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(Last Updated on October 22, 2005 2:18 AM )

COMMUNITY ELECTS NEW LEAD

 After more than three years of interim leadership, the Liberian American Community Organization of Southern California now has a duly elected administrative team.

More than a hundred Liberians and friends of Liberia from all over Southern California went to the polls on February 5, 2005 to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. When they did, Lewis Free, a former board member, with many years of active involvement in Liberian community affairs, was elected President. Though Mr. Free was the lone candidate for the Presidency, voters were highly enthusiastic about electing him as their new leader.

Alfred Beyan, the brother of former president, David Beyan was elected as Vice President. Alfred drew strong support from the youth voters bloc, but a strong showing from rival, Malia Harris of San Diego made the ballot for the VP post highly competitive. Evelyn Hightower of La Mesa was the lone candidate for the Treasury post hence won that post easily. There was no candidate on the ballot for secretary and as a result, the election to fill that position was postponed. Later on in the year Mai Cassell Brown accepted the position of Secretary for the Organization.

The President’s Agenda for his two-year term of office

• To institute programs that will unify the community.
• To work together with Liberians and Liberian organizations in Northern California to achieve our common goals
• To help create a Regional organization with greater influence and recognition as a non-profit organization in our local communities.
• To carry out projects that will benefit our children, including recognition for their achievements and milestones.
• To raise funds in order to assist the University of Liberia, Cuttington University College, and other institutions of higher learning in Liberia, with books, computers, sporting equipment, and other academic material.
• To assist the needy in Liberia with basic necessities, including used clothing, food items, medicines, etc.

The 28 th of May 9, 2005 was set as the date for the installation of officers of the new administration.

The Board had also endorsed the Administration’s plan to celebrate Liberia’s Independence in July.