Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With voters set to head to the polls tomorrow for the midterm elections, four of the five candidates seeking American Samoa's seat in the U.S. Congress took part in the American Samoa Community College Congressional Forum held on campus last Friday.

The four candidates that participated were Sandra King-Young, Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III, Meleagi Suitonu Chapman, and incumbent Uifa'atali Aumua Amata Radewagen. The fifth candidate, Fualaau Rosie Tago Lancaster did not attend the forum.

During the forum, candidates were asked to address a range of issues affecting the territory, including the status of several construction projects at ASCC that have been stalled for nearly two years. Concerned about the lengthy delays and their impact on students, faculty, and the college's future growth, moderators asked the candidates what role their office could play in identifying the obstacles that have prevented the projects from moving forward.

Specifically, the candidates were asked what steps they would take, if elected, to work with federal agencies, local officials, and other stakeholders to determine the causes of the delays, remove any barriers to progress, and help secure the support needed to restart and complete the long-awaited projects.

SANDRA KING-YOUNG

Responding to the question, Sandra King-Young said that a member of Congress could help address issues related to the federal funding supporting the stalled projects by engaging directly with the relevant federal agencies and exercising congressional oversight.

She explained that one of the key responsibilities of a member of Congress is to communicate with the agencies providing the funding and determine whether any issues or obstacles are preventing the projects from moving forward. This would involve meeting with agency officials, gathering information, and working to identify solutions in collaboration with the college and the community.

However, King-Young emphasized that once federal funds are allocated and transferred to the American Samoa Government, responsibility for administering and implementing those funds rests with ASG.

"As a member of Congress, we have to be careful we don't overstep that jurisdiction," King-Young said.

She reiterated that while the execution of federally funded projects falls under ASG's authority, the territory's congressional representative can still play an important role by maintaining communication with the funding agencies, monitoring the status of the projects, and helping bring stakeholders together to determine what steps are necessary to remove obstacles and ensure the projects move forward toward completion.

According to King-Young, a collaborative approach involving the federal funding agency, the college administration, the community, and the territorial government would be essential to getting the long-delayed construction projects back on track.

TUIFAGALOA DR. AFU LEFAOSEU III

Responding to the same question, congressional candidate Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III said that if elected, one of his top priorities would be working closely with the Governor's Office and American Samoa Community College (ASCC) officials to determine what is needed to move long-delayed campus improvement projects forward.

Tuifagaloa said he would first seek a comprehensive assessment of the college's infrastructure needs and identify projects that are ready for funding and construction.

"The first thing I would do is bring a congressional delegation here, people who are directly involved in funding and approving major capital projects," Tuifagaloa said. "Just by looking around the college, it's obvious that a great deal of work needs to be done. Not only do existing facilities require renovation and modernization, but there is also a growing need for new buildings to accommodate the steady increase in student enrollment each year."

He said he would aggressively pursue Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding through federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education, while also seeking matching funds and other financial support to accelerate construction efforts.

According to Tuifagaloa, securing adequate funding will require a coordinated approach involving both federal and local partners. He added that he would also work on legislation affecting ASCC to ensure that critical infrastructure projects receive the attention and resources they deserve.

"We really need funding to turn these projects from plans into reality," Tuifagaloa said. "I will work hard to promote and advocate for funding opportunities, whether they come from federal programs, local government sources, or other available grants. Improving the college's infrastructure should be a priority because many of the facilities urgently need repair, upgrading, and modernization. Our students deserve a campus environment that supports their education and prepares them for the future."

The congressional hopeful emphasized that investing in ASCC is an investment in the territory's future workforce, noting that modern classrooms, laboratories, and student facilities are essential to meeting the educational demands of a growing student population.

MELEAGI SUITONU CHAPMAN

Congressional candidate Meleagi Suitonu Chapman was the next to address the issue, expressing strong support for strengthening educational opportunities for the younger generations of American Samoa and ensuring that students have access to quality learning environments and resources.

Chapman said that if elected to Congress, she would make education one of her top priorities, with a particular focus on improving academic achievement and supporting the long-term development of the ASCC.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining ASCC's accredited status, noting that accreditation is critical to ensuring students can continue to access quality higher education programs, transfer opportunities, and federal educational assistance.

She emphasized that education is an investment for the future and everything must be done to help students succeed academically while also ensuring that ASCC remains fully accredited and continues to meet the standards necessary to serve the community effectively.

Chapman added that she would advocate for federal resources and partnerships aimed at improving educational programs, expanding student support services, and addressing infrastructure and operational needs at the college.

She stressed that a strong and stable ASCC plays a vital role in preparing local students for careers, leadership roles, and further educational opportunities, while also contributing to the territory's economic and workforce development goals.

Chapman declared, "As your elected representative to Congress, I will continue to advocate for the college because its success is directly tied to the future of American Samoa."

Chapman emphasized that supporting ASCC goes beyond maintaining buildings and programs, describing it as an investment in the territory's next generation of leaders, skilled workers, and professionals.

"It's not about me, it's about you," she said. "It's about creating opportunities for our young people and ensuring they have access to a quality education right here at home. It is very important that our representative in Washington actively supports higher education and works to ensure American Samoa receives the recognition and resources it deserves."

She noted that there are areas where federal support and recognition could be strengthened and pledged to work closely with congressional leaders, federal agencies, and local stakeholders to address those concerns.

"If elected on November 3, I will make it a priority to advocate for ASCC and help secure the support needed to strengthen its programs, maintain its standing, and expand opportunities for our students," Chapman said. "Our future depends on the quality of education we provide today, and I will work tirelessly to make sure that future is a bright one."

Chapman concluded by reiterating that a strong educational system is essential to the territory's long-term economic and social development, adding that ensuring the continued success of ASCC would remain one of her key priorities in Congress.

UIFA'ATALI AUMUA AMATA RADEWAGEN

Incumbent Congresswoman Uifa'atali Aumua Amata Radewagen was the final candidate to address the issue. In her remarks, she highlighted federal funding efforts she has supported on behalf of American Samoa and emphasized that recent federal budget legislation did not reduce funding earmarked for the territory.

"The Big Beautiful Bill did not cut one red penny from American Samoa," Amata stated. "It cut a lot from the states, but it did not cut anything from American Samoa."

The congresswoman went on to explain that she successfully secured congressional designation of $3 million from a $6 million appropriation specifically for the ASCC. According to Amata, the funding is intended to support construction and infrastructure improvement projects on the ASCC campus.

She acknowledged that the allocation would not be sufficient to cover the costs of all of the college's planned capital improvement projects but said it represents an important first step toward addressing the institution's infrastructure needs.

"This may not pay for everything that needs to be done, but it's a start," Amata said. "The important thing is that the funding is there and available for the college to begin moving these projects forward."

Amata also urged ASCC officials to keep her office informed if any federally appropriated funds designated for the college fail to materialize or experience delays in the disbursement process.

"If money that has been appropriated by Congress for ASCC is not coming through, let me know," she said. "Once those funds are authorized and mandated by law, they are supposed to be delivered for their intended purpose. My office stands ready to follow up and make sure the college receives the funding that Congress has approved."

The veteran congresswoman reiterated her commitment to supporting ASCC's long-term growth, noting that investments in campus facilities, academic programs, and student services are vital to preparing future generations of American Samoans for higher education and workforce opportunities.