August 22, 2007 - After garnering 12 votes during a confirmation hearing on Monday, August 20 in the House of Representatives, Matagi Ray Mailo McMoore is now officially the new director of the Department of Port Administration.
Matagi’s fate was in the hands of the lower chamber as the Senate had already cast a unanimous vote of 17-0 in his favor on July 10.
Matagi takes over for Sen. PC Tuitele Fofo Tuitele who resigned from the position two months ago to fill the Fofo County Senate seat left empty with the passing of the late Sen. Rev. Faiivae Apelu Galea’i.
Being named Port director following an appointment by Governor Togiola Tulafono and confirmation in the Fono gives Matagi his second government position since he lost his re-election bid to Fagatogo Mayor Leapai Sipa Anoa’i last year.
Prior to this, Matagi served as an executive assistant to the Governor. Earlier this year, he was confirmed as a member of the Immigration Board.
Matagi, who retired as a master sergeant from the US Air Force in 1986, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1997 where he served as House Speaker from 2001 to 2006.
During those years, Matagi was a member of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures’ Health Committee and the Resources Committee of the National Council of State Legislatures.
When he first announced Matagi’s appointment, Togiola wrote a letter to the Fono describing Matagi as being “highly qualified for the post,” adding that “Through his experience, he has acquired an extensive knowledge and familiarity with duties of the highest caliber of government.”
In his position as Port director, Matagi is responsible for overseeing several multi million dollar projects including the management of six harbors and three airports in Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands. |
