Muavaefaatasi John Suisala cleared the first hurdle to serve on the Lemanu Talauega cabinet when the House approved his nomination as Director of the Department of Human and Social Services today. The vote was 16-1.
After the vote, Tuala-uta Representative Samuel Meleisea acknowledged the support shown by the Speaker and members of the House for the director nominee.
He said while Muavaefaatasi is a matai of Pago Pago, he and fellow Tuala-uta faipule Larry Sanitoa must express their thanks for the vote of confidence in one if their constituents.
Meleisea referred to the allegations which surfaced ahead of Muavaefa’atasi’s confirmation and expressed his appreciation that members did not take them into account but considered the long and honorable service of the nominee to the people and government.
Meleisea was referring to documents that were distributed to House members last Friday pertaining to grants received by a non profit organization that the director was affiliated with.
Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen also referred to the allegations when he thanked House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale for his leadership and counsel during a difficult week.
He said the confirmations of the directors of Human Resources and Human and Social Services were not easy and they have been criticized by constituents over the confirmations.
He said members overlooked the criticisms and heeded the speaker’s advice to remember the reason why they were elected to the House.
Muavaefaatasi will appear before the Senate Human and Social Services Committee next week.
