Monrovia – A Representative hopeful of Montserrado County Electoral District #10 has called on residents of the district to remain patient and shun all forms of violence, including plans to block the President’s convoy or residence in protest of their lack of representation.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa, Thomas Taylor, a lifelong resident of the district, said that while he fully understands the frustration and disenchantment of residents who feel unrepresented, violence is not the answer.
“I urge them, I plead with them, I beg them as a fellow resident and son of this district that violence is not the answer. We are not a people of violence. There is no right way to do the wrong thing,” Taylor warned.
He vowed that his team will continue to engage the Supreme Court and all necessary parties to ensure an amicable resolution for the betterment of the district, noting that although protest is a constitutional right, it must be exercised peacefully.
“I fully agree, and I stand with them for the fact that they are disenchanted. But going through the means of violence is not the solution. It will just cause more chaos. It is better to make your presence felt by being peaceful and stating your grievances,” he stressed.
“Keep the patience. Keep the peace. Keep pushing – our message has already gone out.”
A Son of the District With a Vision
Taylor, who has lived in various parts of the district, pointed out that he has decided to step forward because the district has regressed over the past 20 years.
“This district is all that I know. At times it hurts to sit down and know what needs to be done or how things can be improved while your leaders are not doing what they should do.”
Though he never contested before, Taylor sees his potential representation as service, not politics.
He disclosed that he is already active in the district through personal initiatives, including sponsoring District #10 to the semi-finals of the Montserrado County District Tournament where the district was defeated by star-studded District #6, providing scholarships to 10-12 students, assisting with road projects and preparing to launch a major sanitation campaign.
Responding to critics who see his philanthropy as vote-seeking, Taylor asserted: “Whether you do right or wrong, there will always be criticism. I know my people trust my work. We are supposed to have progression – even if it is 5%, 5%, 5%, but not recession.”
On Development Needs
According to Taylor, District #10 is in dire need of a functional district office, water, electricity, health services, security, and infrastructure.
He argued that while these services are central government responsibilities, a representative must lobby to make them easily accessible.
Acknowledging that the District Development Fund is limited, Taylor is of the conviction that his strategy will focus on proposal writing to attract external funding and properly channel Corporate Social Responsibility support from companies and hospitals operating within the district, including LoneStar Cell.
Inclusive Leadership
On his legislative style, Taylor, who has spent most of his career in the private sector, disclosed prioritizing inclusive governance.
“My first concern would be getting all hands on deck. After elections, there should be no opposition and no ruling party divide. We need to reach a place where after elections, everybody comes together. I may have 16 or 17 ideas, but someone may have one single idea that can change the life of our district.”
In his strategy, Taylor also placed youth at the center of his agenda, promising continuous support to the district’s sports teams and engagement programs to steer young people away from drugs and other vices.
“They are our future leaders. We have to direct them and ensure their paths are straight. When they go astray, it is on us,” he added.