| 2010 Primary Elections: Vote for your future! |
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| Monday, 16 August 2010 10:06 | ||||
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National Weekly endorsements and recommendations With early voting underway since August 9, the 2010 Primary Elections have begun in Florida, though the official day for elections is August 24. In South Florida, several candidates are on the ballot running for various offices from the U.S. Senate to county school board. Over the past few weeks, the National Weekly has been following the campaigns of the candidates reflected in newspapers, political advertisements, candidate forums, and the feedback generated from prospective voters. Special attention has been placed on the candidates’ views affecting the needs of the African-American and Caribbean-American communities in reference to the issues of immigration, employment, education, healthcare, civil rights and justice, among others. Based on our assessment and analysis, we recommend candidates to be elected in the primaries. Through the primary elections, candidates are elected to represent either the Republican or Democratic parties, or run as independent candidates in the November 2 general elections. Accordingly, the recommendations made by this newspaper pertain to the most suitable candidates from either party seeking to represent their respective party in the general elections. National Weekly recommends the following candidates for the Primary elections:
United States Senator
Kendrick Meek
Meek has the support of many South Florida voters for his steadfast support for Florida minority communities. He is also credited for his unwavering support of the Haitian community. Meek, a member of the “Ways and Means Committee” in the U.S. Congress, supported the president in his job creation measures and in extending programs, like unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits. He also voted for the Recovery Act, which provided or saved more than 112,000 jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and others throughout Florida. In the Republican Primary, Marco Rubio’s effective campaign was responsible for forcing Charlie Crist to run as an independent candidate. He has attracted the votes of conservative Republicans. Congressional Rep. Dist. 17 Shirley Gibson is the National Weekly’s choice for the Democratic side in this crowded and tight race. Three Haitian-American candidates, Marleine Bastien, an ardent community activist; former Florida House Rep., Yolly Roberson and Dr. Rudy Moise are in the running. However, although Bastien is a credible candidate, it is expected that the Haitian votes will be divided among the three, leaving an interesting contest between former State Senator Frederica Wilson and Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson. Wilson is an experienced politician and a strong advocate for educational reform and juvenile justice. However, Gibson is a relentless community organizer whose endeavors were largely responsible for the creation of the City of Miami Gardens. Her no-nonsense drive and her proven dedication to community causes, gives her the edge. Congressional Rep. Dist. 20 In the Republican race for this seat, Robert Lowry is the best choice. Lowry has been running a strong campaign, determined to not only win the primary, but the general election against the powerful Democratic incumbent, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, in November. His mission includes reforming unemployment benefits and strengthening the small business sector. Congressional Rep. Dist. 22 Democrat Ron Klein has held this seat since 2006, and has served the district well. He is a fighter for mortgage relief to homeowners in a state where foreclosures are high, and also supports a reformed energy policy to divert the nation’s penchant for imported oil. He should be re-elected. Allan West is a rare Black Republican who stands for effective educational reform, although he is supportive of the Arizona immigration law. A former military service man, he has been running an effective campaign and has stated his determination to defeat the incumbent Ron Klein in November. Congressional Rep. Dist. 25 This is a strong Republican seat in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, formerly held by Mario Diaz-Balart, who has switched to run in District 21.
David Rivera
Democrat Joe Garcia made a serious bid to unseat Mario Diaz-Balart in 2008, losing by six percent. He has been campaigning since that defeat to take the seat this time. A former member of the Florida Public Service Commission, he was nominated by President Obama to be the director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact and Diversity at the Department of Energy. His political platform includes doing more for homeowners who risk foreclosure, banning oil-drilling off Florida’s coast, and developing energy saving green technology. Voters should choose this candidate. Florida Governor
Alex Sink
Bill McCollum, like Kendrick Meek finds himself being battered by a wealthy opponent in Rick Scott. However, despite Scott’s money and promises for immigration and tax reform, McCollum has served the state in different positions. However, some Floridians are unhappy with McCollum’s stand in wanting to shape an immigration reform law similar to the Arizona law and his response to the national healthcare law by suing the federal government. Though not our choice for Governor, in the primary race, McCollum might be the better choice. Attorney General Jeff Kottcamp is Florida’s deputy governor, who endorsed Marco Rubio over Crist, his former boss. He is in a strong battle with state prosecutor Pam Bondi, who wants to follow McCollum in suing the federal government over the healthcare law. Healthcare reform is too valuable an issue to have it maligned by Bondi.
Dan Gelber
State Senators – Miami Dade State Senator Dist. 35 Democrat Gwen Margolis, who is running to succeed Florida Senator Dan Gelber in District 25, has incurred defeats in past years running for public office. However, she is a veteran politician, having served in the Florida House and Senate. She also spent several years on the Miami-Dade County Commission. Her experience as a Florida legislator on the Appropriations Committee and the Finance and Tax Committee should be an asset in addressing the state’s perennial budgetary challenges. Her competitor is Kevin Burns, former North Miami mayor. State Senator Dist. 36 Republican Julio Robaina, former Florida House Representative, is in a tight campaign against the popular Diaz de la Portilla. Robaina’s eight-year legislative experience and that as the former mayor of South Miami, should serve him well. He was one of the few state Republicans who supported Crist in vetoing the controversial teacher merit-pay education bill. State Senator Dist 38 Republican Anitere Flores is seeking to move up from the Florida House to the Senate, competing for the West Miami-Dade district with David Nelson. Flores, 34, says she wants to continue fighting for Florida residents to improve the economy, save homes and advance state education. Florida House Representatives Broward State Rep. Dist. 90 (PB/Brwd) Democrat Irving “Irv” Slosberg is competing with Sheldon “Klassy” Klasfeld to reclaim the seat he held for three terms and gave up in 2006. The state stands to benefit from his experience. Slosberg’s main objective is to implement policies to increase Florida’s revenue without raising taxes or cutting key services. State Rep. Dist. 91 David Maymon is one of three Republicans in this primary. He is an advocate for less government and more involvement of the private sector as the engine to drive the economy. He also wants state taxes lowered. State Rep. Dist. 92 State Rep. Dist. 94
Hazelle Rogers
Miami-Dade County State Rep. Dist. 104 Five Democrats are competing for this North Miami Beach (NMB) district. The seat was held by Haitian-American Yolly Roberson, who is now seeking election to the U.S. Congress. John Patrick Julien is also a Haitian-American and a three-time member of the NMB City Council. He is pushing for urgent immigration reform, and to be involved in contributing to balancing the state’s budget. State Rep. Dist. 107 Republican Gustavo Barreiro, who has been representing the district for several years, is committed to community development, is well respected and should be easily re-elected. State Rep. Dist. 108 Alix Desulme competes with Daphne Campbell for this North East Miami seat. Desulme is committed to seeking a bi-partisan approach to solving the state’s problems, especially reducing crime, creating jobs, reducing taxes, improving healthcare, as well as working for more pay for teachers and eliminating the FCAT. State Rep. Dist. 109 This is the second time that Cynthia Stafford is competing for this district which comprises the inner-city communities of Liberty City and Overtown. She competes with three other candidates. A former aide to Congresswoman Carrie Meek, Stafford is very familiar with the economic challenges of the district and is committed to improving employment and business development in the district. She also wants to review sales tax exemptions as a means of improving revenue collections. State Rep. Dist. 112 Republican Jeanette Nunez is interested in rolling back property taxes, and supports the continued reform of the state’s healthcare.
Sandra Ruiz
State Rep. Dist. 114 This the second attempt by Millie Herrera to represent this district. She speaks up for working families, small business owners and children and is environmentally conscious. She also wants to improve education, bring new businesses to Florida, protect the Everglades and improve the state’s drinking water. Her opponent is Robert Blanco. State Rep. Dist. 115 Jose Felix Diaz and Carla Ascencio Savola, two political rookies, are competing for the seat for the Republicans. Both are well known in the district having served on many community organizations and boards. Diaz has put forward a plan for improving the state’s budget, including a plan to fill the gap in sales tax collections, and put an end to Medicaid fraud. Diaz has the edge. State Rep. Dist. 116 Carlos Trujillo is in a very close race with Whilly Bermudez. Trujillo is fervent in his desire for education reform, public safety and property tax reform. State Rep. Dist. 117 Jose M. Pazos stands out in this crowded race of seven Republicans. He, as a property manager, supports reforming the property tax system, and the issue of windstorm insurance. He wants the state to control and operate hurricane insurance. State Rep. Dist. 118 Democrat Dwight M. Bullard, an African-American, is seeking to be returned to represent this district to which he was elected in 2008. A teacher by profession, he is committed to the improvement of the state’s public education system. He is being challenged by Kionne McGhee. State Rep. Dist. 120 A former Key West mayor, Republican Morgan J. McPherson’s objective is to cut wasteful spending and cut taxes for individuals and small businesses. He supports using free market principles to provide homeowners more options for property insurance. His competitor is Matt Gardi. Broward County Broward County Commission Dist. 4 Democrat Beverly Kennedy is trying to unseat incumbent Ken Keechi. This is one of several bids by Kennedy for this seat. She is a fiscal conservative who upholds responsibility in public expenditure, and believes that the state’s financial health can be improved with better accountability. Broward County Commission Dist. 6 Democrat Suzanne “Sue” Gunzburger has served this district for five terms and is seeking to retain her seat, despite the challenge from former state legislator Steven Geller. She is committed to having an ethics code for the commission which has been exposed to unethical pitfalls by former commissioners. She also wants to improve children services and public transportation. Broward County Commission Dist. 8 Democrat Barbara Sharief is a new star in Broward politics. Elected to the Miramar City Council in 2008, she now seeks to sit on the county commission. She made an unsuccessful bid for this seat in 2006. Her political energy and understanding of the needs of the multi-racial and multi-cultural demographic of the county should make her an asset to the commission. However, a strong challenge is expected from Angelo Castillo for the seat formerly held by Diana Wasserman-Rubin. Christopher Max Zadie should easily hold off the challenge of 21-year-old Jose Lopez in the Republican primary. Broward County Commission Dist. 9
Dale Holness
Miami-Dade Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 2 Democratic incumbent Dorrin Rolle faces five challengers, including former North Miami Mayor, Joe Celestin. A possible strike against Rolle’s candidacy is the accusation of unethical practices. But the long-serving commissioner is loved by his constituents in the low-income communities of Liberty City and Opa-Locka. He is still determined and confident he can succeed in generating economic development in the district and work with the police in scaling back violent crime. Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 8 This is another fierce race, with six candidates seeking to replace Katy Sorenson who held the seat for 16 years. Democrat Annette Taddeo is an aggressive and feisty competitor who ran a credible campaign against Ileana Ross Lehtinen for Congress in 2008, but lost. She is committed to working tirelessly to create jobs in the county, reduce crime, and prioritize education. She has close ties to the Washington D.C. establishment, which could be used to her advantage and that of her constituents if elected. Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 10 Javier Souto, Democrat, is another long-term county commissioner seeking to retain his seat. He has been very outspoken for issues like job creation and business development for the county, and in what could be his last term in office, he seems even more committed to do the people right. Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 12 Democrat Jose “Pepe” Diaz has been building a name of repute on the county commission, and his constituents see in him someone who can be relied on to represent their various issues, including lowering property taxes and creating more jobs. Palm Beach County U.S. Congressional Rep. Dist. 16 Democrats Ed Tautiva and Jim Horn are contesting this seat. Our choice is Tautiva, who opposes off-shore drilling, but wants there to be an adoption of green renewable energy to wean American’s addiction to oil. He is also opposed to the Arizona immigration law. State Senate Dist. 27 Democrat Peter Burkert opposes deregulation of property insurance. He opposes oil drilling off the Florida coast and supports educational reform. Like most Republican candidates, Sharon Merchant says her opposition to the federal health care law is to keep Washington from encroaching on personal freedoms. She is a strong independent person who is not afraid to stand up to the leadership of the state’s Republican Party. Florida House of Representatives Dist. 83 Republican Nancy Cardone is a strong candidate who has proven to be her own person on key issues like immigration and economic development. She supports the Republican challenge to the healthcare law, is opposed to the deregulation of property insurance, and supported Crist’s veto of the controversial teacher merit-pay bill. She supports a stronger drive to collect state sales tax, especially from Internet sales. She also wants property tax breaks for residents affected by the oil spill. Florida House of Representatives Dist. 86 Carole Penny Kaye is an active advocate for immigration law reform, and is adamantly against the Arizona immigration law. She also is a strong supporter of educational reform and a cleaner environment. However, her passion in representing the district is to address the issue of constitutional protection. Florida House of Representatives Dist. 88 Mark Prafford supports closing sales tax loopholes; reforming Florida's property and sales tax structure, which he says puts the burden on the working class; supports eliminating the FCAT and school vouchers. He also supports abortion rights and opposed a homeowners’ insurance bill passed this session (but vetoed by the governor) that would have increased premiums. Florida House of Representatives Dist. 89 Democrat, Jeff Clemens is the only candidate with legislative experience. Additionally, his tenure as Lake Worth mayor should bode well for District 89. As mayor, he tripled the number of police on the streets and saved more than $2 million in fire rescue costs. Palm Beach County Commission Dist. 6 Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Democrat, is being challenged by his former aide Michael Jackson. Sanatamaria is a millionaire who made his money from his Royal Palm Beach-based development business, but opposes development in inappropriate places like near to hospitals and farm lands. He abhors special interest funding of politicians and is strong on ethics reform. Santamaria is a good choice. Florida State Senate Dist. 25 Republican Carl Domino, former Florida House Representative is in a tight campaign with another former House Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff. Both want to continue serving the state as senators. Both candidates support Florida's legal challenge of the federal health care law and voted last year to deregulate property insurance, and supported this year's teacher merit pay bill. But Domino supports banning the drilling of oil off Florida’s coast and does not support casino gambling which he claims has done little to help the state economy as was originally predicted. SCHOOL BOARD The National Weekly recommends the following candidates for the Miami-Dade County School Board: District 2 Ronda Vangates District 4 Perla Tabares Hantman District 6 Raquel Regalado District 7 Carlos L. Curbelo
The National Weekly recommends the following candidates for Broward County School Board: District 6 - Phyllis C. Hope is strongly recommended for re-election. She is the first woman and first African-American chosen in this district, and has been very active in improving education in the district. Other recommendations are: District 1 Ann Murray District 2 Kevin Tynan District 4 Robert W. Sutton District 7 Nora Rupert District 8 Susan Eleanor Madori The National Weekly recommends the following candidates for Palm Beach School Board: District 7 – Debra Robinson District 6 – Marcia Andrews District 4 – Jennifer Prior Brown District 3 – Karen Brill District 2 – Charles E. Shaw
JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
T. J. Reddick Bar Association endorsements for Judicial Candidates
The National Weekly is endorsing the following judicial candidates based on the recommendations of T.J. Reddick Bar Association (Broward’s Black Bar Association). This association is dedicated to promoting, fostering and encouraging excellence in the Legal profession. The association has taken numerous hours to interview and evaluate the judicial candidates to provide the public with recommendations for all judicial races. We recommend the following for: CIRCUIT COURT
Circuit Judge Group 4 Judge Elijah Williams currently sits in the juvenile division and for the last four of the eight years he has been on the bench, has provided a strong and steady presence to juveniles appearing before him. His request to serve in the juvenile division exemplifies his commitment to “making a HUGE difference in Broward County.” The association highly recommends that Judge Williams be reelected. Circuit Judge Group 15 Both candidates in this race are highly qualified and deserve a second look by voters. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association admires the fact that Robert Jakovich says he has “fought the good fight for the unpopular;” however, we recommend that Judge Matthew Destry be retained because of his exceptional service on the bench and board certification as a criminal trial lawyer. Circuit Judge Group 22 “I have the experience as a judge,” says Judge Carlos Rebollo when asked what separates him from his opponent who also worked as a prosecutor. We strongly recommend that Judge Rebollo be retained not because his is one of only five Hispanic judges but because he is a competent and qualified judge.
COUNTY COURT
County Judge Group 13 “Not taking anything for granted,” Judge Linda Pratt embraces the opportunity to go into the community and let the voters see the 23 years of integrity and experience that she bring to the bench. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that voters reelect Judge Pratt. County Judge Group 15Roshawn Banks
Roshawn Banks
County Judge Group 26
F. J. Mclawrence
In spite of her opponent’s experience as a judge, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association finds that Sandra Perlman is the voters’ best choice in this race. “I want to make the courtroom a fair place for everybody,” says Perlman who has been on both sides of the justice system. The following were also recommended:
Circuit Judge Group 2 Circuit Judge Group 6 Circuit Judge Group 9
Circuit Judge Group 23
Circuit Judge Group 24
Circuit Judge Group 47
Circuit Judge Group 53
County Judge Group 1 County Judge Group 3 County Judge Group 4 County Judge Group 12 County Judge Group 14 County Judge Group 20 Circuit Judge Group 51 The National Weekly recommends the following Miami-Dade judges based on the endorsements of the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr. Bar Association : County Court Judge Group 07 County Court Judge Group 11 Circuit Court Judge Group 45 Circuit Court Judge Group 62 Palm Beach judges
County Court Judge Group 7
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