Page 5 - Florida Sentinel 10-14-22

The Sentinel Editorial Board’s Recommendations For November 2022 Election
Part 2
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
― Barack Obama
The Sentinel Board would like to thank the candidates that took the time to an- swer our questionnaire. With your answers our Board was able to discuss your views and make recommendations based on your answers. Because of the impor- tance of this election as in the past years, our Board also reached out to key local leaders for their input to help us make the best decisions. On that note, we would like to thank everyone who assisted us.
We are encouraging everyone to make some noise by voting for the candidates of YOUR choice. Understanding that by doing so, makes you the most powerful person on earth. Mainly because YOUR one (1) vote could determine who wins or loses an election.
Look around, if you like what you see, then find an excuse not to be present and be counted... but if you don’t, then be a part of the process of CHANGE. ‘Incredible change happens when you decide to take control of what you do have power over’. You have the power to hold future and present politicians accountable for their actions.
In this election cycle, the offices these candidates are vying for affect the lives of your family, friends and our communities as a whole.
The November election is crucial, so please vote.
State Representative District 62
This election is key. Michele Rayner is an attorney who did well during her tenure in the Legislature and in our opinion was targeted by the Republican with the redrawing of the district she is running in. Please vote for her for the best rep- resentation in Tallahassee.
The Sentinel Endorses Michele Rayner
State Representative District 64
Susan Valdez is someone we know. She served as a School Board member and this is her second term for State Representative.
The Sentinel Endorses Susan Valdes
State Representative District 65
The State Legislature is run by Republicans. So many of the policies that govern Florida are based on the Republican doctrine...Business first and the people sec- ond. We need more Democrats in place.
The Sentinel Endorses Jen McDonald
State Representative District 66
The state Legislature needs more Democrats to bring about the change Florida needs.
The Sentinel Endorses David Tillery
State Representative District 67
This is one of the most critical votes for Black people. Atty. Fentrice Driskell was also targeted in the changing of the boundaries of the District she represents. One the most effective leaders we have, Atty. Driskell needs 2 more years to finish what she started.
The Sentinel Endorses Fentrice Driskell
State Representative District 68
The state Legislature needs more Democrats to bring about the change Florida needs.
The Sentinel Endorses Lorissa Wright
State Representative District 69
The state Legislature needs more Democrats to bring about the change Florida needs.
The Sentinel Endorses Andrew Learned
State Representative District 70
The state Legislature needs more Democrats to bring about the change Florida needs.
The Sentinel Endorses Eleuterio Salazar, Jr.
Board Of County Commissioners District 1
Harry Cohen has been a long time friend of the Black community. He has served in many capacities as an employee in County government, as a city coun- cilman and as a county commissioner. We have always found that he does his homework and is a solution seeker. He is willing to listen and act in the best in- terest of the people he serves.
The Sentinel Endorses Harry Cohen
Board Of County Commissioners District 2
The Sentinel Board, local leaders and past and present politicians agree that Republican commissioner Ken Hagan has voted for and supported key issues that affect the Black community throughout his tenure on the Board. Commissioner Hagan has also championed causes that have impacted our neighborhoods in a positive way and has partnered on issues with District 3 commissioners, Les Miller and now Gwen Myers. His support of the commissioner that represents us is key.
The Sentinel Endorses Ken Hagan
Board Of County Commissioners District 5
Incumbent commissioner Mariella Smith has a passion about County govern- ment. Her goal is to work for a better future for the people of Hillsborough County. She has worked well on numerous issues with key people in the community. She has personally championed issues like, affordable housing, rising rents, homeless- ness, transportation, diversity, equity and inclusion. She has voted positively to improve the lives of all citizens of the community.
The Sentinel Endorses Mariella Smith
Board Of County Commissioners District 7
Incumbent commissioner Kimberly Overman is a grandmother raising her grandson, and a small business owner. She understands some of the struggles of many families in our community, as well as business owners. Her focus since being elected has been affordable housing and transportation access for all. She feels there has been a lack of accountability and funding for our social safety net programs, like children services, mental health, vocational and financial literacy training, childcare, food distribution, and hopes to address them if re-elected. The Sentinel Endorses Kimberly Overman
Vote YES to retain Supreme Court Judges Vote YES to retain Appeals Court Judges
County Court Judge Group 14
Melissa Black received the most votes in the 4-way August primary, however did not receive enough to win out-right. Black has represented the rights of chil- dren throughout her career. She had represented foster care children and victims of human trafficking as well as children with special needs. While her opponent is well liked and understands the busy pace of court, Black has a passion for repre- senting those who have little to no voice in society.
The Sentinel Endorses Melissa Black
No. 1 Limitation On The Assessment Of Real Property Used For Residential Purposes
The Sentinel Recommends you Vote YES
No. 2 Abolishing The Constitutional Revision Commission
The Sentinel Recommends you Vote NO
No. 3 Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption For Specified Critical Public Service Workforce
The Sentinel Recommends you Vote YES
Hillsborough County Referendum
Funding For Countywide Transportation Improvements By Levy Of One Percent Sales Tax
Although a judge has order this referendum be removed from the ballot, it is too late to take it off. Why? The judge and some person in Northdale felt the ref- erendum was too broad. However, we are not sure what county the judge or the opponent live in, but something must be done to improve the mobility of this com- munity. New roads, road improvements, sidewalks and transportation are badly needed. Although it may seem your vote for or against this may not count, do it anyway. At the end of the day, it will be decided, and while a judge has the power now, the voice of the people should be loud and clear too.
THE SENTINEL RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE YES
Election Endorsements
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 5-A