At the American Samoa Bar Association Forum, the candidates were asked to share their vision and thoughts regarding the future political status of our island and its people so that we remain relevant, secure and prosperous over the next 100 years while still protecting our culture.
For the Iaulualo/Tapaau team, Lt Governor candidate Tapaau Dan Mageo Aga first thanked Senate President Gaoteote Palaie for mentioning their trip to Guam to explore the different forms of government in neighboring islands.
He said the question asks candidates to look 100 years into the future which is the generation of our great, great, great grandchildren.
“In looking at American Samoa’s future political status, “we have to make sure we have an authentic process which means any decision we make has to be firmly vested in the authority of the people,” Tapaau told the audience.
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Lt Governor candidate Talauega Eleasalo Ale, responding for the Lemanu/Talauega team referred to when he was attorney general and represented American Samoa at United Nations conferences which discussed the territory’s political status and also regional meetings focusing on self governance.
He said he and Lemanu believe it’s time for us to have a serious discussion about our political future because as Dr Tapaau referenced, “if we don’t do it somebody else is going to do it for us and we’re not going to like it. 
“Lemanu and I believe this discussion about political status needs to happen now and conclude with a referendum where everybody in American Samoa gets a say on the subject,,” he said.
Talauega didn’t agree that all was well with American Samoa’s relationship with the US, as stated by candidate for governor Nuanuaolefeagaga Saoluaga Nua.
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The former AG discussed the lawsuit by American Samoa against the US Government over fishing rights in which the federal court in Honolulu ruled in favor of American Samoa based on the provisions of the deeds of Cession. The ruling is being appealed by the feds.
