the liars, thieves and crooks going to care?!?! You should know that answer by now cause its been in the papers and even on CNN! Now on Utu's case, If anyone would offer me a job that could have a change in our country by any means necessary and for whatever price, I would be like Ok! Why not?. Are you getting this?!?! Now Im not saying American Samoa is the place where crooked people are, but for the moment its embarrassing to see it on CNN and the truth hurts, but it will set you free and you there is always a catch if you are caught. You should know that saying "E Taga le fai ae sa le maua".
Thank You Utu for great things that you have done for you country and people!...Happy New Years! |
Tama O le Ulafala ma i Futiga wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 06:54 PM |
| Utu, I don't know you personally but I guess your past record (Actions/works) tells it all. Like once said,
"Actions speaks louder than words", and you have exemplifies that through out years as a public servant. American Samoa again have lost another great leader, I only pray for him to deliver well, and make wise decisions as you counter new challenges each day. Ia manuia oe le Uso i ou tofiga ua fa'apale ina ai oe, e ala i le fa'amaoni, finafinau i mea lelei, fa'atuatua, ma le loto onosa'i. Aua ne'i galo ona fa'afo'i le Viiga, ma le Fa'afetai le tatou Tama O i le Lagi. Soifua |
Anonymous wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 02:56 PM |
| You can never go wrong by doing the right thing. Thanks Utu for setting a good example for many to follow. Now let's all get in line. |
Anonymous wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 11:51 AM |
| Thank you big for your tautua, Utu,it has been a wonder ride with you at the helm. Let's to be discourage with his absent,but rather,it open up an opportunity for sons and daughters of Samoa to riseto the occasion, to lead and free of corruption. Keep on praying like you always have,and your prayer will be answered.
He |
nlivingston wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 11:18 AM |
| Once, our coutry was serve by one famous known President..and people called him "HONEST ABE" Perhabs you Sir, are the one with the name given purposely chosen to save our homeland and the people of American Samoa as well as our good neighbors. You will fulfill your new task and do what you always do best..But remember, your real duty is not yet to begin..Go with God and good luck.. |
Grandma Sala wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 10:25 AM |
| Utu you needed this one year to assess the legislative situation and decide what is best for all concern. Only an honest and God fearing person, like you, would make this honest assessment. Your knowledge and talents would be wasted in the Senate if you were to continue for another 2 years. I and all the honest people of American Samoa support your wise decision.
We will await your return, Utu, for the next election run for Governor, God willing. Two more years of this curse is like eternity, but knowing that you are there to heed our call for a real honest leader, keep us prayerful and hopeful.
God bless and watch over American Samoa and you, Utu Abe Malae, our favorite son.
|
Pisupo wrote: |
29 Dec 2009 09:08 AM |
| Umm... Saipan's muchos must be hard to resist than that 50k at the Fono! Great move... Is that love for the people? |
gardenia wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 08:41 PM |
| Good luck and may the Good Lord continues to bless you with wisdom and love to serve your people. |
let go wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 06:23 PM |
| the damn is broken beyond repair. let it go. stop trying to fix the unfixable, just let go-- american samoa politics is system not worth time and effort for sane men and women. |
Malo People! wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 05:38 PM |
| Ma'imau 'aupega o le taua. Manuia fuafuaga i lau Afioga Utu, sau se taimi toe fo'i mai e fa'asa'osa'o ma fa'asa'o mea sese a isi ta'ita'i o le'a tuana'i atu. Utu is the same as President Obama, everyboby blame him of sending troops to Irag and Afganistan, but he never starts the war, he's trying to clean someone's mess. So if Utu decide to come back and run for the governor and all of us or most of us will support him, we should understand to that he will have a long recover from previous governors, but dont worry the guy have a great brain and a back up plans for everythings.... Aloha and Utu 4life..... |
Anonymous wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 02:19 PM |
| Malo Utu...you are always so right on! I wish there were more people like you in Samoa. There are too many that are always trying to find ways to get as much as they can get without fulfilling their responsibilities. God bless you on your new adventure. I know wherever you serve will be great! |
Taualaga a Solomona wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 12:26 PM |
| Alo i ou faiva alofilima. Ia sagai ane ai o le tai. Ia lele maualuga la'u ti'a ma ia manuia lou saili malo. Ia manuia le folauga. |
sharkie wrote: |
28 Dec 2009 07:28 AM |
| Good luck and God bless you Abe! Hope you'll come back to run as governor in the future. |
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