Yes its true. I have resigned as Head of the Energy Office as the media is breaking the story today.. I was hoping to to keep it on the low until the end of the month when the resignation takes effect. But someone slipped it to the media so now its out. Here is why: The Senate rejected my confirmation twice. The Governor reassigned me to stay in charge of the TEO until a replacement could be found but that decision met with a strong disapproval of the Senate. They wouldnt even let me testify at the budget hearings. Which I do not understand because I wrote the budget and would obviously be best to explain it if there were questions. Any new person is going to need to refer to me anyway. So what did they gain by not bringing me to the floor of the Senate for the budget?_. The Senate is acting irrational I think and not in the best interest of the people. Also, I have achieved more in 6 months as Head of the TEO than has been accomplished in 33 years since the TEO doors were opened. The TEO has been a $300k a year outlet center for refrigerators and light bulbs. IN past years, the TEO has targeted to help close to 100 people a year get new refrigerators and 300 people get assistance with their electric bill each month. I redirected TEO priorities to help all the 60k plus citizens of American Samoa not just a few 100. The TEO in the past has had a horrible relationship with the Utility. I brought the TEO close together with the Utility in positive working relationship to benefit everyone. I repaired the relationship and trust with our Federal Grantors that was in question. I was removing the common perception that all the TEO did was give away refrigerators and bringing the meaning of the word "Energy" back into the term Energy Office. The Senate should be embracing my efforts and applauding my performance and achievements rather than being proud of themselves for ousting me. I actually saw 2 Senators high five each other on6 the Senate floor when the Senate President refused to allow me on the floor to testify in behalf of the Governor and the TEO budget. Really?_ Thats a high five moment?_ IN my resignation meeting with the Governor, I told him that all Governors need to have a good working relationship with the Senate. For what ever reason, the Senate doesnt want me there. It seems ridiculous and smells of racism but that changes nothing. The law gives them the power of rejecting the Governors nominee to any Director post and they exercised it. My qualifications were never questioned. How could they?_ With 30 years experience in Energy and power as well as United Nations recognition for my work on Alternative power from the private sector, the only thing they could talk about and ask questions in my confirmation hearings was my divorce, who my girl friend was, what village she was from and that I shouldnt have ran for Governor with no political experience. Yes they went there! Oh yeah, they asked if I drank and to inform my friends that drinking is bad for your health,. That inspiring health comment came from a Representative that weighs about 500 lbs. Thats what kind of quality questions I got at my confirmation hearings. No one asked me how I was going to save American Samoa $50m a year in the cost of energy or how we were going to save the eminent problem of the Futinga land fill. I have helped ASPA put these solutions in place and I did it in my first 6 months at the TEO. I am only days away from securing $500k for the hospitals Solar Panel project. The Senate has made a huge mistake in my opinion. But it is their decision to make. I am giving the Governor my resignation because all Governors need to work with the Senate with a positive relationship/- My reappointment to the TEO by the Governor after Senate rejection jeopardizes his long term working relationship with the Senate. Governor Moliga is a people first Governor not by slogan but by his actions. My willingness to fall on he sword and resign supports the administration and "people first".
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:53:06 +0000