
Frederick Unasa Ledoux has received the Senate’s unanimous endorsement to become the Chief Procurement Officer of the American Samoa Government.
All of the 17 senators present at Friday’s senate session voted yes to confirm him for the position. The vote came after a brief confirmation hearing before the Senate Government Operations Committee chaired by Senator Togiola Tulafono.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said Ledoux was a son of Pago Pago and, since his return to the territory after retiring from the US army, has been his right hand man for the Pago Pago aumaga, where he is the treasurer.
Tuaolo said the territory owes a great debt to the sons of daughters who have served in the US Armed Forces and put their lives in harm’s way. Now they have returned home to continue their service to the territory.
Tuaolo said he didn’t want his remarks to stop senators from asking questions of the nominee.
Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau, an Army veteran himself, spoke with emotion acknowledging Ledoux’s military service. He said they were regarded as sons during his time in the service and he was grateful to see them returning home to help the territory.
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Gaoteote also expressed his gratitude to the administration for acknowledging the service of our military men and women who have come home through their selection as directors.
He urged Ledoux to be a leader and not a manager.
Senator Tuanaitau Malaki Togiola said he was moved to see Senator Gaoteote Palaie being close to tears and moved a motion to excuse Ledoux.
Committee Chairman Senator Togiola Tulafono summed up that senators have shown their confidence in Ledoux, having heard the statements by the Senate President and Senator Gaoteote, and having reviewed his impressive resume. He advised the Chief Procurement Office to serve with love and honesty and to always seek God’s guidance.
Ledoux thanked the senators for their advice and gave this pledge.
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(Transc.) Ledoux: I will not be a manager. I will be a leader. I will serve, our government with dignity and respect. And I will not take your advice lightly.