Meet the Candidates sets the stage for the importance of civic engagement

Meet the Candidates sets the stage for the importance of civic engagement

October 7, 2024

By The Culture

The “Meet the Candidates” forum hosted by The Culture News in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Delta Omega Chapter, Florida Rising, Second Baptist Church, and the South-Dade Branch NAACP, took place on the evening of September 30th at Second Baptist Church in Richmond Heights. The event brought together civic-minded organizations to amplify our collective voices in South Dade.

Jessica Garrett Modkins, Founder of The Culture News and Hip Rock Star Advertising, set the tone for the evening by acknowledging the legacy of her mother, Patricia Harper Garrett, who conceptualized the “Meet the Candidates” forum over a decade ago. She remarked, “It’s an honor for me to be here again today, continuing what my mother started, ensuring our community remains informed and empowered. Events like these are crucial for us to hold our candidates accountable and make informed decisions.” Her opening set the stage for the importance of civic engagement and the role the forum plays in educating voters.

Pastor Alphonso Jackson of Second Baptist Church also emphasized the importance of such events in the community. “When Patricia Garrett came to us 10 years ago with the idea of this forum, we embraced it because our people deserve to know who’s running and what they stand for. And when Jessica came back to continue this, we opened our doors once again with no hesitation,” Jackson said, reinforcing the long-standing tradition of voter education in Richmond Heights.

Tara D. Turner, basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Pi Delta Omega Chapter, also underscored the importance of legacy and participation, encouraging the attendees to approach the evening with a focus on collective action and representation. She reinforced the importance of community involvement, saying, “Tonight is not just about the candidates and their platforms—it’s about honoring the legacy of our foremothers, their fight for representation, and the belief that our voices matter.” She continued, “Our goal, especially at Alpha Kappa Alpha, is to ensure that every community member is informed, engaged, and motivated.”

Former Senator Dwight Bullard moderated the forum, guiding the candidates through a series of questions that focused on both policy and the importance of voter accountability. He highlighted that the event was more than just an introduction to the candidates but a call to ensure that voters are well-informed and active participants in democracy, stressing that local elections have significant, direct impacts on daily life.

“Eighty percent of the things you deal with in life are local,” Bullard said, reminding attendees that decisions on matters like garbage collection and education happen at the local level, and it’s crucial to vote with that in mind. “What we don’t want is anyone walking into the ballot box saying, ‘I didn’t know who this person was,’ or ‘I didn’t know what was on the ballot,’” he added.

Throughout the evening, candidates from a range of offices, including state and federal races, discussed their platforms, addressing issues such as immigration, healthcare, and gun control, while also reflecting on how they would help break gridlock in government. One of the most prominent messages was a reminder that elections are not just about casting a vote but about staying engaged and holding elected officials accountable long after they are in office.

The candidates themselves also spoke passionately about their platforms and commitment to the community:

Tuan “TQ” Nguyen, an independent candidate running for U.S. Senate, shared his belief in breaking the gridlock in Washington. “I’m running as an independent because I believe it’s the best way to facilitate more cooperation in Congress. We need someone who can work with both sides to get things done for the people,” Nguyen said, emphasizing the need for immigration reform and securing resources for water conservation in Florida.

Phil Ehr, a U.S. House candidate, echoed this sentiment, calling for a move toward more productive bipartisan efforts. “I’m running to move our country to the center, away from the chaos and gridlock we’ve seen in Congress,” Ehr said. He also advocated for stronger gun control measures and a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict, acknowledging, “We need to protect Israel’s right to defend itself while ensuring that innocent civilians, especially in Gaza, are protected.”

On the state level, Representative Kevin Chambliss spoke passionately about property insurance reform, stating, “People are losing their homes because they can’t afford the rising insurance rates, and the current leadership seems more concerned with the insurance companies than with the people. That’s unacceptable.” He added, “We need to create solutions that prioritize the consumer, not the big corporations.”

Addressing issues of voter safety and election integrity, Juan-Carlos “J.C.” Planas, running for Supervisor of Elections, emphasized his commitment to protecting democracy. “I will be the protector and ambassador for democracy,” he declared. “We need to make sure that every person who wants a vote-by-mail ballot gets one, and we have to re-enroll people when those ballots are canceled.” He also stressed the importance of security at voting sites, saying, “We need to ensure that everyone feels safe when they go to vote. Our presence will be there to protect, not intimidate.”

James Reyes, candidate for Miami-Dade Sheriff, shared his vision for creating a sheriff’s department that reflects the community it serves. “We cannot have public safety if we do not have the trust of our community,” Reyes said. “We need to be transparent and accountable, and that means involving the community in our decision-making process.” He also emphasized the importance of mental health support and de-escalation training for officers. “We need to invest in our officers’ mental health and in training that ensures they know how to handle difficult situations without resorting to violence.”

The “Meet the Candidates” event exemplified the power of civic engagement, bringing together community members and candidates to discuss the future of local, state, and federal government. Through open dialogue, it reinforced the importance of being informed, involved, and active in shaping the policies and leadership that will impact Miami-Dade County and beyond.

“This is about more than just the candidates—this is about us, as a community, staying engaged and making sure our voices are heard. We owe it to ourselves and to the generations to come,” added Jessica Garrett Modkins.

All candidates were invited to attend the forum. The following candidates were in attendance.