The Senate, today, confirmed by unanimous vote Paramount Chief Lefiti Falelaulii Pese as the Commissioner of Public Safety. All 17 senators present voted to endorse Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s choice to head the territory’s police force.
At the start of the confirmation hearing, chaired by Senator Faiivae Alex Godinet, Lefiti in eloquent Samoan oratory expressed his thanks to Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for selecting him for the position of commissioner. He acknowledged the senators’ warm reception and said his appointment would be left up to them to decide.
Lefiti repeated a statement he made during his confirmation hearing in the House. He said that in his 52 years of public service, he doesn’t know a time when he ever violated the law. He pledged that he stands ready to defend the laws of the United States and American Samoa.
Responding to Lefiti’s remarks, Senate President Tuaolo Fruean welcomed him back to the territory after being off island. Tuaolo praised Governor Lemanu for his wisdom and foresight in selecting Lefiti as commissioner. The Senate leader said after the people voted for Lemanu and Talauega to lead the territory, he pointed out to the Governor that Paramount Chief Mauga was Secretary of Samoan Affairs and asked what about Paramount Lefiti? He said Lemanu made the decision to appoint Lefiti as commissioner and no matter how long Lefiti would have remained off island, Lemanu would have kept the position vacant for him.
Manu’a Senator Malaepule Lua Moliga thanked the Senate President and senators for the honor they have afforded Lefiti and made a motion to excuse him from the hearing. The hearing lasted just over 20 minutes and ended with words of thanks from Lefiti.
