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Togiola TulafonoGovernor of American Samoa
Date of Birth: 28.02.1947
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Content:
Early Life and Education
Togiola Tulafono was born on the island of Aunu, American Samoa. After graduating from high school, he attended Chadron State College where he earned bachelor's degrees in political science and sociology. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law.
Legal and Political Career
Tulafono began his legal career as a legal assistant in the American Samoa Attorney General's Office and as an administrative assistant in the Samoan Department of Interior. He later served as a private practice attorney and as Vice President of South Pacific Airlines. In 1978, he joined the District Court, and in 1980, he was elected to the American Samoa Senate. After one term representing the Saole County District, he returned to private legal practice, but re-joined the Senate in 1989. He was subsequently elected to an eight-year term representing the Sua County District and served on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Authority and as Chairman of the Board of Higher Education.
Vice-Governor and Governor
In 1997, Tulafono was elected to the House of Representatives and also served on the Mini-Games Committee (when the Games were held in Samoa) and the Centennial Committee (responsible for the celebrations commemorating the centennial of American Samoa's incorporation into the United States). Following the death of Governor Tauese Sunia, Tulafono became first lieutenant governor and then governor on April 7, 2003. He was re-elected to a four-year term in the November 2004 election.
Major Accomplishments
As governor, Tulafono focused on improving education, healthcare, and economic development. He also led the fight against Hawaiian Airlines, demanding that the company suspend service to Pago Pago International Airport due to excessive fares. In 2008, he endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, later becoming her co-chair for Asian and Pacific American Affairs.
