Politicians now

full-timers

By Felise Va’A

American Samoa’s first full-time legislators met for the first full-time legislative session in Pago on July 12, making history thereby.

Before this historic meeting, there was only one regular session of the legislature, lasting 40 days, in addition to the special sessions called by the governor to discuss the budget and other urgent matters. Now there are two regular sessions in a year.

Before the new setup, government employees were permitted under the territory’s constitution to hold legis lative office, a situation which fairly bristled with anomalies.

For instance, government work could not be performed as long as government employees were tied up in legislative meetings. As is usual in developing countries, where brains are at a premium, good jobs with government went to the educated ones who were also the only ones able to qualify for seats in the legis lature. About half the legislature filled this bill, but constitutional changes forced them to choose— to be a ruler or a government worker. They couldn’t be both. All but three chose the Fono (legislature) and SUS6,OOO a year. As part-time legislators they got $6OO a year.

As the average salary in the upper echelons in American Samoa is around $3,000 a year, being a full time politician at $6,000 a year makes a better deal.