Some of the areas of concern that House members raised about the bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by law relates to the compensation of the board members, having the board select key employees of the ASTCA and allowing board members to serve even after the expiration of their terms of office.
The administration bill sets the compensation of ASTCA board members at $6,000 and $7,000 for the chairman.
Rep Larry Sanitoa pointed out that the compensation of other boards was $5,000 a year for members and $6,000 for the chair. He asked why the ASTCA Board should be paid more.
The board has 7 members and terms of office are for four years.
According to the bill now before the Fono, one director shall be experienced in the management of telecommunications, one shall have a financial background, one must have an information technology background and four members shall be selected from the private sector and government serve on the basis of character, competence, education, experience and judgement.
According to the proposed law, incumbent board members may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until a successor is appointed and confirmed.
Current incumbent directors may be reappointed.
Sanitoa said there have been issues with other boards because of this same provision. For example the Retirement Fund Board,the Hospital Authority Board and others.
He said the governor should foresee when a board member’s term is about to end and submit an appointment to the Fono for confirmation before the expiration of the member’s term.
Sanitoa said he will strongly recommend that this provision be removed.
The bill provides that the Board of Directors is to hire and establish compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technical Officer and other officers that may be necessary as the Board determines.
Sanitoa asked ASTCA CEO Fala Sualevai, if she didn’t think it was appropriate for her to select key staffers because she would be working with them, rather than having the board hire the.
Here’s her response. Play Audio
Rep Vailoata Amituanai sought the opinion of Attorney General Jessop-Taase on the possibility of establishing a Public Utilities Commission to set rates and tariffs for ASTCA and other government entities that are charging for their services.
Play Audio
