To assist voters in their choice in South Florida’s August 28 Primary Elections, the Caribbean National Weekly over the past several months has closely observed the candidate’s campaign messages, analyzed questionnaires some responded to, listened to some of their speeches, and read their position on various issues, especially as these relate to the interests Caribbean and African American voters. This has resulted in the newspaper’s editorial board concluding which candidates are more suitable to be elected in the primary elections to be held on Aug 28, and others nominated to advance to the ballot for the November 6 General Elections.
Accordingly, our recommendations are stated below.
Early voting in the Primary Elections began in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties on August13 and will begin in Broward County on August 18.
Voters are reminded they can only vote according to their party registration in the Primary Elections. 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.
However, on Election Day, November 6, Democrats, Republicans and NPA’s can vote for a candidate of which ever party.
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.
On behalf of the several candidates that have placed themselves for elections, and the time, energy and money they have spent seeking to represent the voters of South Florida, we appeal to every eligible voter to vote. Voting in the primary elections extends over a period of several days which enhances the convenience of voting.
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.
Recommendations
US Senate
Rick Scott (REP)
Scott has a challenger in Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente who has launched an ambitious campaign, but even he must realize it is difficult to compete against the name recognition gained by Scott as Florida’s governor since 2010.
- NB. Democrat incumbent Senator Bill Nelson automatically advances to the November general elections as there is/are no Democratic challenger(s).
US CONGRESS:
District 20
Alcee Hastings (DEM) Incumbent
Hastings have 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.
District 22
Ted Deutch (DEM)
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 the lot of working families.
Dr. Edison Walters (REP) Incumbent
This African American business professional is keen on representing the district to improve small businesses. He says he wants to work to restore mom and pop businesses, and wants to “restore the promise of the American Dream for every single American in the district.”
District 23
Joe Kaufman (REP)
Kaufman stands out in a field of three Republicans seeking to contest this seat against Democratic incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz in November. He calls himself an “independent minded Republican constitutionalist” who wants to protect American freedoms “leading to greater economic and social prosperity.”
District 24
Frederica Wilson (Dem) Incumbent
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.
District 26
Carols Curbelo (REP) Incumbent
Curbelo was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2016. He has served as more of a moderate Republican who, for example, acts proactively to protect Florida’s environment, not seeing climate change as a hoax.
Debbie Mucarsel Powell (Dem)
A Hispanic immigrant Debbie is strong on solving the challenges faced by immigrants in the US and is keen on immigration reform. She also wants to expand affordable healthcare to families, improve the rights of women, reforms the US tax system, improve education in public schools and particularly early childhood education, and is committed to fight for common sense gun legislation.
District 27
Fourteen candidates, 6 Democrats and 8 Republicans are competing aggressively for the seat formerly held by Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Donna Shalala (DEM)
Donna is a veteran administrator having served as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Bill Clinton administration, and the very effective president of the University of Miami. Her understanding of the workings of Washington DC should enable her to represent the interests of the district and the state well. She is one of the few candidates that is seeking to improve Miami’s inadequate transportation infrastructure. She sees climate change as the biggest challenge the planet faces in the 21st century and wants the US to again lead in measures to counter climate change.
Bruno Barreiro (Rep)
A former prominent Florida representative and Miami-Dade Commissioner, who has been active in several aspects of the county’s endeavors, Barreiro seems to have the most experience of the Republican candidates to contest this seat in November.
GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA
The quest to represent either the Democratic or Republican Party in the November 6 mid-term general election has proven to be very contentious between the several candidates on the primary election ballot. The candidates have presented themselves well in debates and in their respective campaigns.
Andrew Gillum – (DEM)
After very intense analysis among a close race between Phillip Levine, Bob Greene, Gwen Graham and Andrew Gillum. CNW is recommending voters vote for Andrew Gillum, who is vying to be Florida’s first African American Governor. Throughout his long campaign Gillum, the Mayor of Tallahassee, has been consistent in the issues that mostly affect the Caribbean and African American communities. A progressive, he is firmly in favor of gun control, improved rights for immigrants, Medicare for all, more funding for state education and improved teacher’s salaries, criminal reform, improved working conditions and rights for women, and increased benefits for seniors.
Adam Putnam (REP)
Of the seven Republican candidates on the primary election ballot Adam Putnam, Florida long serving Agricultural Commissioner stands out as the best choice. His moderate stance augers well for a potential Florida governor.
ATTORNEY GENERAL of Florida
Sean Shaw (DEM)
This hard-working attorney and state representative is also seeking to make history as Florida’s first African American attorney general. He has formulated a strong platform on issues like the protection of children and families; a statewide fight against corruption and fraud; eliminating the threat of the opioid epidemic, advocating for consumers and rate payers of public utilities and state insurance, and the strong defense of Floridians civil and equal rights, which enhances his potential to serve in this position.
Ashley Moodie (REP)
Recognized in 2006, at age 31, as the youngest judge in Florida, Ashley Moody presents a formidable candidate for the Attorney General of Florida. She is strong on state law, and her wide experience includes advocating for the rights of, and justice for those accused of crimes.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer services
Roy David Walker (DEM)
Walker’s impressive resume indicates a man very qualified to be the state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer services. He has revealed sound plans to protect and conserve the environment, protect consumer interests, grow Florida’s agriculture industry, maintain a high standard of food and nutrition, conserve the state’s water. His plans to improve consumer services include elimination of scams and fraud against consumers, improve food safety inspection, and reduce harassing telemarketing calls.
Matt Baxter (REP)
With a lifetime of experience in farming, Baxter says he will ensure that future generations of Floridians understand the important role the agriculture industry plays in Florida’s economic security by growing food that feeds the world
FLORIDA STATE SENATOR
District 30
Bobby Powell (Dem) – Incumbent
Powell is seeking reelection to the Senate following his election in 2016. His commitment to job creation and economic development has made him a favorite of business and community leaders alike. He deserves reelection to continue his quest towards the district’s and the state’s economic development, and work towards improving areas like transportation and tourism.
District 34
Gary Farmer, Jr. (DEM) Incumbent
Farmer was also first elected to the Florida Senate in 2016. In his first tenure he has adapted himself and shown the potential to be a future Democratic leader not only in Florida, but nationally. He has been consistent in his effort to protect the Florida environment, secure reform of the state’s gun laws, secure more pay for Florida’s teachers, and expanding Medicaid to Florida’s low-income residents.
District 36
David Perez (DEM)
Although Perez began his campaign very late; in June, he is better prepared to contest this primary election, which will see the winner pitted against the incumbent Manny Diaz Jr. Perez is passionate about improving public education in Florida
District 38
Daphne Campbell (Dem) Incumbent
Campbell was a dedicated Florida Representative and during her first term as Florida Senator she has shown the same dedication and aggressiveness. She is fearless in seeking benefits for her constituents, especially Haitian-Americans. She understands the district well and should be reelected.
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
District 81
Tina Polsky (DEM)
Polsky is in a keen contest with Mindy Koch for this seat representing parts of Palm Beach County. Koch sought a seat in the Florida Senate in 2016 but lost, and Polsky, an attorney, should also ruin her chances for the Florida House. Polsky is keen on improving the welfare of seniors, and has a better plan than Koch for environmental control, public education, tourism growth, and healthcare.
District 87
David Silver (DEM) Incumbent
In his first term in the Florida House Silvers has not been intimidated to find ways to penetrate the Republican wall to sponsor legislation, and even get legislation pass. The Democratic minority needs representatives who go to Tallahassee to perform, to succeed despite the Republican majority.
District 89
Jim Bonfiglio (DEM)
This very savvy Democrat seems highly capable of winning this seat and advancing to the state house in November. He strongly supports issues of interest to Caribbean American voters including increasing the minimum age; expanding affordable healthcare; fighting for policies to minimize the damage of climate change;
Mike Spritz (REP)
Spritz is an unusual Republican who says he is in favor of tightening gun control in the state, and approval of medical marijuana once the amount to be possessed is controlled. He, however, wants to enhance the fight against the opioid epidemic.
District 92
Patricia Hawkins-Williams (DEM) Incumbent.
Williams face a very stiff challenge from Paulette Armstead in seeking reelection to the seat she won in 2016. Despite criticism that she has been very low key in her first term in the Florida House, Williams says she has learned a lot, especially how to maneuver for the benefit of her constituents in the Republican laden House,
District 96
Kristen Jacobs (DEM) Incumbent
Jacobs during her four-year tenure in the Florida House indicated a forcefulness that showed she was not deterred by being a member of the minority party in the House. She has shown the same dedication for public service that she revealed as a Broward County Commissioner. She’s a consistent advocate for improving the state’s minimum wage; improving public school teacher’s salaries; and planning proactively against the perils of climate change.
District 97
Jared Muscowitz (DEM) Incumbent
Muscowitz is seeking to be reelected to his fourth term in the Florida House, and based on his performance over the past three terms deserves reelection. A Parkland resident he was directly involved in soothing the relatives of victims, and students, after the tragic school shooting in that city. Accordingly, he is seeking stronger gun control measures. He also wants stronger measures to protect Florida schools.
District 98
Andrew Dolberg (DEM)
Five political rookies are vying for the seat vacated by fellow Democrat Katie Edwards Walpole. Dolberg is a young man, but very political savvy, and shows that he fully understands the issues and needs of the very racially diverse district, county and state. The articulate voice of the youth is critically needed in Tallahassee and Dolberg, a progressive, is not afraid to let his be heard on matters like gun reform, Medicare for all, racial equality and equity, higher pay for teachers, and improved care and benefits for seniors.
District 103
Cindy Polo (DEM)
Polo made a very emphatic statement to why she is seeking to represent this district in Tallahassee, “I am tired of not being represented or heard by my elected officials.” She wants to be able to fully represent her constituents and regularly give them a feedback to the efforts she will be making on their behalf. Her main platform are issues affecting women, gun control and the safety of Florida students in public schools.
District 105
Javier Estevez (DEM)
Estevez stands for crucial issues which Democrats are seeking to be effectively addressed in the Florida House. These include decreasing the amount of testing in public schools; increase funding for affordable housing; raising minimum wage to a living wage; implement Medicare-for-all legislation; and repeal the Stand-Your-Ground law.
District 108
Dotie Josephs (DEM)
Attorney Josephs, community activist, and civil rights advocate seems poised to grasp the seat currently held by incumbent Roy Hardeman. Joseph seeks to be elected to “fight for equal access to affordable housing, safe communities, quality education, affordable health care, and job creation, and to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the District.”
District 109
Cedric McMinn (DEM)
McMinn seeks to be elected to fight for a strong public education system that prepares our students and compensates our teachers, jobs and careers that provide a living wage for all residents and sustainable businesses in our community; safer and cleaner neighborhoods end homelessness; and empower the youth and adults in the district to give back to the community through volunteering opportunities.
District 113
Kubs Lalchandani (DEM)
This son of immigrants has risen from modest means through hard work and is now determined to go to the Florida capitol to benefit the district and state by using innovative ideas to grow the economy, reduce gun violence and reform gun laws, and improve education and the environment.
District 115
Vance Aloupis (REP)
Aloupis has made a convincing argument for improving jobs, the economy and education; improving public safety through improving aspects of the police force statewide, improve transportation and communication with the district; lower property tax rates and increase homestead extension, and lower property tax rates.
District 116
Daniel Perez (REP)
Perez was elected among stiff odds to the Florida House in 2017, and has showed the type of drive and commitment during his relatively short tenure that deserves to be voted for to continue his “tireless work for the residents of the district and the residents of Florida.”
District 119
Annie Martinez (REP)
Martinez is one of the few candidates who have placed improving care and living facilities for Florida seniors. She also wants to improve education; reduce traffic congestion – a troubling problem in South Florida, and significantly reduce crime, especially on urban streets.
BROWARD COUNTY ELECTIONS
COUNTY COMMISSIONS
District 2
Mark D. Bogen (Dem) Incumbent
Bogen has served the voters of Broward County and District 2 for the past 4 years, during which time he has joined his colleagues in obtaining a living age for county workers, and has sought to make higher education affordable for Broward students.
District 6
Quintin “Beam” Furr (Dem) Incumbent
The incumbent commissioner and Broward County Mayor has settled into the niche of serving Broward County, and is deserving of reelection.
BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD
District 1
Ann Murray
District 4
Tenille Doe Decoste
District 6
Laurie Rich Levinson
District 7
Mike Olbel
District 8
Donna Pilger Korn
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES – DISTRICT 17
Group 8
Ernest Kollra (Incumbent)
Group 36
Shari Beth Africk-Olefson
Group 38
Stefanie Camille Moon
Group 39
Camille Coolidge Shotwell
Group 42
Richard Bryan Kaplan
Group 43
Dan Casey
Group 46
- James Curry
BROWARD COUNTY COURT JUDGES
Group 9
Tanner Channing Demmery
Group 10
Robert F. Diaz
Group 17
Rhoda Sokoloff
Group 19
Jackie Powell
Group 25
Robert Lee
BALLOTT QUESTION
Funding Security and essential instruction related expenses of schools through ½ mill property tax levy.
Vote YES
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ELECTIONS
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISION
District 2
Jean Monestime – Incumbent
District 6
Rebecca Sosa
District 8
Danielle Levine Cava
District 10
Alfred Santamaria
District 12
Patricio Moreno
MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD
District 2
Dorothy Bendress-Mindingall – Incumbent
District 4
Perla Tabares Hantman – Incumbent
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES – DISTRICT 11
Group 8
Elisabeth Espinosa
Group 14
Renee Gordon
Group 25
Yery Moreno
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COURT JUDGES
Group 2
Kristy Nunez
Group 32
Lizzet Mendez
Group 40
Michael Barket
Group 33
Olanike “Nike” Adebayo
Group 43
Milena Abreu
MIAMI GARDENS GENERAL ELECTION (Still researching)
Seat 2
Francis Dave Ragoo
Seat 4
Sandra McDowell 195
Seat 6
Erhabor Ighodaro
PALM BEACH COUNTY ELECTIONS
PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSION
District 2
Gregg Weiss (DEM)
PORT OF PALM BEACH COMMISSION
Group 5
Joseph Anderson (DEM)
PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
District 7
Debra Robinson
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES – DISTRICT 15
Group 13
Alcolya St. Juste
Group 18
Maxine Cheesman
Group 25
Henry Quinn Johnson
PALM BEACH COUNTY COURT JUDGE
Group 4
Allegra Fung
Group 5
Richard Llerena
BOCA RATON MAYOR:
Scott Singer
Seat A
Andy Thomson
BALLOT QUESTIONS
LOXAHATCHEE GROVES
AMENDING TOWN CHARTER REFERENDUM REQUIREMENT FOR THE TOWN’S ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF DEBT
The Town Charter currently requires referendum approval for revenue bonds, lease purchase contracts, or any other unfunded multiyear contracts to purchase real property or construct capital improvements where the repayment term exceeds thirty-six (36) months. Should the Town Charter be amended to change the requirement for referendum approval to where the repayment term exceeds eleven (11) years, provided that a referendum would still be required if required by law, or state or federal agencies? Yes
PALM BEACH GARDENS QUESTIONS
SHALL THE PALM BEACH GARDENS CHARTER BE AMENDED TO CHANGE FROM THE EXISTING TERM LIMIT WHICH PROHIBITS A COUNCIL MEMBER FROM BEING ELECTED TO MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS TO A TERM LIMIT THAT PROHIBITS A COUNCIL MEMBER FROM SERVING FOR MORE THAN THREE CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS AND MAKING THE CHANGE APPLY TO ALL SITTING COUNCIL MEMBERS?
SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO.1 BE ADOPTED?
YES
SHALL THE CITY CHARTER BE AMENDED TO REMOVE PROVISIONS THAT ARE OUTDATED, UNNECESSARY OR CONFLICT WITH STATE LAW INCLUDING MUNICIPALITY, CITY CLERK, AND CITY TREASURER SPECIFIC POWERS/DUTIES; OATH OF OFFICE; MERIT SYSTEM; PROCEDURE REMOVING COUNCILMEN, QUALIFICATION OF ELECTORS, COUNCIL MEETING AND PROCEDURE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS; REVISE COUNCIL-MANAGER RELATIONSHIP; CHANGE FILLING OF VACANCIES; LIMIT INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM; DEFINE “FULL TERM”; REMOVE COUNCIL CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYEES AND OTHER CHANGES; AS PROVIDED IN EXHIBIT A, ORDINANCE 8?
SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO.2 BE ADOPTED?
YES
SHALL THE PALM BEACH GARDENS CHARTER BE AMENDED TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE A RESIDENT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF APPOINTMENT AND INSTEAD PROVIDE THAT ANY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE CITY MANAGER BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IN THE CITY MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT?
SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO, 3 BE ADOPTED?
YES
