The 2nd Coming Of Anthony Kesselly
By Patrick Nimely-Sie Tuon
Editor/Publisher
About Liberia Today
 Ever since he graced his presence with the chairmanship of the Board of Directors of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, or ULAA, commonly referred as The Union, supporters of Mr. Anthony Kesselly seem not to have enough of him. Within months of stepping down as chairman of the Union Board of Directors, in keeping with the term limit of the constitution, the name Kesselly is once again on the lips of many of his supporters gearing up for what is being termed as the 2nd Coming of Anthony Kesselly, this time as President of the Union. Kesselly who made it official some times ago regarding his intentions of seeking the Union leadership promised to inject a new wave of dynamism in the organization many of its supporters referred to as the “umbrella” organization of all Liberians in the US.
During a brief address to a crowd attending the official launching of “Refined Taste/Image”, an event planner and catering company owned by former ULAA President, Mrs. Roberta Rashid and daughters, in Pittsburg over the weekend, Mr. Kesselly reminded Liberians in Pittsburg of his frequent visits to the city. A statement many are interpreting as the importance attached to Pittsburg since it was announced that ULAA General Conference, and possibly the 2008 ULAA elections, may take place there. Mr. Kesselly who was in a joyful spirit was seen dancing and swinging around the dance floor in ways many have not seen. A supporter described Mr. Kesselly behavior that night as a testimony of how energetic their man is. Kesselly’s deliberate mention of his many visits to Pittsburg some how injected a taste of American politics when would be candidates for the US presidency would do regarding Iowa and New Hampshire.
The up coming Union’s election is more than ordinary. It is an election that could go where no other has gone. An election that will come on the eve of the beginning of Liberia’s 2011 election campaign. If Mr. Kesselly emerges as the leader of the Union, as many of his supporters are wishing, it could place him in the midst of Liberia’s most important election as a power broker. Kesselly who is not new to Liberian politics, can trace his political activism back as a student leader from Tubman High, University of Liberia, and his involvement with national politics as a member of the Liberian People’s Party. Followers of ULAA politics are convinced that he’s bringing to the race an impressive political resume. Another important element, or let’s say advantage, Mr. Kesselly is bringing to the ULAA presidential campaign is an entrenched constituency. One that is un-shaken. Many of Kesselly’s constituents have a loyalty that can not be easily broken which undoubtedly makes him a force to reckon with.
Despite of all the respect Kesselly seems to enjoy with both foes and supporters, many are suggesting and hope the man who wants to be ULAA next president will bring to the ULAA leadership, if he wins, more flexibility in his approach in dealing with those who might be on the other side. This is why those who attended the Refined Image event in Pittsburg were glad to see Mr. Kesselly dancing with campaign opponent Dr. Mariah Seton. This gesture could mean a role for Dr. Seton in a Kesselly administration. By unleashing some level of flexibility could also unlocked the great spirit of cooperation that every ULAA president needs to successfully navigate this important leadership position and put the stamp on ULAA’s image as truly the umbrella organization of all US-based Liberians. We also hope dancing with Dr. Seton could set a stage of a kinder and gentle campaign where issues, not personalities, will take the front seat.
Kesselly With Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Part One: Our Series, Introducing The Candidates |
Back to frontpage |
Kesselly Inducting New ULAA Board Members
Kesselly On Capitol Hill
Campaigning For The Liberian
Immigration Bill
 With Ms. Seton:
A Would-be Opponent
Tuon & Kesselly
A Word Of Advice: |
