Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has terminated the employment contract of candidate for Lt Governor, Maefau Dr Mary Lauagaia Taufetee.
Dr. Taufetee was Deputy Director of the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities and her employment contract expires in September 2024.
A June 6 letter from the Governor to Dr. Taufetee said, “Your contribution to the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities Office has been invaluable. While I commend your exemplary service to the American Samoa Government as well as to the people of our Territory, the American Samoa Code Annotated Section 4.0102 clearly states that your continued employment with ASG would be inconsistent with the law.
“As such your employment is terminated, effective immediately.”
The Governor added, “Please ensure that any pending matters are settled and all personal effects are cleared from your office one week from the date of this letter.”
He concluded, “We wish you all the best on your future endeavors.”
The section of the American Samoa Code Annotated that the Governor cited as basis for the termination of Dr. Taufetee’s employment contract provides qualifications of Governor and Lt. Governor.
Paragraph (f) states: “Candidates for the offices of Governor and Lt. Governor who are employees of the government in whatever capacity and for either the executive, or judicial branches, must resign their position with the government before commencing active campaigning.
“Active campaigning includes, but is not limited to: the acceptance of a petition from the election official charged with that responsibility; any effort whatsoever that is designed to influence or obtain votes from qualified electors; and any activity that would cause a conflict of interest at the candidate’s position of employment with the government. In any event, candidates must resign no later than 60 days prior to the election date even if the events above have not occurred.”
Dr. Taufetee declined to comment when asked for her reaction on the Governor’s move.
She is the Lt. Governor running mate for gubernatorial candidate, Vaitautolu Talia Faafetai Iaulualo, who has resigned his position as Executive Director of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund. The two announced their candidacy for the 2024 gubernatorial race in March.
Dr. Taufetee is a former member of the House of Representatives for Ituau. During the second term of the Lolo Lemanu administration she was appointed Director of the Arts Council. She was replaced as Director when the Lemanu Talauega government took office by current director Fuata Tiumalu Sam Samia, and was then hired on contract as Arts Council Deputy Director.
