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Gov calls on all to remember sacrifice of fallen police heroes

Faleosina Voigt
Makes another ‘recess appointment’ to ASEDA board
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga has called on residents of American Samoa to “remember the sacrifice” of three local police officers, who have died in the line of duty since 1981, as the territory joins the rest of the nation is recognizing National Police Week.

Meanwhile, the governor in a separate memorandum, made another “recess appointment” to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) board of directors.

PUBLIC SAFETY WEEK

In his May 6th proclamation, the governor declared May 9th to May 15th as Department of Public Safety Week in the territory, pointing out that US President John F. Kennedy had proclaimed May 15 every year as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.

And “on Peace Officers Memorial Day we should remember the sacrifice of Patrolman Fasiolepia F. Ta’ase — end of watch June 21, 1981; Police Officer I, Sa Fuimaono — end of watch June 3, 1998; and Detective Lieutenant Liusila Brown — end of watch July 22, 2010,” the proclamation states, pointing to the dates when the officers died.

It also says that members of the Department of Public Safety play an important role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the local community.

The governor pointed out that “our police department will continue to grow and develop into a modern law enforcement agency which unceasingly provides a vital public service.”

No information was available at press time if DPS has set up any special events for Police Week.

ASEDA BOARD “RECESS APPOINTMENT”

In a May 3rd memorandum, the governor made the “recess appointment” of Public Works director Faleosina Voigt as a member to the ASEDA board of directors.

Lemanu said Voigt is a licensed Professional Engineer serving for more than 20 years and with qualifications in Program Administration. Her education and experience as well as her current position as Public Works director make her ideal for this position, the governor pointed out.

As the Legislature is not currently in session, Lemanu said this is a recess appointment, which will expire at the conclusion of the next regular or special session of the Legislature. Meanwhile, the governor has submitted Voigt’s name to the Senate and House for consideration.

A provision of local law allows a governor to make “recess appointments” — when the Fono is not in session — to fill vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal of cause if the vacancy occurs while the Legislature is not in session. Recess appointments shall expire at the conclusion of the next following regular or special session of the Legislature.

The governor had already made two previous “recess appointments” to the ASEDA board and they are chief procurement officer Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale and Commerce director Petti Matila. Their nominations have already been submitted to the Fono and will be taken up when lawmakers return in July for the Second Regular Session of the 37th Legislature.