National Weekly Endorsements and Recommendations – General Election, 2016
Early voting begins for the November 8 General Election on Monday, October 24. This is one of the nation’s most critical elections in light of the often caustic, bizarre nature of the presidential campaign. Voters are advised to not be dissuaded by some of the extremely negative aspects of the campaign, but to stand up and let their voice be heard by taking advantage of the privilege to vote. Moreover, registered voters are required to vote on ballot choices that include several other vital elected offices other than US President/Vice President. These other elected offices include those in the US Senate and House of Representatives. As was evident in the second term of President Obama, a president is disadvantaged in getting legislation passed if his party does not have the majority of members in the US Senate and House.
Other elected offices which voters should focus on include individuals seeking election to Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives, as well as county and city mayors and commissioners, circuit and county court judges, and school board members.
Voters are also strongly advised to vote on constitutional amendments, and questions included on some county ballots. The response to these amendments and questions can potentially impact the lives of South Florida residents, dependent on how the majority vote.
Too many issues are at stake in South Florida, the rest of Florida, and the nation for registered voters not to participate in the process to elect individuals who they believe can address these issues adequately and competently.
To assist voters in their choice, the National Weekly, over the past several months has closely observed the candidates, their respective platforms as outlined in their speeches, their campaign websites, questionnaires, and have concluded who should best be elected to represent various offices in these elections. Accordingly, our endorsements and recommendations follow:
PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STAES OF AMERICA
Hillary Clinton/Tim Kaine – DEM
Hillary Clinton, former first lady of Arkansas, first lady of the United States, US Senator from New York, and Secretary-of-State is quintessentially the most qualified candidate to succeed President Barack Obama as USA president. Although hard pressed to expand on her policies if elected president because of the perennial controversies surrounding her opponent Donald trump, and the high-profile publicity that these controversies attract, Mrs. Clinton has made it clear she will build on the legacy of President Obama. This legacy includes issues vital to Caribbean-Americans, like comprehensive immigration reform; increasing the federal minimum wage; improving the national economy and creating more job opportunities; improving comprehensive health insurance as approved under the Affordable Care Act; reforming the criminal justice system; enhancing civil rights for minorities; streamlining the federal student loan system; more accessibility to affordable college education; expansion of paid family leave; improvement in the Social Security program, and a more secure society.
Donald Trump is unprepared and unfit to be president. He doesn’t treat the people of this country with respect. His bigotry, divisiveness, and hate are not the qualities of an American president.
UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
Patrick Murphy – DEM
Murphy, a former US Congressman has shown he understands the need for bold action on issues like immigration, minimum wage increase, more employment opportunities, and much needed increased benefits for seniors, He is in a very competitive race with incumbent US Senator Marco Rubio who unsuccessfully ran for president, said he was no longer interested in running for the senate, then changed his mind. However, during his tenure as senator, Rubio was criticized for missing several sessions. Florida needs a senator who is focused on the issues of the nation and the state. Patrick Murphy has shown he has this focus.
FLORIDA REPRESENTATIVES IN THE US CONGRESS
District 18
Randy Perkins – Democrat
Perkins is best suited to succeed Patrick Murphy in the US Congress. He has put forward strong platforms for the improvement of the welfare of seniors, job growth, healthcare, the rights of veterans and women, and as pertains to the district, effectively address the quality and supply of the domestic water system.
District 20
Alcee Hastings
Hastings, a focused, hardworking congressional representative should easily win his 13th term and continue to offer his veteran experience in congress.
District 23
Debbie Wasserman Schultz- Democrat
Wasserman Schultz has proved a source of pride for South Florida in the US House, and in her former leadership of the Democratic National Committee. She fights tirelessly for women’s issues, and social issues including child protection. She remains the best candidate to represent the district in the US Congress, and supports the next president in fighting for immigration reform; increasing the minimum wage; job growth and expansion of comprehensive healthcare.
District 25
Dr. Alina Valdes – DEM
Admittedly, newcomer Valdes has a tremendous challenge to unseat incumbent Republican Mario Diaz-Balart in a district that favors Republicans. However, a huge Democratic turnout could see Valdes winning in an upset. Her stance on reducing gun violence, affordable healthcare, expanding social security and focusing on the effects of climate change argues well for her election.
District 26
Joe Garcia – DEM
Garcia is seeking to return to Congress by defeating incumbent Carlos Curbelo with redistricting; pulling more registered Democrats to the district this is an advantage for Garcia. In his tenure in Congress before losing his seat to Curbelo in 2014, Garcia was a focused warrior for his district and for issues like immigration reform.
District 27
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen – REP
Ros-Lehtinen has been a popular champion for the cause of her district, and South Floridians in general since first elected to the US Hose in 1989. Her Democratic opponent Scott Fuhrman has articulated the prevailing issues, and is running a hard campaign, but faces a daunting task in unseating her.
FLORIDA SENATORS
DIST 25 – Palm Beach County Ballot
Bruno Moore – DEM
Moore will have a hard task unseating incumbent Republican Joe Negron, but he is depending on a strong grass roots campaign to do just this. Both Moore and his opponent are strong on the issue of clean water supply for the district and Martin County.
DIST 30
Bobby Powell – DEM – Palm Beach County Ballot
Former State Representative Powell seeks to advance to the Senate to, among other issues, aggressively advocate for criminal justice for Florida residents, general use of body cameras by state officers, stricter gun laws; improvements and more funding for early education, and more apprentice programs to secure jobs and better pay for residents.
DIST 34 – Broward County Ballot
Gary Farmer – DEM
Farmer is a logical choice, especially as his Republican opponent
Antoaneta Iotova seems deep in legal problems. Farmer presents himself as the kind of no-nonsense politician Democrats badly need in the Florida Senate. He is passionate about gun control, Medicaid expansion, and regulating Florida’s property insurance companies.
DISTRICT 36 – Miami-Dade County Ballot
Anabella Grohoski Peralta (DEM)
Republican incumbent Rene Garcia has been in the Florida House since 2001 and the Senate since 2012 yet he has not been successful in influencing votes to increase the state’s minimum wage to a realistic living wage, provide universal health insurance for all Floridians, or protect the state from the effects of climate change. These are issues that Peralta seems committed to strive for.
DISTRICT 37 – Miami-Dade County Ballot
Jose Javier Rodriguez – DEM
This is a difficult choice in what is a very contentious race between Rodriguez and Republican incumbent Miguel Diaz de la Portilla. Rodriguez gained solid experience in the Florida House. His voice and vote is needed in the Senate as he advocates for working families, relief for homeowners, repair to the state infrastructure and more funds for educational development
District 38 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Daphne Campbell (DEM)
Campbell is transitioning from the Florida House to the Senate. Her vigilance for her constituents, especially Haitian-Americans, qualifies her for election to the senate.
DISTRICT 39 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Debbie Murcasel-Powell – DEM
This is another District where an incumbent Republican Flores Anitere, is being challenged by a Democratic newcomer, Debbie Murcasel-Powell who is campaigning hard to provide the citizens of the district and the state with a cleaner environment, improve public school education, reduce gun violence, improve the rights of women and those of immigrants.
DISTRICT 40 – Miami-Dade County Ballot
Dwight Bullard – DEM
Bullard is tipped to continue the work of his parents in the Senate, having proven his worth in the Florida House. He is an advocate for improvement in education, better salaries and benefits for teachers, and affordable healthcare for all Floridians.
FLORIDA HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 82 –Palm Beach County Ballot
Mary W. Higgins – DEM
In repeat of the 2014 battle of the Mary’s won by Republican MaryLynn Magar, Higgins seem on better footing to take the seat. Her campaign is better organized. She has expressed strong advocacy for solving issues including the water flow and algae bloom that threatens the district, and Medicaid expansion.
DISTRICT 85 – Palm Beach County Ballot
Robert Simeone – DEM
Simeone seems the more dynamic of the candidates. He supports expanding local business in the district, strengthening of the state’s small business sector; and, according to him, confronting climate change head on.
DISTRICT 86 – Palm Beach County Ballot
Matt Willhite (DEM)
Whillhite is seeking to improve the Palm Beach district’s environment and water quality, fight for seniors, improve transportation and infrastructure, strengthen law enforcement and public safety, and improve the quality of public schools.
DISTRICT 93 – Broward County Ballot
Ken Keechi (DEM)
The veteran politician and former mayor of Broward County, has been seeking reelection to representational politics since 2010. His experience serves him well. He expresses sound advocacy for broader education across the state, effective gun control policy, and further decriminalization for possession of marijuana
DISTRICT 103 – Broward/Miami Dade County Ballot
Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich – DEM
Gonzalez Petkovich’s advocacy for traditional public schools compared to the charter school system supported by incumbent Republican Manny Diaz, Jr., and for criminal justice reform, including prison reform, and healthcare reform are positives of her campaign.
DISTRICT 104 – Broward County Ballot
Richard “Rich” Stark – DEM
Stark is seeking his third term in the Florida House. His stance on criminal justice reform including eliminating mandatory sentences for certain offences, gun control and the need for Florida to quickly address climate change should see him re-elected.
DISTRICT 110 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Jose Oliva – REP
Oliva, the incumbent, is not only entrenched in the district, but is regarded as a rising star in the House where he is expected to be the next speaker if elected. He is more of a moderate who supports lowering taxes and creating incentives to attract more businesses to the state. This is a very difficult race for his Democratic opponent Carlos Puentes, Sr.
DISTRICT 111 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Bryan Avila – REP
The incumbent, seeking his second re-election Avila has settled into the Florida House representing the residents of Hialeah. He has shown strong advocacy for job creation and reduction of taxes, including property taxes
DISTRICT 112 – Miami-Dade County Ballot
Nicholas Duran (DEM)
In a very competitive race against Republican Rosa Maria “Rosy” Palomino, Duran is recommended. Duran, the executive director of the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, is a strong advocate for expanding healthcare for state residents.
DIST 113- Miami-Dade County Ballot
David Richardson (DEM)
The two-term representative says he’s committed to the challenges the Democratic caucus faces in the Florida House, and remains energized “to break new barriers” if reelected. He describes the core of his representation as identifying waste in the State budget so funds can be better used to improve Florida schools, preserve the environment and improve health care.
DISTRICT 114 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Daisy Baez – DEM
The Dominican-American is making another bid to represent the district. Her advocacies include Medicaid expansion and more access to healthcare for residents in general, and strengthening the state’s public school system
DISTRICT 115 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Jeffrey “Doc” Solomon – DEM
The Pinecrest chiropractor is avid about strengthening public and higher educational opportunities; training and attracting more qualified teachers; protect the state’s clean water supply and protect citizens through better community policing and the hiring of more police officers.
DISTRICT 116 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Jose Felix “Pepi” Diaz – REP
Diaz the incumbent would be very difficult to prevent from being re-elected for a fourth term. He has proven to be a strong advocate for affordable housing and providing Kidcare and Medicaid for immigrant children.
DISTRICT 118 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Robert Ascencio – DEM
Ascencio supports improvement in public education, healthcare, expansion of affordable healthcare insurance, criminal justice reform, economic development and the empowerment of workers
DIST 119 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Jeanette M. Nunez – REP
Representing the district in the Florida House since 2010 Nunez has been indicative of a dedicated public servant. She has focused on improving the lives of Florida’s children and improving the state’s education from kindergarten through to higher education.
DISTRICT 120 – Miami Dade County Ballot
Dan Horton – DEM
Horton is seeking election to build a strong middle class; defend equality of race and sexual orientation; fight for comprehensive healthcare for all; ensure access to justice and protect the state’s water and natural resources.
JUSTICES OF THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT (All County Ballots)
The retention of the justices in the Supreme Court is recommended to provide smooth continuance in that court.
Vote YES for retaining
Justice Jorge Labarga
Justice Charles T Canady
Justice Ricky Polston
RETAIN DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES
DIST 4 – PALM BEACH COUNTY
Vote Yes to retain the following judges:
Cory J. Ciklin
Dorian K. Damoorgian,
Jonathan D. Gerber,
Robert M. Gross,
Spencer D. Levine
Melanie G. May
DIST 3 – MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Vote Yes to retain the following judges:
Edwin A. Scales, III
Linda Ann Wells
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES
Miami-Dade
Group 11/34
Mark Blumstein
Group 11/52
Carol “Jodie” Breece
Broward
Group 17/9
Lea P. Krauss
Group 17/15
Barbara Roseann Duffy
Palm Beach County
Group 15/4
Gregory Tendrich
FLORIDA BALLOT QUESTIONS OR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
1 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE X, SECTION 29 Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice
VOTE NO
2 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE X, SECTION 29 Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions
VOTE YES
3 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6 ARTICLE XII Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders.
VOTE YES
5 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6 ARTICLE XII Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value.
VOTE YES
BROWARD COUNTY BALLOT
Clerk of the Court – Brenda Forman (DEM)
County Sheriff – Scott Israel (DEM)
Supervisor of Elections – Brenda Snipes (DEM)
BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION
DIST 3 – Michael Udine (DEM)
DIST 5 – Steven Anthony Geller (DEM)
BROWARD COUNTY COURT JUDGES
Group 3 – Florence Taylor Banner
Group 7 – Ian Richards
Group 14 – Kim Theresa Mollica
BROWARD MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
City of Lauderdale Lakes
Mayor – Hazelle Rogers
Rogers, the first elected Caribbean-American elected official in South Florida, a former Lauderdale Lakes commissioner, and state representative should bring well needed experience and leadership to the city, and drive business expansion and job growth.
Commissioners
Seat 3 – Eileen Rathery
Seat 4 – Larry G. Striggles
City of Lauderhill
Commissioners
Seat 1 – Richard Campbell
Campbell is attempting to unseat Commissioner Howard Berger, in this heavily Caribbean populated district and city. Over recent years Campbell has focused on youth development through sports, particularly his involvement in the CASA soccer league. Campbell is also advocating for closer relations between the city’s Caribbean and African American communities, and for safer, more secure communities.
Seat 2 – Kenneth Thurston
Seat 3 – Mae Smith
Smith, a tireless community activist is challenging incumbent Margaret Bates for the seat, Smith says she wants to represent the residents to ensure their needs are met, and people will have no desire to relocate from the city. Her priorities include effectively building on the city’s cultural diversity, lowering property tax rates and increasing public safety.
City of Margate
Commissioners
Seat 1 – Anthony Caggiano
Seat 2 – Renata Castro
City of North Lauderdale
Commissioners
District D – Samson Borgelin
City of Plantation
Commissioners
Group 3 – Ron Jacobs
Group 4 – Chris Zimmerman
Group 5 – Robert Levy
City of Sunrise
Commissioners
Group A – Mark Douglas
Douglas seeks to make history as the first Caribbean-American to sit on the city’s commission. The attorney is seeking to be elected to bring diversity and inclusiveness to Sunrise, which has a significant Caribbean-America population. His priorities include improving the infrastructure in the older, eastern communities of the city and supporting the expansion f the city’s small business sector.
City of Tamarac
Commissioners
Dist 1 – Marlon Bolton
Dist 2 -Julie Fishman
City of Hollywood
Mayor – Eleanor Sobel
Commissioners
Dist 1 – Debra A. Case
Dist 2 – Tim Burton
Dist 4 – Richard Blattner
Dist 5 – Linda Sherwood
City of Coral Springs
Commissioners
Seat 3 – Karen Jones
City of Pompano
Mayor – Lamar Fisher
Commissioners
Dist 1 – Dawn Marie Richards
Dist 2 – Charlotte Burrie
Dist 3 – Rex Hardin
Dist 4 – Ed Phillips
Dist 5 – Barry Moss
City of Dania
Commissioners
Open Seat – Tamara Jones
Broward County Ballot questions
Broward County Charter Review commission member terms and future appointment.
Vote: Yes
Amend Broward County Charter to eliminate the management and efficiency study committee.
Vote: Yes
Half cent tax increase to support improvement of the county’s transportation (bus, rail system, etc.) to reduce traffic congestion.
Vote: Yes
Half cent tax increase to fund improvement of the county’s local government infrastructure, including public buildings, roads, recreation facilities, purchase public, safety vehicles, etc.
Vote: Yes
*NOTE: Both items 3 & 4 must pass in order for either item to go through.
PALM BEACH COUNTY BALLOT
County Commission
DIST 1 – Tony Bennett – DEM
DIST 3 – Dave Kerner – DEM
DIST 5 – Mary Lou Berger – DEM
PB County School Board
DIST 1 – Barbara McQuinn
PB County Ballot Question
Implement 1 cent sales sur-tax (to improve school buildings, roads, etc.)
Vote Yes
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BALLOT
County Mayor – Carlos Giminez
In this important run-off election, incumbent Mayor Carlos Giminez is challenged by school board member Raquel Regalado. Giminez has worked hard to improve county services. He maintains promise to reduce property taxes, even lowering it slightly this year. He has proven to be a mayor who cares for county residents and employees.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Harvey Ruvin – DEM
Miami-Dade School Board
Dist 1 – Wilbert “Tee” Halloway
Dist 6 – Maria Teresa Rojas
Miami Dade County Questions
Charter Amendment on Control of Special Purpose Districts in Municipalities
Vote No
Charter Amendment Including Right to Copy Public Records in the Citizens’ Bill of Rights
Vote Yes
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