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Commissioner Sam Ings Slams Congresswoman Demings for Endorsing Mayor Dyer
Published
5 years agoon
By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Commissioner Sam Ings, who is running for Orlando Mayor, issued an announcement today about nabbing two more endorsements, but wasted no time blasting Congresswoman Val Demings for endorsing his opponent, incumbent Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Shots Fired: Commissioner Ings Aims at Congresswoman Demings
Ings says his strong base and growing supporters aren’t affected by a recent video released from Dyer’s campaign with Congresswoman Val Demings encouraging people to vote for Mayor Dyer.
“Congresswoman Val Demings has gone to Washington and has forgotten where she came from and the constituents that sent her there,” Ings said. “Her loyalty to Mayor Dyer supersedes the lack of affordable housing in Orlando, the need for better relationships between the police and the people who put her in office, and the abundance of poor roads and aging infrastructure,” he stated.
“But it doesn’t surprise me,” he continued. “Congresswoman Val Demings is playing ‘bow down to Buddy’ politics, she’s bowing to Mayor Dyer rather than standing up for the voters who are crying out, enough of his complacent leadership!”
Ings’ Latest Endorsements
The Central Asian American Hotel Owners Association and the Democratic Haitian American Caucus of Florida endorsed Commissioner Ings with soaring statements.
“We are proud to endorse Commissioner Samuel B. Ings for Mayor of Orlando,” says Dr. Cassandra Arnold, President of the Democratic Haitian American Caucus of Florida. “His years of exceptional leadership and experience as an Officer and Commissioner, paired with his commitment to the Haitian community in Central Florida, makes him the absolute best candidate to lead the City of Orlando to the next level.”
Commissioner Ings values the Democratic Haitian American Caucus of Florida endorsement given his involvement in the Haitian American community and the changes he’s seen. The American Community Survey (ACS), which helps local officials, community leaders and businesses understand how neighborhoods grow and evolve, reports a recent surge in Orlando’s Haitian American population. Ings understands that as that community grows, so does its political influence.
In 2019, the ACS also shows the Orlando Asian community population rising, another group who has come out strongly for Ings. Prominent hotelier and Central Florida Asian American Hotel Owners President Jan Gautam says he encouraged Ings to run for Mayor. “Sam Ings has been the Commissioner for I-Drive for many years. I know what he has done to support the businesses and hotels in the tourist district. Sam Ings is the person who can do the job,” Gautam said.
Economic growth is also one the pillars of Ings’ vision for the city of Orlando.
Mayor Dyer has been in office for 16 years. Ings believes the time is now for new direction, one that puts people first. Voters in Orlando can expect a very competitive race for Mayor leading up to the election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team
Published
1 year agoon
November 21, 2022By
FNN NEWSTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:
- Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
- Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
- Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
- Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).
“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”
As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”
In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.
“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”
In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.
“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”
As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.
“Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”
The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.
Black lives
VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus
Published
1 year agoon
November 20, 2022By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.
Hart’s Twitter Statement:
Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”
During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.
Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.
Black lives
Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House
Published
1 year agoon
October 21, 2022By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.
Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.
During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.
The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
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