Afoa announces
for governor and names Velega running mate
by Tina Mata'afa
samoa News Writer
Attorney and
high chief Afoa Moega Lutu announced on Sunday, his plans to
run for governor of American Samoa with former Treasurer Velega
Savali as his running mate in the 2008 territorial gubernatorial
election.
The Afoa/Velega
campaign will focus on instituting positive change and reclaiming
the trust of the people in government. Other issues they will
focus on are health, education and the local economy.
Afoa said it
was "not an easy choice" selecting a running mate but
that Velega has been chosen for his reputation of honesty, humility
and straightforwardness.
He added, that
Velega is God-fearing and that his experience within the judicial
branch, in the Fono, as ASG treasurer and a traditional leader,
or 'to'oto'o', who "walks the walk and talks the talk,"
makes him the ideal running mate.
"I am privileged
and I am honored that Velega has accepted," Afoa told members
of the media on Sunday. "We believe that there needs to
be a change in government...and we hope to reclaim the trust
of the people in our government."
Also, he said
Velega's link to and traditional rank in Manu'a coupled, with
Afoa's traditional rank as 'sa'o' on the island of Tutuila, creates
a good partnership between Tutuila and Manu'a.
"We pray
that people see it our way and elect us to lead this government,"
said Afoa.
This is Afoa's
second bid for the governor's seat and his fourth appearance
in the gubernatorial election.
Afoa said he
hopes the people will reconsider electing a new administration
and looks forward to the challenge.
"It's very
important that people understand...even though conditions are
not good, there's always hope for a better life," he said.
Velega said "it's
an honor for me to be selected by High Chief Afoa as his running
mate for this election."
"It was
a difficult choice for me...I have never been a supporter of
Afoa," he said. "I feel that I can align myself with
him and his vision for this island."
A meeting is
set for next week between friends, families and supporters of
the Afoa/Velega campaign which will host its official campaign
kick-off sometime after Easter Sunday. It is during the kick-off
when their official slogan and campaign manager will be revealed.
Reach the
reporter at tina@samoanews.com.
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