Togiola, Ipulasi Announce Re-election Bid
“My friends, we are here to announce the worst kept secret of this season: I, Togiola Tulafono and Ipulasi Sunia, hereby announce our candidacies for governor and lieutenant governor,” Togiola told a crowd of 300 people, who gathered pool side at the Tradewinds Hotel in Tafuna.
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Those in attendance included Cabinet members, traditional leaders, government officials, and a handful of lawmakers, business people, families, friends and supporters.
Togiola told the gathering that the decision to seek re-election did not come easy. “We though it over very carefully, thoroughly, and quite seriously. We prayed over it,” he said. “We solicited opinions, and sought the counsel of friends and advise of our families. The response was unanimous -- run again.”
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| Gov. Togiola T.A. Tulafono and his wife Mary Ann Tulafono and Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia and his wife Elisapeta Sunia, during Friday night’s gathering at Tradewinds Hotel to announce the incumbents' plans to see re-election for the Nov. 4th general election in American Samoa. [Photo: Fili Sagapolutele] |
According to the governor, the voters of
Under their leadership, the governor said the territorial government has been doing well. However, he said, there are dark clouds ahead in the economic forecast for
“Disturbing and very serious social changes have come fast. We have recognized the symptoms and have begun to address these problems also,” he continued. “There is need to review our Constitution and perhaps adjust some of our statutes to meet the needs of a fast changing society. We have laid the ground work for that.”
Togiola then thanked Ipulasi for his support, saying that he has the utmost trust and confidence in the lieutenant governor. “We operate from a base of mutual trust and admiration. Ipulasi never questioned my decisions, much less criticize them. He is a lieutenant governor who knows his position and acted his part to my full satisfaction,” Togiola said.
Togiola, a former territorial senator, said he has great and deep respect for Ipulasi because he is a lawyer, a former government treasurer, he drafted laws at the Legislature, he served in a number of government boards and commission and he contributes much of his time to his church and family.
Togiola also thanked his Cabinet members for their service to the people of
Ipulasi said the official statement about them seeking re-election has been made by Togiola, whom Ipulasi said is deserving of another term. He said that it’s very important that those in attendance witness that Togiola is healthy and doing well and prepared for another four years in office.
“I want to thank Governor Togiola for his confidence in me....and for allowing our team to stay secure,” Ipulasi said. To Togiola he said, “If the voters favor us with another four years, you can count on the same support.”
He said there has been much talk and there is no secret that there is a federal case against him. He said these charges are unproven and are false and he is seeking to clear his name, especially for the sake of his family and children.
Ipulasi is charged along with territorial Senator Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen of illegally awarding local Department of Education contracts. The charges against Ipulasi concerned his time as government treasurer six years ago.
During his remarks, Ipulasi called on the public to support their bid for re-election. “To the people of
Both Togiola and Ipulasi are lawyers and sons of church ministers.
Other confirmed candidates for government are Afoa Moega Lutu as governor and Velega Savali, as lieutenant governor. Senate President Lolo M. Moliga has already announced his intention to run as governor but have not yet announced a running mate.
