Brett Butler has received unanimous approval from the Senate to be the next Treasurer of the American Samoa Government. Senators voted 16-0 this morning to confirm him. The two senators that were absent were Senators Tuanaitau Malaki Togiola and Alo Dr Paul Stevenson.
The Chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Senator Utu Sila Poasa said at the start of the confirmation hearing that he had worked with Butler when Butler was the General Manager of StarKist Samoa…the first local to hold the position. Utu added that Butler held several positions at the local cannery and rose up the ladder to become General Manager at a young age. He said American Samoa needs sons and daughters like him who have attained higher education to return home and serve the territory.
For more than 20 minutes, Senator Togiola Tulafono questioned Butler about a new tax system that Treasury is purchasing to replace the tax system that has been in use for more than 30 years.
Butler explained that the company that provided the current tax system is no longer in business and theres no longer any upgrade support for the system. Treasury fears that it can fail anytime.
Treasury has therefore acquired a new tax system from a company based in Las Vegas called Governful. Butler explained this same system is being used in the CNMI and other territories. Togiola asked if Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula had any involvement in providing this tax system to the CNMI, before he ran as Governor.
Butler said that it was during Pulaalii’s tenure with the federal government that he came to know the people in the company. But he made it clear that the Governor was not involved in negotiations with the company…that it was Treasury and the Tax Office that made the decision. He said representatives of the company came here to work with Treasury and the Tax Office, and feedback was given by the local employees about the system.
Togiola asked if the Governor had recommended the acquisition of the tax system from Governful.
Play Audiotogiola-and-butler
According to Butler Treasury received two quotes, one from One Solutions at $6 million and the other from Governful at $1.5 million.
The $1.5 million price covers training, implementation of software, dealing with IRS, and bringing the system live. For the 2 and 3rd year ASG will pay $300,000 per year for system support and licensing. The $1.5 million cost is funded by ARPA.
Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau said he was very happy and proud that Butler after working in the private sector for many years has taken up an important position in the government. He had no doubts that Butler was well qualified for the job. He told Butler, “Go and do the work you have been picked for.”
Senator Magalei Logovii, a former Treasurer advised the nominee that he must follow the law and whatever advice he gives to the Governor must be in compliance with the law.
Senator Olo Uluao Letuli said he had no doubts Butler was well equipped to serve as Treasurer. Senator Muagututia Tauoa felt that Butler should learn Samoan so he could answer senators’ questions in the native tongue. His advice to Butler was not to be afraid. Butler quipped, “I fear no one but God sir.” The senior senator asked Butler to do everything he could to expedite tax refunds, and not repeat what happened with refunds last year. Senator Tuialuuluu Vaimili praises Butler for answering questions with honesty and echoed Gaoteote’s statement “to go and do the job he has been selected to do.”
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean appealed to senators to put their confidence in Butler and confirm him. He said, “Butler is my son, he is from Pago Pago” And added if Butler is not confirmed his extended family will think that Tuaolo is a bad person.
He told Butler, “Son, your job is not easy. The senators have given you advice. If you need help, seek their advice.”
While Butler has cleared Senate confirmation, he still needs approval from the House of Representatives. It’s up to the Speaker when a second vote on Butler’s nomination will be held.
