PELICAN COVE HOSTS VOTER SUPPRESSION PANEL DISCUSSION

BY MWEZI DAKE write4living@yahoo.com Pelican Cove’s Coffee

Johnny Hunter, Sr., Co-Publisher of TEMPO News spoke on a panel concer ning voters suppression

Pelican Cove’s Coffee Program held a panel discussion on Sunday, February 17th to educate community members and draw volunteers within the community to spread the word about reinstatement of voter’s rights for those with felonies and to get all citizens to register to vote. Those on the panel had firsthand information and experience within the voting and legal issues. The panel included; Master of Ceremony, David Triggle, John Pearce with the League of Women Voters, Public Defender Larry Eger, Esq. Wylie Crawford of Civic Action Now (CAN) Steering Committee and Johnny Hunter Sr., Owner /Publisher of Tempo News and Johnny Hunter Marketing & Consulting LLC. Each panel member spoke within their area of expertise as it related to voting rights followed byaQ&Awithaudience members. CAN offers volunteer support to get out the word on voting and helps by attending Farmer’s Market and other community events with a voter’s registration table and information. Those interested in volunteering or to schedule CAN volunteers to attend an event contact Ellen Hales at (914) 588-0750 or email; ellenhales@yahoo.com.

Hales said the CAN Organization is eager to help educate voters about their new rights and get them registered to vote and out to vote. Hunter spoke of his personal experience as a young man dealing within the legal system and having his own voting rights restored. Hunter went on to become President of the Florida Federation of Black Republicans Club, Community Activist as well as owner and founder of several successful businesses including Tempo News and Johnny Hunter Marketing & Consulting LLC. Hunter and other panel members stressed the importance of registering to vote, getting all voters out to the polls and to work in the community to spread the word about reinstatement of voting rights for former felons who have served their sentences and finished their time of parole and or probation. Triggle gave statistics of the closeness some of the past political races were decided by less than one percent of the votes. Hunter stated he loves Sarasota and has had the opportunity to live other places but his heart remains in Sarasota and the people Tempo News serves. Hunter is available for business and marketing consultations and as keynote and motivational speaking. Contact Hunter at (941) 232-0621 or temponews@comcast.net for more information.