The conversion of a former contract employee of the Territorial Energy Office to career service status drew questions from senators and representatives at the second day of hearings on the proposed FY2021 budget for ASG, yesterday.
Manu’a senator Logoai Siaki was the first to ask about the conversion, and was joined by Senator Fonoti Tafaifa and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.
Talifa Vaiolo, Acting Director of TEO since 2016, explained that the position of assistant executive officer was initiated and approved by the Governor’s Office and then given to him.
Asked if this was based on his advice, Vaiolo said no. When he received the paperwork it was already signed by the governor.
Asked if the duties and qualifications were commensurate with the pay listed in the budget at $60,000, the acting director said he reviewed it but all the paperwork was approved by the Governor’s Office so beautiful just followed what was approved and signed by the governor.
KHJ News received confirmation that the position in question is occupied by former faipule Fagaotaua Dorian Salave’a.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui said its evident that many contact positions have been converted to career service, a move Which he labeled “unconstitutional.”
He urged that the Fono pay close attention to the conversions.
The chairman of the joint budget hearings, Senator Magalei Logovii, said questions about the conversion of contract workers to career service could be asked when the Director of Human Resources appears.
Senator Faamausili Mau Mau Jr, recommended that only directors who have been confirmed by the Fono be allowed to testify on their department’s budgets.
Senator Magalei responded that the person looking after the department is the right person to testify on the budget.
He said maybe this was a question for the Attorney General.
But Faamausili insisted that it was up to the Fono, and in the case of the budget hearings, the committee chairmen, to make a decision on who should testify on the budgets.
He said a person who’s acting director may not end up being the director of the department whose budget is being reviewed.
