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Hire ‘outsider’ for OPA post
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Posted on Oct 25 2000
The chair of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations yesterday backed a recommendation from outgoing Public Auditor Leo L. LaMotte to hire an outsider to replace him.
Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano said that while he is leaving the appointment of new chief of Office of Public Auditor to the governor, the government should recruit from off-island or from the U.S. mainland.
“That position should [be filled by someone from] the outside. I will support it based on the recommendation of Mr. LaMotte,” he told reporters in an interview.
The EAGI chair expressed preference for an outsider in order to ensure “balance of power” in the critical position, particularly in safeguarding the local coffers and upholding the mandate of public purpose in government expenditures.
“I don’t care if it’s local or an outsider. But I prefer an outsider and it will come from the U.S. mainland, I will support that totally,” said Mr. Adriano.
Mr. LaMotte resigned Oct. 4 from the post he has been holding for the last six years, citing personal reasons. The resignation takes effect on Dec. 16.
In interview with reporters the other day, the OPA chief said he had recommended Wendell Harwell, a former public auditor of the American Samoan government, to replace him.
He said Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has offered the job to Mr. Harwell, who is in San Francisco working as certified public accountant but is interested in the job.
Mr. LaMotte stressed the government should find a public auditor who is from outside the islands and is secure in his life in order to dispense his duties and responsibilities without being influenced.
“I didn’t have to kowtow to anybody,” he said. (Benhur C. Saladores)
