It's not just about Hillary and Dim Donald. Florida's August 30 primary is just around the corner. Though most local media attention has been focused on the race for Miami-Dade County mayor between incumbent Carlos Gimenez and School Board member Raquel Regalado, there are other local races significant to the African-American community.
Campbell and her family have been involved in a series of questionable schemes.
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And there are some very lousy candidates.
In Miami Gardens, Mayor Oliver Gilbert is in a heated race against former city Councilman Ulysses Howard and ex-Opa-locka Police Chief James Wright. Howard, who was appointed to the council in 2005, subsequently ran in three elections and lost each one, most recently in 2012. The guy is a free-lunch candidate. Wright, who was fired by Opa-locka in 2008 amid allegations he sexually harassed subordinates, is trying to get back into the race after a judge disqualified him. (For obvious reasons, voters should reelect Gilbert.)
Miami-Dade School Board member Wilbert "Tee" Holloway, whose district includes Miami Gardens and Opa-locka, is also seeking reelection. When I was having trouble getting my coaching certification approved by the Florida Department of Education, I called Holloway several times. He never picked up the phone. So it's time for new blood. (Voters should cast their ballots for former school administrator Steven Gallon III.)
In the crowded field to replace retiring state Sen. Gwen Margolis — forced out after making dumb comments about Haitians coming after her seat — the most recognizable names are state Rep. Daphne Campbell and former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora. I've seen signs for Campbell all over northeast Miami-Dade, but she and her family have been involved in a series of questionable schemes since she took office. (I'm going with Gongora, who has reached out to black voters.)
Finally, we have Randal Hill, a Homeland Security agent who played football for the Miami Hurricanes and the Miami Dolphins, challenging Democratic Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. I loved Hill when he was a Cane and enjoyed his breakout performance in the documentary The U. But he has not put in the community hours in Overtown, Liberty City, Opa-locka, and Miami Gardens.
Besides, the next time the Hat Lady is up for reelection, I may run against her.
Bottom line: Show up at the polls and cast your ballot, but not for any of these jokers.
Follow Luke on Twitter: @unclelukereal1.
