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Three new ASEDA board members fully confirmed — House votes 12-0 on all

Rendering of new Fono building and proposed offices
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House Budget and Appropriations Committee unanimous approved three nominees for the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) with a vote of 12-0 each.

The three new members for the ASEDA board of directors are; Director of Public Works, Faleosina Voigt, Director of Commerce Petti Matila and Chief Procurement Officer Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale.

All three nominees appeared before the House Budget committee last Thursday for their confirmation hearing, under the leadership of Rep. Vailiiuama Steve Leasiolagi, the committee chairman.

The committee didn’t have any questions for the three nominees when the hearing was called. When the three appeared before the House Budget and Appropriations Committee, the chairman, Rep Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi, reminded that this was just for their confirmation. He said there would be another hearing for the ASEDA Board at a later date.

Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui said all three nominees had the prerequisite qualifications to provide valuable expertise and service to the board and moved that they be excused while the House takes a vote. His motion was approved.

During the House Session last Friday, faipule confirmed the three new members for the ASEDA board of directors by a show of hands and not the usual secret ballot for confirmations.

All three new members of the ASEDA board — Ti’alemasunu, Voigt and Matila were approved by the Senate by unanimous vote last Thursday.

In his letter to Fono leaders, Gov. Lemanu Peleti S. Mauga commended each of the nominees He said that Ti’alemasunu’s years of experience in public administration and finance as well as his position as the Chief Procurement Officer make him ideal for this position. For Faleosina’s nomination the governor said she was a ASEDA Board member during the Lolo administration and has a Bachelors Degree in Science Engineering and holds  a Professional Engineering license, and has served American Samoa for more than 20 years.

Gov. Lemanu stated that Matila’s experience in the economic field makes her an ideal candidate for the board.

The three new ASEDA members’ terms will expire on June 30, 2025.