25 Aug 2011

CNMI's power company director to enter American Samoa governor's race

10:32 am on 25 August 2011

The executive director of the Northern Marianas' Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says he's motivated to stand next year as a candidate for American Samoa's Governor in a bid to improve the territory's reputation and economic status.

Utu Abe Malae says one lesson he learnt from the last gubernatorial race was to declare his intention to run as early as possible, and start gathering support.

He says he has to break his CUC contract early but the Governor Fitial administration supports his move into politics.

He says he's enjoyed working in Saipan but feels his skills and experience is now needed back in American Samoa, and helping people is his passion.

"Our leaders may have the best intentions and somehow all those good intentions don't get executed, and we get a bad name with the federal government in Washington DC. And I dont like that and I dont want that to happen. I want us to have a good reputation in the US family of states of territories and I would like the full support of federal government when we need help."

Utu Abe Malae says has been based in the CNMI for two years now and was recruited to the executive director role of the CUC last November.

He says he plans to return to American Samoa next March.