Accountability and transparency in government is a topic that always comes up in gubernatorial forums. And this election year is no different.
The Office of Catholic Social Services’ Question and Answer session on social issues held last Wednesday asked the candidates what will accountability look like under your administration?
The three teams that participated were Nua/Satele, Lemanu/Talauega and I’aulualo /Tapaau.
The team of Gaoteote/Faiivae had a prior commitment but made a donation to the Office of Catholic Social Services as announced by Director Nancy Tagaloa.
The session started off with the candidates washing the feet of their running mates which according to victims advocate, Mrs Ipu Lefiti, symbolized the leaders’ role as servants of the people.
For the question, “What will accountability and transparency look like under your administration?” the Nua/Satele team response came from candidate for Lt Governor Tapumanaia Galu Satele Jr,
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Responding in Samoan, candidate for governor Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga said if elected he and Talauega will carry out an audit to ascertain the status of the government, its assets and properties from which to plan the way forward for their administration.
He said government should operate in the open as it’s important for the people to see and be aware of the operations of government.
Lemanu, the sitting lt governor said he and Governor Lolo are following this policy by having cabinet meetings televised. He said the Fono should also do the same.
Lemanu assured that he and Talauega will ensure transparency in government as the government is not just for the two of them or just the cabinet but for the whole territory.
Answering for the I’aulualo and Tapaau ticket, Lt Governor candidate Tapaau Dan Mageo Aga had this to say.
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