COUNTY JUDGE During his first term, Perez showed the type of drive and commitment that deserves voting for him from among his challengers to give him the opportunity to continue his “tireless work for the residents of the district and the residents of Florida.” Joe Scott (DEM) Ian Richards Luisa Santos Holness, the incumbent Mayor of Broward County, has served the district with utmost diligence over successive terms. He relentlessly fights for benefits for residents and has displayed in recent months as the county struggles with the challenges brought by COVID-19 that he possesses the relevant leadership qualities. CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS Scott, a West Point graduate, who refers to himself as a “tech geek,” has the necessary talents to ensure the county’s electoral system is capably and fairly managed. He will create a system where appropriate technological innovations will ensure votes are not compromised, and in which voters can turn out to vote in large numbers without hindrance, confident their votes will be counted on time. DISTRICT 7 District 21 Supervisor of Elections Gordon Weekes (DEM) Vic DeGrammont (REP) Pearson is an assistant state attorney advocating for criminal justice reform, committed to ending racial disparities within the criminal justice system and safely reducing Miami-Dade’s jail population. She wants to ensure the State Attorney’s Office put new resources and more attention towards bringing justice to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and stem the criminalization of poverty by ending cash bond requirements for most non-violent offenders. COUNTY COMMISSION U.S. CONGRESS: Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue Christian Acosta (REP) GROUP 4 – Rob Long DeGrammont describes himself as a problem solver and “looking forward to representing his community and finally putting South Florida First.” He is confident his representation will make a difference in the key areas of public education, healthcare, immigration reforms, pro-gun laws, and improvement in the quality of lives for veterans, Alison Gilman Hill, an attorney, is a consistent “servant leader” in the Caribbean community. The Jamaican American, business and professional leader, wants “…to elevate what I have been doing for years on a different platform.” He’s seeking election to “help magnify the voices of Miami-Dade residents and needs to the hallways of county government.” His priorities include: providing a solution to the affordable housing crisis, fighting for public transit expansion to ease traffic congestion, preservation of the natural environment, and improving fair and just community policing. Caribbean American Weekes is a natural successor to Howard Finkelstein as Broward County’s public defender. The office, which serves mostly blacks and other minorities, could benefit from a candidate who understands them better, Finklestein who is retiring, was quoted as saying. Weekes successfully served as chief assistant public defender in charge of the Juvenile Division. Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation Zenteno has over fifteen years’ experience as a State General Appraiser. Her goal is to bring the county’s property appraiser’s office into the twenty-first century with stronger support for its diverse workforce. His platform is to invest in people—children, teens, and seniors. He wants to ensure children start and get the greatest education, teens remain in school and get a college degree, improve the lives of senior citizens, and honor veterans. Circuit Judge 16 District 22 This Caribbean American is an ambitious Republican seeking to represent the district with traditional conservative values including strengthening the police; protecting the U.S. borders against illegal immigration, and enhancing the quality of life for American families. Based on experience, Clarke seems the better Republican candidate. Ted Deutch (DEM) H. Wayne Clark (REP) Rene Garcia School Board Member DISTRICT 9 County Court Judge Gr 22 Maria Elvira Salazar (REP) Saima Farooqui (DEM) At-Large Seat 5 District 20 Gina Hawkins The former Florida Representative is seeking a Senate seat to give Broward and Palm Beach residents a voice in government. She wants to ensure Florida’s government prioritizes emergency preparedness to adequately respond to public health crises until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed. Her other platforms include gun control, improving public school education, protecting seniors, improved wages, affordable healthcare, racial justice and equality, and addressing climate change. District 33 Ahead of the August 18 Primary Elections, voters are reminded they can only vote according to their party registration in the Primary Elections. Thurston is seeking reelection and should be. In his initial tenure, he took his role in representing the people very seriously, and forcibly. He’s very concerned about the damage COVID-19 is wreaking on the state’s health security, economy and schools, and wants to be engaged in stemming the virus, saving jobs and improving the state’s unemployment system and compensation. PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 7 MIAMI-DADE COUNTY There are very serious issues that affect every member of this community. It is by exercising every voter’s special privilege to elect the most suitable candidate to represent him/her in the respective legislative chamber that these issues can be dealt with to the advantage of each voter, and the community. Gilbert, Mayor of Miami Gardens is in a tight race with Sybrina Fulton, mother of the late slain Miami teenager Trayvon Martin. While Fulton has gained notoriety for her mission against gun violence, and for criminal justice, Gilbert has more experience gained during his tenure as mayor. DuBose is seeking his third term in the Florida House. He’s anxious to be reelected to continue fighting for the district and providing residents with criminal justice reform, enhanced economic development, increased affordable housing, improved and expanded healthcare, and laws that prevent residents from gun violence. Silmo Moura (REP) Daniel Perez (REP) Incumbent Kelly Skidmore (DEM) District 26 STATE ATTORNEY – 17th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT GROUP 55Olanike “Nike” Adebayo Eileen Vargas (REP) Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (DEM) Incumbent Omari Hardy (DEM) Marie Woodson (DEM) County Public Defender Bobby DuBose (DEM) Incumbent DISTRICT 11 Palomino is seeking to be elected to the state legislature to put “we the people” back in control of state government. She wants to be involved in not just providing solutions, but also providing conservative solutions that represent the free market, and limited government values. Clerk of the Court Circuit Court Judge Gr. 18 District 96 The local attorney’s objective is to work tirelessly to protect district residents from tax increases and combat the special interests that threaten their quality of life. (County Commission, School Board, Circuit Court and County Court Judges, State Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff, Clerk of The Courts, Supervisor of Elections) Lois Frankel (DEM) Incumbent County Court Judge FLORIDA SENATE Residential Seat 3 District 5 – Frank Anthony Barbieri, Jr. The former Mayor of West Palm Beach is the first woman to represent Florida’s 21st district. In Congress, where she has made her mark as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where she serves on the Subcommittees of: Energy and Water Development; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. Residential Seat 1 Bado is seeking to represent District 114 to, among other priorities, fight the potentially devastating effects of climate change, especially the threat from rising waters on South Florida’s coast; support common-sense gun reform to keep schools and neighborhoods safe, as well as create more economic opportunity for residents. Jeff Holness District 94 DISTRICT 9 Vargas is advocating for pro-life, immigration reform; backs charter school and the vocational school movement, and endorses smaller government, and less regulation and taxes. Caribbean American Phoebee Francois is the best candidate in this race. She is super smart, capable, fair and compassionate. Maureen Porras (DEM) Maureen’s experience as an attorney defending the rights of vulnerable populations led her to run for office. She has served and protected families for over 11 years and is ready to serve District 105. Her priorities include: investing in public education, criminal justice reform, preserving Florida’s natural resources, supporting women’s reproductive rights, and protecting immigrants within the community. Omphroy is facing a strong challenge from newcomer Jasmen Rogers-Shaw for the seat won in 2018. She came under criticism for voting with Republicans on an abortion bill. However, she admitted to being agonized about her decision. She has also shown she has learned a lot in her first tenure, and displays a commitment to the best interests of the district, focusing on jobs, the economy, and other issues crucial to the district. This bold journalist is making her second bid for the U.S. Congress. The issues and policies she represents include anti-socialism, a stronger economy and job creation, term limits for politicians in Washington, and affordable healthcare. District 107 National Weekly, over the past several weeks, has closely analyzed responses to our questionnaires and the candidates’ position on various issues as they relate to the interests of Caribbean- and African-American voters. Below is South Florida’s primary election guide, complied by the CNW editorial team. School Board – District 3 District 112 Dotie Joseph (DEM) Incumbent This attorney, community activist, and civil rights advocate seems poised to be reelected to continue her quest “for equal access to affordable housing, safe communities, quality education, affordable health care, job creation, and improving quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the district.” GROUP 3 – Clarence “Chief” Williams lll (DEM) Frank Ledee. GROUP 24Christine Bandín GROUP 9Joseph J. Mansfield (State Attorney, Mayor, County Commission, Property Appraiser, School Board, Circuit Court and County Court Judges, State Attorney, Public Defender, Clerk Of The Courts) Gepsie M. Metellus District 39 District 7 District 3 The former Miami-Dade Commissioner is seeking to emerge as the county’s first female mayor from a strong field of four candidates. She offers a much-needed fresh perspective on the leadership of the myriad problems of this very diverse community. Kristin Padowitz Padowitz believes Broward citizens would “benefit by having a more efficiently run court system.” She is also sensitive to the role a person’s socioeconomic circumstances can have on whether they receive saying “A lack of availability to the courts because of one’s socioeconomic circumstances is an injustice I have seen.” County Sheriff Broward County Voters are also advised to contact the offices of the respective Supervisor of Elections in their county of residence for early voting places and early voting times. Lucia Baez-Geller GROUP 12 – Debra Moses Stephens Tim Ryan (DEM) Incumbent Eileen Higgins (Incumbent) DISTRICT 3 District 105 District 1 – Barbara McQuinn District 88 Christopher Benjamin (DEM) Circuit Court Judge Gr 50 Rosa Maria “Rosy” Palomino (REP) On behalf of the several candidates that have placed themselves for elections, and the time, energy and funds they have spent seeking to represent the voters of South Florida, we appeal to every eligible voter to vote. Daniella Levine Cava Hardy seems set to unseat incumbent Al Jacquet who has drawn criticism for unexplained absences from the Legislature during his second term. Hardy is a Lake Worth Commissioner with a no-nonsense approach to representation. He supports criminal justice reform, affordable housing, racial justice and equality, job and economic growth. Carla Spalding (REP) District 103 District 9 The incumbent congresswoman has proven herself to be a solid representative for her district and for Floridians in Congress. Her presence benefits Floridians in healthcare, job creation, minimum wage increase, racial and social justice, and fair immigration policies. PROPERTY APPRAISER County Court Judge Gr 27 Skidmore who previously served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2008 has been trying to return since. She had failed bids to the Senate in 2010 and 2016. She should be successful in this run, as she definitely seems to have more experience than her competitor, both as a former legislator and a legislative aid in both the House and Senate for 10 years prior. The former Mayor of Pinecrest has the necessary experience to represent the district. She is a nationally acclaimed leader on climate change policies—a skill much-needed on the county commission as sea level rises and threatens the coastline. Phoebee Francois (Clerk And Comptroller, Sheriff, County Commission, School Board, Circuit Court And County Court Judges, Soil And Water Conservation, Port Of Palm Beach, Tax Collector) Hastings has been a long-term member of Congress who has been consistent in his efforts to improve the quality of life in this district. He has the required experience to continue in the job. Sean Conway Dale Holness (DEM) Incumbent Circuit Court Judge Gr 30 COMMUNITY COUNCIL 11, SUBAREA 114 Christian Cevallos District 95 Felicia Simone Robinson (DEM) Jones is also seeking to transit from the Florida House to the Senate believing there’s much work to be done. His priorities include improving minimum wage to $15 per hour, increasing affordable housing options, reforming the criminal justice system, protecting the state’s coasts against climate change, improving investment in infrastructure, public transportation and providing more support to Florida’s small business sector. Sean stood up to an overly harsh judge and paid the price for it. He harbors ambition, if elected to Congress, to restore the power and authority of legislatures. His priorities include lowering the cost of prescription drugs, growing Florida’s and the national economy, and achieving sustained job growth; and closing what he calls the education achievement gap. Fernandez is seeking to continue serving Floridians in the Senate after serving in the House, cites his priorities as a senator to include: growing the economy and keeping taxes low, combatting the rigors of climate change, common-sense gun control, funding new infrastructure projects, and making it possible for more Floridians to afford homes. District 29 Circuit Court Judge Gr 27 Richards previously served as a good and fair judge and is deserving of another shot on the bench. Although he might always be remembered as the judge who jumped over the bench to protect a witness who was being attacked, he has proven himself to be capable of much more. For example, he streamlined the misdemeanor domestic violence unit; and of the more than 1000 cases and hundreds of jury trials over which he presided, 99 percent of his decisions were upheld. Nelson is a rare Republican that supports gun control, wanting to see the state introduce background checks and a three-day wait period on gun sales. Voting extends over a period of several days which enhances the convenience of voting. District 2 – Alexandria Marie Ayala Javier Fernandez (DEM) District 35 This is a close race between Paul Backman and Mark Alan Speiser, challenging incumbent Brenda Forman. Essentially, anyone can win this race, but we think Speiser is the most qualified. He will bring to the position a wealth of knowledge and an innovative spirit that will help to move the clerk’s office in a more positive direction. Having been involved in creating the nation’s first mental health court, Florida’s second drug court and Broward County’s first veteran’s court, Speiser shows he can put his out-of-the-box ideas to good use—a characteristic that bodes well for the clerk’s office and the people it serves. Heather Brinkworth A former councilwoman of the City of Miami Gardens, Robinson’s priorities are to improve affordable public transportation in the district, provide affordable, far-reaching healthcare; provide quality and innovative education, increase affordable housing, increase job opportunities, improve public safety, and improve the district’s environment with more green spaces and research parks. MAYOR Joseph Abruzzo (DEM) Perry Thurston (DEM) Incumbent STATE ATTORNEY, 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Melba V. Pearson (DEM) Alcee Hastings (DEM) Incumbent Karen Marcus (REP) District 117 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER GROUP 65Thomas Rebull COMMUNITY COUNCIL 15, SUBAREA 154 Marvin D. Wilson Sr DISTRICT 5 District 108 District 23 Robert Asencio Farooqui is self-described as having a passion for civil rights. The vice president of the Coconut Creek Democratic Club and secretary of the American Muslim Democratic Caucus of Florida is committed to making changes for the betterment of the community, emphasizing the importance of affordable education, accessible healthcare, economic growth, and implementing policies for public safety. DISTRICT 1 Christi Fraga Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit District 7 Nelson Rodriquez (REP) Francis Ragoo Caribbean American Morey Wright Jr. brings fresh energy and new ideas to South Florida politics. His priorities include increasing funding for education, expanding access to affordable healthcare, advocating aggressively for seniors, veterans and small businesses; working to pass sensible gun reform, and protecting the environment from climate change. District 101 As County Commissioner, Higgins has been an advocate for residents and small businesses. She has fought for transportation solutions, championed affordable housing, helped Flagler St. businesses suffering through endless construction recover, and defended the environment and green space. District 24 Cindy Lerner Mark Alan Speiser Elvis Caines Asencio, a former state representative, promises to place emphasis on solving the grave transportation problem that hinders this district and improving the economic opportunities for the numerous small businesses located within the district. Shannan Ighodaro Fredericka Wilson (DEM) Incumbent District 104 Tim Ryan has worked hard to make sure Broward County is strong and resilient. His efforts include: creating high wage jobs and helping workers get skills they need, finding innovative solutions to reduce traffic, and protecting water quality and the environment. Harold Pryor is the right person for this position, especially at a time when people of color are demanding a more equitable justice system. Pryor has firsthand experience of the justice system’s shortcomings for Black people, and believes becoming a part of that system is the best way to reform it. As an Assistant State Attorney of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Pyror prosecuted serious criminal offenses, developing the reputation for being tough yet fair—a trait necessary for the role. Marlon Hill The Haitian American community activist is in a very crowded race of five candidates, vying for this seat. Her tireless community work has prepared her to serve the wider community, and address her priorities to help struggling families, expand opportunities for small businesses, increase affordable housing, and address traffic congestion in the county. Carlos Giminez (REP) Ric Bradshaw (DEM) GROUP 16 – Henry Quinn Johnson GROUP 75Dava J. Tunis DISTRICT 3 Elected to Congress in 2010 Deutch has proved himself a committed Democratic, devoted to issues like gun control, affordable healthcare, improvement in Social Security and Medicare, raising the minimum wage and helping working families. Shevrin “Shev” Jones (DEM) GROUP 57Roderick “Rod” Vereen George Odom Jr. George is a former Marine, and a straight shooter. He promises to “bring honor and dedication to the bench.” District 1 County Commission Tina Polsky (DEM) The former Florida senator has gained significant experience over the years and is suitable to be seated on the county commission where his priorities include providing more affordable housing, freezing property taxes for seniors, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, and protecting the county’s environment. Anika Omphroy (DEM) Incumbent COMMUNITY COUNCIL 14, SUBAREA 144 Kelli Ann Thomas COMMUNITY COUNCIL 14, SUBAREA 146 Steven M. Green Jessica Laquerre Hylton (DEM) School Board – District 9 Clerk and Comptroller GROUP 1 – Wayne M. Richards (DEM) The Jamaican American, who founded the Female Development World Organization Inc. (FDWO) and was a pioneer in the Reggae Girlz development in their historic run to the FIFA World Cup, is focused on education, health, social development and ending the abuse of girls and young women, especially in socio-economically challenged communities. Deer is a Human Trafficking Expert who has worked with Florida legislators to propose language for the Human Trafficking Education in Schools Bill. GROUP 30 – Adam Myron Voters registered without party affiliation, or NPA, will not be allowed to vote. Registered Democrats can only vote for Democratic candidates on the ballot with Democratic candidates, and the same applies for registered Republican voters, they can only vote for Republican candidates. GROUP 67Marcia Giordano Hansen James (Jim) Pruden (REP) District 81 GROUP 3 – Nicholas T. O’Neal Hylton is seeking to be the youngest and first black woman to represent this South Miami-Dade district. She is keen on stomping out crime in the district, enhancing the potential for the success of small businesses, creating new opportunities for the youth, and driving homeownership. Dave Kerner (DEM) District 84 Ledee is a good man. Attorneys who went up against him when he was a Miami-Dade prosecutor, hailed his reputation for being tough and fair. Tax Collector District 114 Pruden says his campaign platform is consistent with, and advances, the principles of economic and political freedom established by the founders of the U.S., domestic and international security, healthcare reform, and an originalist adherence to the U.S. Constitution. District 102 CIRCUIT JUDGE, 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT 13 Mark Bernard (DEM) She remains a warrior for the District since her first election in 2010 representing District 17. She has adequately represented the cause of the Black Community, including Haitians, and is quite fearless in Washington in fighting for the rights of her district and all Americans. Mayor Lavern Deer The incumbent Miami-Dade mayor is seeking to take a seat in Congress where he believes he will be able to influence the implementation of policies that affect South Florida, including protecting the environment, working for improved healthcare, and improved care for seniors. District 116 Oliver Gilbert GROUP 2 – Ann Marie Sorrell However, on Election Day, November 3, Democrats, Republicans and NPA’s can vote for a candidate of whichever party. DISTRICT 5 Port of Palm Beach Morey Wright Jr. (DEM) District 27 Bibiana Potestad (REP) Benjamin is eager to be elected to protect residents of his district and Floridians from the health and economic negatives caused by COVID-19. His immediate priorities are fixing and enhancing Florida’s problematic and inadequate unemployment system, training the unemployed for newly created jobs, assisting failing small businesses, and improving the quality of policing within the state. County Court Judge Gr 31 Marisol Zenteno With thousands of Floridians struggling to obtain adequate unemployment benefits, Woodson wants to be involved in creating an unemployment system that actually works. Her plan is to obtain federal funding to assist Floridians as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic; improve employment opportunities, especially for the underprivileged; improve healthcare, including coverage for mental health and substance abuse; improve security at public schools, and implement universal background checks to purchase firearms. COMMUNITY COUNCIL 8, SUBAREA 82 Alethia Emily Hinds Jean-Pierre Bado (DEM) Supervisor of Elections Paulette V. Armstead GROUP 2 – Katherine Waldon (DEM) Anne M. Gannon (DEM)
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