Savali Talavou Ale

Savali Ale
Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives
Assumed office
January 4, 2007
Preceded by Matagi McMoore
In office
January 1993 – January 1997
Preceded by Tuanaitau F. Tuia
Succeeded by Nua Mailo Saoluaga
Personal details
Born (1953-09-05) September 5, 1953
Fagali'i, American Samoa, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Sakala Mautofu Ale (1977–2015)
Children 11
Education Cannon College of Commerce
California Baptist University (BA)

Savali Talavou Ale is an American Samoan politician. He has served as the Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives since 2007. Ale, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1981, is also the longest serving current member of the American Samoa House of Representatives, as of 2015.[1][2]

He is originally from Fagali'i, American Samoa, but now resides in the village of 'Ili'ili.[3][2] Ale married his wife, Sakala Mautofu Ale, July 16, 1977, at a ceremony in Carson, California.[3] The couple had eleven biological children, as well as several other children the family had adopted and raised.[3] Both Savali Talavou Ale and Sakala Mautofu Ale were ordained deacons in the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa (CCCAS).[3]

He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1981.[2][4] Ale, who has never lost re-election, has been re-elected to the House during each successive general election from the 1980s and 2010s,[2] making him the House's longest serving member, as of 2015.[1]

On November 7, 2006, incumbent Speaker Matagi Mailo Ray McMoore lost re-election to the House of Representatives in the general election.[5] Savali, who was Vice Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2007, was elected Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives in January 2007 after he received eleven more votes than his opponent, longtime Rep. Gaoteote Palie Tofau.[5]

Savali was challenged by Ituau Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai for the Speakership in 2010, but Savali won re-election as Speaker.[4] Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai once again challenged Savali for the position of Speaker of the 33rd legislature (2013–2015) in January 2013.[1] Ale defeated Soliai with a vote of 13-7.[1] Rep. Soliai was later defeated for re-election on November 4, 2014, in the general election.[1]

He was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 34th Legislature on January 3, 2015.[1][2]

Ale's wife, Sakala Mautofu Ale, died from a sudden illness on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at the age of 59.[3] The couple had been married for 38 years.[3] He is a member of the Congregational Church.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Chen, B. (2014-11-19). "Savali Talavou Ale expected to retain Speaker's post". Samoa News. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Feagaimaalii-Luamanu, Joyetter (2015-01-05). "Savali unanimously re-elected Speaker". Samoa News. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Feagaimaalii-Luamanu, Joyetter (2015-09-08). "Sudden Passing of Mrs. Sakala Mautofu Ale Stuns Family". Samoa News. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
  4. 1 2 "House sworn in; Savali re-elected Speaker". Samoa News. 2013-01-04. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
  5. 1 2 "American Samoa elects new speaker". Radio New Zealand International. 2007-01-04. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
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