Grand Bassa County’s district #3 Representative, Matthew Joe, has presented a comprehensive Consolidated Legislative Performance Report to the people of his district, covering the period January 14, 2019 to January 11, 2021. The report, a copy in the possession of the Hot Pepper, covered the fulfillment of Representative Joe’s campaign promises during the 2017 general elections.
The report was on Sunday, March 7, 2021 presented to the District Development Council (DDC) and a cross-section of citizens from across the district. The presentation ceremony took place at the Buchanan City Hall, Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.
Some of the campaign promise fulfillments contained in the report are the establishment of the District Development Council (DDC), purchasing of a US$85, 000.00 school bus, pavement of Fairground road, provision of scholarships to 75 university and college students and the provision of L$3 million grant to marketers within the district through the Liberia Marketing Association Grand Bassa Chapter.
According to the report, during the period under review, the office of Representative Joe expended L$7 million and US$49,000. This amount, according to the report, was used on health, education, humanitarian, transportation and marketers within the district.
Representative Joe’s report also covered the use of the 15% cut of his monthly salary, as promised by him during the campaign period. The report revealed the income and expenditure of DDC for the last two years. The Grand Bassa lawmaker further stated in the report that 15% of his salary is US$750, and the total cash generated from the bus for 360 school days under the DDC is US$2,705.88.
Representative Joe, who chairs the House’s Committee on Public Works, emphasized that the submission of the Consolidated Legislative Performance Report by his office is in compliance with Article (15c) of the 1986 Constitution, which states, “There shall be no limitation on the public right to be informed about government and its function.” He told citizens of the district that reporting to them will always be one of the paramount things under his leadership as Representative.
In remarks, Liberia Marketing Association’s County Inspector, Alfred Zandoe, applauded the district’s Representative for always being there for the marketers. He told the gathering that Representative Joe is the first lawmaker in the county to give grants to marketers through the Liberia Marketing Association Grand Bassa Chapter. In the past, Zandoe said other politicians who gave grants or loans to marketers used people they believed in, leaving out Liberia Marketing Association.
He vowed to support Representative Joe in his endeavor during his regime as Representative of the district. “Me and my market people are with you for good, Honorable Joe,” he assured.
Receiving the document, DDC Co-Chair, Morris B. Karley, commended the lawmaker for coming back to the people of the district by informing them about his workings. He assured citizens of the district that the current structure of the DDC will work in the interest of the district and its people.
For her part, Magdalene G. Harris urged Representative Joe and members of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus to prioritize the only referral hospital in the county, which currently lacks drugs. She applauded the Bassa district lawmaker for the report, and cautioned him to lobby with colleagues to do more for the county. According to her, it is paramount for a leader to be accountable to his people, which she said builds the people’s trust.
