Senators unanimously approved Brett Butler as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Economic Development Authority. The vote was 17-0.
Butler is replacing former Attorney General Fainuulelei Falefatu Alailima-Utu on the board.
Senator Magalei Logovii , who is acting chairman of the ASEDA Board, said the board has so much work to do and would benefit from Butler’s expertise. Butler is the Governor’s Executive Advisor for Finance and he is also the Financial Officer in the Governor’s Office.
Senator Utu Sila Poasa praised Butler’s achievements including that he is the first Samoan to serve as General Manager of StarKist Samoa. He thanked Butler for returning to sevre the territory and expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing him.
Senator Togiola Tulafono said his only concern was that with the removal of the former AG the board would be without a member with a legal background.
Butler said attorney Terry VanEaton is also a member of the board, and if he moves on , the plan is to bring in the Attorney General to the ASEDA Board.
Togiola also expressed concern about the sizeable projected deficit which the Governor spoke about in his address to the Fono, and whether the government would be able to meet the bond repayments.
Butler gave a positive response.
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According to Senator Magalei the bond repayment for March has been paid.
