Dr Oreta Tufaga Mapu Crichton kicked off her campaign to be American Samoa’s next Representative in the US Congress this past Saturday morning at the Samoa Sports Center.
Before relatives, friends, church members and supporters she laid out her vision for at “strong and resilient” American Samoa, one that is “self reliant and self sustaining.” An American Samoa that preserves its cultural traditions, provides greater opportunities for our people and embraces a sustainable future.
With the campaign theme, “Your voice, your vote, our vision,” Dr. Crichton pledged to be the bridge between the federal government and American Samoa, to fight for what the territory needs and deserves. 
In her kick off address Saturday she said her vision for American Samoa is one where there’s a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social/cultural equity.
Dr Crichton said it was important to prepare the youth not just with academics but life skills.
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Congress is familiar ground for Dr. Crichton as she was a staffer for former Congressman Fofo Sunia and before that was an intern at the Department of Interior. She later returned home and worked in the local office of the late Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin. She was the District Office Director until she retired in 2005.
Her public service continued under the Togiola and Faoa Administration where she was a Senior Policy Advisor.
After a brief lapse when she founded a local organization providing village-based mentor ship and counseling for youth, she returned to work for ASG, as Chief Procurement Officer under the Lolo and Lemanu government.
She was CPO from 2015 until this past July when she resigned to run her campaign for Congress.
Born in the territory to a military family, Dr Crichton grew up in Hawaii and Lewisville, Louisiana and education has been an integral part of her life.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of District of Columbia and Doctorate in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.
