Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 4-15-16 Edition

Local
Citizens Discuss Upcoming Election And Candidates
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last month, registered voters were called on to cast ballots in the Presidential Preference Election. This was the first of three elections that will take place this year.
In August, voters will return to the polls for the Primary Election. This election is very important because in many in- stances, winners and losers will be determined at that time. The names of the survivors will ap- pear on the ballot in the General Election in November.
Many people have already begun to research potential of-
ficeholders because of the im- portance of this election and what lies at stake. Some Sen- tinel readers shared their com- ments about the upcoming election and the candidates.
Ms. Sherna
Blair said, “Just
the other day, my
friend and I were
discussing the po-
litical attitudes of
many Black Amer-
icans who have a lack of knowl- edge of the essential requirement of the importance of voting.
“Next came the subject about how there are so many of us who are quite vocal in our at-
tempt to explain the reason(s) why we refuse to vote. Each one would be surprised to know that in 1868, ‘Blacks comprised 71 to 76 of the 124 members’ of the South Carolina Legislature (that was more than a majority, by the way).
“Right now, local, state and national campaigns are under- way and many Black Americans are running for office. In a time when it was neither popular nor safe in 1868 for Black American policyholders, the question today of, ‘Who is running and how will you vote?’ ought to prompt and solicit all with any kind of interest in Black Amer- ica’s future.”
Mr. Billy
Wheeler said,
“My choices are
basically settled.
Everyone who’s el-
igible should vote.
Refusing to participate can show displeasure with the choices, but it also sends a mes- sage that we are apathetic and complacent. Apathy is a politi- cal position that allows for dan- gerous outcomes.
“Our representatives and our detractors should never be al- lowed to think we are com- placent.”
Pastor Karen
Sims Jackson
said, “I must admit
that I was stumped
on who the African
American is run-
ning for the U. S. House of Rep- resentatives... until a short trip to Google revealed the answer. I am aware of the others. Inter- esting question and one we just reviewed in Bible Study during our review of Romans 13:1-7.
“It was our consensus that we vote for those who have the same values and beliefs that we have. In other words if the people of God are to submit to governing authority, we best make sure that they are Godly people we elect.”
Dr. Samuel
Wright said, “I am
somewhat perplexed
about the impending
elections in August,
for I have several
friends seeking office whom I re- spect very highly.
“I think it is now time for Tampa to officially organize an ef- fort to properly train and select leaders for public office. Too many good people are opposing one an- other. We MUST groom new lead- ers and get the backing they need to win. Running is one thing, but winning is another! Is anybody in- terested in launching a new move- ment? Let’s organize this city as is being done in St. Pete with Agenda 2020. The Time Is Now!”
Mr. Danny
Green said, “I am
voting the Demo-
cratic Party. I’ll
probably vote for
Hillary Clinton
for President because she is the best candidate. As for the other candidates, I will check out their records to see which ones support Veterans, the military, and to see what they have to offer to improve our community.”
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016