BROWARD COUNTY – The Broward Votes coalition is once again hosting candidate forums for the upcoming February 10, 2009 primary elections for Broward’s municipalities focusing on the City of Fort Lauderdale Mayoral and Commissioner (District 3) seats.
All candidates are confirmed to attend. Broward Votes invite residents to their next candidate debate on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale.
The debates will be moderated by Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Esq. and will focus questions on economic development, budget cuts and others. The format includes panelists from participating organizations posing questions to the candidates. We encourage questions from the audience.
Attendees and campaign supporters can arrive as early as 5:30pm. Attendees will receive a free sports bag donated by Winn Dixie™ upon arrival and campaign materials will be distributed.
This is an excellent way to bring the candidates to areas within the Broward community that are often times overlooked. “Our political forums also allow business and community leaders, young professionals and seasoned residents to build relationships and have their voices heard,” said Andrea Owes, the Urban League’s Director of Special Projects and Young Professionals Network President.
Spearheaded by the Urban League of Broward County, Broward Votes launched in spring of 2008 and has since hosted a series of candidate debates throughout Broward County. Some of the organizations already apart of this coalition include 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (south Florida chapter), T.J. Reddick Bar Association, Caribbean Bar Association, and Jamaican Diaspora of Southern United States.
This initiative aims to engage residents in the political process beyond voting at the polls – from candidate selection to holding elected officials accountable. “It is our hope that other organizations, churches and community leaders will work with us to impact all of Broward through county-wide civic engagement efforts,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, president & CEO of the Urban League of Broward County.
