Two Jamaican nationals will be among several individuals running in local government elections for seats on two city commissions in Broward County in South Florida when Americans go to the polls next Tuesday March 8.
They are Michael Aitcheson, financial analyst and accountant is a partner in the Accounting firm M.A. Aitcheson & Associates running in the City of North Lauderdale, and James Gordon, a businessman and chief executive officer of Gordon, Banks & Associates, a Florida-based international trade and marketing firm, who is on the ballot for a seat in Plantation.
Both men have both been actively involved in community activities that led to their pursuit for political careers.
Already there are nine Jamaican nationals serving in elected positions in Broward and Dade counties in South Florida.
Mr. Aitcheson was born in Kingston, where he was educated at Excelsior High and then University of Technology, (formerly College of Arts, Science and Technology). He moved to New York where he continued his education at Pace University.
He also has received formal training in communication which he now uses hosting a program on local radio station in South Florida.
He is affiliated with several civic groups which has given him accessibility to the ethnic groups and the wider community. He will use this platform to advocate for greater understanding between law enforcement and an increasing diverse community comprised of a fast growing Caribbean immigrant population in North Lauderdale.
Mr. Aitcheson’s platform focuses on support for small businesses within his district, improving education, community development and advocating for law enforcement. A family man, he is married and father of three children.
On the other hand, Mr. Gordon shares similarities. He hails from Montego Bay, then migrated to Canada at an early age and pursued studies at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in communication and finance.
While resident in Canada, Mr. Gordon was one of the youngest executives to work in the Alberta Provincial Government where for eight years he managed significantly large budgets for home improvement for seniors and mortgage interests.
Since moving to South Florida in 1988, Mr. Gordon has been a resident of the Plantation area. Through his involvement with several community groups, he continues to advocate for social development.
He is particularly known for his work with at risk children and for championing the rights of the disabled through the Plantation-based non-profit community organization he founded – Caribbean/American National Foundation of Florida.
Through this organization, Mr. Gordon has worked on church missions and with community leaders in South Florida, as well as Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Barbados. A Christian, Mr. Gordon is the leader of the choral group at the Fort Lauderdale church, Assemblies of God.
On his platform, in an effort to improve community development, Mr. Gordon has vowed to lower city taxes, strengthen code enforcement and improving accessibility and communication between city officials and citizens.
According to Mr. Gordon, he enjoys serving the needs of the community and is utilizing his vast experience in government and business in community leadership aiming to improve the quality and standard of life in his area.
He also enjoys family life and is married with two children.
