“Being a House Representative would put me in the most impactful position to help bring about changes for not only my community but for all of American Samoa.”
That’s the view of Dora Ah Sue, one of the candidates for the House seat for Sua Disrict #5, which includes Laulii, Fagaitua, Alega, Auto, Avaio and Amaua.
The 43-year-old says her decision to run for public office is motivated by a desire to serve her community, which she holds dear to her heart.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege to work on various projects that have given me an in-depth insight into the needs of my community,” says Ah Sue. “Although some of these issues can be alleviated through low-level interventions, there is still a need for more comprehensive solutions. Otherwise, it would be like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.”
A pressing issue that she sees in her district is coastline erosion. She said village mayors and aumaga have done their best to help the situation. However, she feels that pushing for policies addressing coastline erosion, and advocating for a proper seawall, will have a more sustainable effect.
Another priority for her is Job Opportunities and Work Force Preparation for the Youth.
Ah Sue said growing up she’s always had a natural rapport with the youth and has enjoyed working with them in various capacities through church, village, and school functions. She said she will use her position to encourage the government to create programs that support youth employment and workforce preparation.
She also aims to collaborate with Sua district’s special education teachers to develop a community-based curriculum to ensure the seamless transition of students with disabilities into the workforce. She values the input of pulenuu and village councils and pledges that she will keep them informed and solicit their input on community projects.
At the territorial level, Ah Sue feels that what is lacking in the territory are “leaders with the love and foresight that our forefather had, which helped them give selflessly to the people.”
She recalled when she first saw a framed copy of the Deed of Cession which was hanging in the lobby of the old Fono building and was awe struck that leaders with “little or no education” negotiated such an agreement.
“It’s amazing to think that this happened during the age of Imperialism, yet they managed to negotiate a deal with the greatest country in the world that allowed us to keep our lands and our culture. They may not have had degrees and accolades, but what they had was more important – love and heart for our people. 124 years later, we are still enjoying the gift they left for us,” she said.
Ah Sue is the daughter of the late Otomalesau John Ah Sue who was a faipule for Sua #5 and the late Taloauau Fiaui Ah Sue.
A graduate of Fagaitua High School and the American Samoa Community College, she has a BA in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Masters in Curriculum Education from the same university.
She was a teacher at Samoana High School, was a staff assistant for Senator Dan Inouye, a research analyst at the Fono, a Program Director at the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled and teacher assistant for UH Manoa. Ah Sue was the 2022 ASG Employee of the Year.
