We’ve reported on Governor Lolo Moliga’s move to remove lawmakers from executive branch boards and commissions, starting from the Board of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority.
When he decided to end the services of former ASTCA Board Chairman Senator Faiivae Alex Godinet and board member Representative Andra Samoa, the governor stated in his letter to both lawmakers that it is the policy of the administration not to have members of the legislature on executive branch bards and commissions unless the law specifically requires members of the Fono.
He said this was to preserve the separation of powers doctrine.
The governor’s executive assistant, Iulogologo Joseph Pereira, explained that the governor’s intention was to start with ASTCA since it is established under an executive order.
He said Governor Lolo intends to apply the same policy to other boards; however, since membership of boards and commissions which are established by law provide staggered terms, they are going through the membership of each board and commission to ascertain when the terms of present-serving lawmakers end.
Iulogologo also pointed out that there are boards which require membership of lawmakers. Those boards will not be affected by this policy.
