The Lolo and Lemanu re-election campaign committee held its first general meeting Friday afternoon during which the chairmen of the main campaign committee and various committees were named.
The meeting was held at Fano’s guest fale in Fagaalu and was attended by mostly cabinet members and government officials.
In the previous gubernatorial election, the Fano guesthouse was the venue for the Faoa and Taufetee camp meetings, while Lolo and Lemanu met at the Savea guesthouse in Matuu.
Incumbent Governor Lolo Moliga named Malemo Tausaga as co chairman of the committee to work alongside Fiu Johnny Saelua, Chief of Staff and co-chairman.
The governor explained that Fiu will be dealing with government responsibilities in his position as Chief of Staff and would not have the time to tackle the campaign functions that the chairman should be concerned with.
It was therefore necessary to appoint Malemo as co chair.
Malemo is currently Director of Administrative Services. In the Togiola Faoa administration he was Budget Director.
The Secretary for the campaign committee is Ti’a Dr. Mikaele Etuale and the Treasurer is Farrah Sualevai.
Another committee the governor has appointed is led by Senator Tuaolo Fruean with other traditional leaders. Their role, according to Governor Lolo, is to advise and give the campaign team guidance on any issues and problems that may arise.
The Fundraising Committee is headed by Swains Representative Su’a Alex Jennings with Ali’itama Sotoa and Sinasina Langkilde as assistants.
Mrs Eseneiaso Liu, deputy director of Human Resources and Catherine Saelua, Director of Budget.
For Events/Logistics Lolo has named John Utu, Papali’i Marion Fitisemanu, Ameko Pato, Luki Tuitasi and Don Fuimaono to take charge of that Committee.
The incumbent governor thanked all who were present for their support.
And said they had discussed whether or not they should be running again and they agreed they should continue.
The first term governor said that perhaps they were created by God to work together to help the people of Tutuila and Manu’a for such a time as this.
He reminded his camp that they are not leaders but servants and they are faced with a lot of criticism.
Lolo told the meeting he and Lemanu don’t have all the solutions or answers but they have confidence in the sons and daughters of American Samoa who obtained higher education and have returned to serve, some through Directorships and various other positions in which they are sharing their knowledge, skills, and experience.
The Lolo and Lemanu team has yet to announce an official kick off date.
Two rooms at Sadies by the Sea will serve as their campaign headquarters.
