HARBEL, Margibi – Ivar Jones, the young Liberian entrepreneur who was recently elected to represent Margibi’s second electoral district, has made public a list of staffers who will work on his team.
Jones assured his constituents that the release of the list is part of an effort to ensure that his legislative work will be made public so his constituents, whom he referred to as his employers, would know and understand his functions.
“As an employee of over 60,000 constituents, I commit myself to provide a style of leadership that will reflect the views and inputs of majority,†Jones added.
Appearing on a local radio talk show in Harbel recently, the newly elected lawmaker openly announced the names of fifteen staffers who are to work with him while at the Capitol Building, the first person in contemporary Margibi politics to openly name his staffers.
“Unlike other lawmakers who have a history of splitting staffers’ pay to go across to others who campaigned for them, my staffers will be entitled to all that is due to them,†he added, suggesting that he would pay his staff fairly.
Jones named the ELBC Radio legislative reporter and assistant secretary of the Press Union of Liberia, Darius Zinneh, as his chief of staff.
He said since most of his supporters do not have an experience of working in the legislature, Zinneh would be resourceful to his office, owing to his long stay as a legislative reporter at the Capitol Building.
Zinneh helped campaign for Jones, producing a radio program highlighting the initiatives of the elected lawmaker.
Women are noticeably underrepresented among Jones’ staff, with only two out of the fifteen staffers named being females – one is a cook while the other is a receptionist.
Margibians generally reacted well to the publication of list, describing it as a sign of good governance and transparency. Joseph T. Kiamue, a resident of the district, says he was surprised and believes it is the first time it has happened in the county. He said he believes that the district would move forward under Jones.
Tamba Korveh, a supporter of the defeated and incumbent lawmaker, welcomed the move of the incoming lawmaker, congratulating those selected.
Rufus K. Jomah said the publication of the list is an early sign of transparency and good governance.
Jones was an independent candidate who defeated the incumbent lawmaker Ballah Zayzay during the October 10, 2017 elections.
In addition to his vow of transparency, he also promised to ensure that county funds will be used to improve the lives of residents.
Featured photo by Jefferson Daryoue
