Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen is greatly concerned about the public perception over the raising of lawmaker’s stipends and said “bottom line is — this is just not fair for the public”.

The Aua lawmaker during the House regular session yesterday voiced his concern about what was printed in the paper, noting the public’s outcry about the proposed increases in lawmaker’s stipends.

 He was referring to the article on the Samoa News front page titled “Community not happy with hike in pay and office allowance for holders of public office” where Leone High School principal, Ben Te’o, called the increases ‘inappropriate’.

Te’o, who is also president of the Federation of American Samoa Educators, says these pay raises “scream[ed] foul” and noted that such pay hikes are problematic because many residents are suffering — “o lo’o fiaola le atunu’u” — with their own needs not addressed. 

Faimealelei said he wanted to make it clear this bill is not a House bill, however House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale interrupted the faipule, and pointed out that Faimealelei should be cautious and wait until this measure comes before the House for their vote — and that is when they can voice their concerns on the proposed bill.

The bill in question if enacted into law, will give each member of the Senate and House a hike in their office allowance of $10,000, which would then total $40,000, while the Senate President and House Speaker would each receive $50,000, also a raise of $10,000. The Fono’s FY 2015 budget shows additional money, which the senators say would be used to cover the allowance increase.

After the session, Samoa News approached Faimealelei who pointed out that he feels for the public as he believes this increase is not fair to the public.

“This is taxpayer’s money. My biggest concern is that we are not following procedures, as there should be public hearings held on these increases — ask the public is it appropriate, after all it’s taxpayer’s money that will fund the stipends for the lawmakers.

“Another issue is that these stipends are not taxed, they are tax free, which is also why it’s not fair.” He said every lawmaker has his or her own opinion about this issue, but he does not support this bill.

“To the smallest tax payer this is their money and I believe if this goes through it should be taxed, then it’s fair.”

Samoa News asked Faimealelei if one of the reasons why he does not support this measure is because of the freeze on the ASG employee’s increments.

He responded, “Exactly. It’s why this is even more inappropriate.”

The Aua faipule stated, “We didn’t come here to be served. As far as I’m concerned, I came here to serve the people, not only for my district, but my people as a whole.”

The lawmaker did point out that American Samoa lawmakers are the lowest paid lawmakers there are, and “I firmly believe that the salaries should be raised, however now is not the time, and bottom line is, it should follow procedures, call a public hearing.”

Noting the importance of the override bill, because it will provide a balance of governance in the American Samoa Government and the Legislative, the faipule said, “However with these salary increases, a voter will look at it and say, so the Fono wants to override the governor’s authority and increase their own salaries.”

He said that he has the utmost respect for the senators, “tama ole atunu’u” — but this bill is inappropriate.

Asked if he supports the increase of his stipend, Faimealelei said “to be honest with you, No. Bottom line, I do not support this bill. With all due respect, my answer is no.”