Monrovia – Montserrado District 15 candidate Telia Urey has promised to give her full salary to the district if elected as a lawmaker in the upcoming by-elections.
Ms. Urey is contesting on the ticket of the All Liberia People (ALP) with the support of the collaborating political parties comprising the ALP, Alternative National Congress (ANC), the Liberty Party (LP) and the former ruling Unity Party (UP).
She made the statement Monday when she appeared on Roots FM, a local radio station in Monrovia.
“I pledge that 100 percent salary, allowances or benefits will be given back to the people of my district,” she said.
Ms. Urey further stated that a district council which would include people living with disabilities would be established.
“They will decide how they want the money spent,” she said.
She said there is a need to engage the Ministry of Education on teachers’ salary and improve the health sector.
“In our district, there is no government hospital and we will engage the government to boost private clinics.”
According to Ms. Urey, the district is yearning and there is a huge void and vacuum for development. She said the Legislature needs people with experience who cannot be compromised.
Her first engagement in politics was in 2011.
“I don’t need a crowd but few committed people who believe in me and share my view.
We are not looking to receive a salary; when the economy goes down it affects the poor people.
Ms. Urey named women and people living with disability empowerment, health, education as her major priorities when elected.
“I think it is time for the domestic violence bill to pass, and when I am elected, market women and ordinary girls will be given a voice to express themselves through me.”
Ms. Urey is hoping to fill not just the void left by the late Rep. Adolph Lawrence but also raise the representation of women in the legislature.
A 2017 research funded by the government of Canada, the EU, Sweden and the UNDP on women’s participation in elections concluded that despite considerable progress over the last decade to promote meaningful participation of women in Liberia’s political and electoral affairs, the nagging gap in gender politics persists.