Views from the Stop the Killing, Start Living Rally Oct 9

Posted on October 18, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Stop the Killing – Start Living Rally at Evans High School stadium on Saturday, October 9. People stood, sat in the stadium or lawn chairs on the track and listened to speakers at the rally, which also included prayers from area pastors, live entertainment, a memorial of the lives lost during recent crimes in the area, free food and helpful information.  The rally, sponsored by the group Kingdom Network Empowering Communities (K.N.E.C.), is the fifth annual event held in the Pine Hills community to bring crime awareness and prevention to the community. K.N.E.C. is a faith-based organization made up of churches, businesses and concerned citizens in the inner cities of Orlando working together to support the community. The group’s mission is to find solutions to the wave of violence in these communities and promote change. Go to the group’s website www.knecus.com for more information.

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Absentee Ballots Mailed Out, Require More Attention to Detail

Posted on October 9, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, listen up: The elections office (at least in Orange County) started mailing absentee ballots about a week ago. It is the longest ballot in county history so make sure you include all 3 pages of the ballot into the return envelope.

Election officials are urging voters to complete the ballot and follow the instructions for mailing, especially signing the envelope.

If you do not sign the envelope, your vote will not be counted.

To make sure your ballot arrives at the elections office in a timely manner and be counted, put the appropriate postage on the envelope: 65 cents. If you are mailing it from your home or office, you can use two, first-class stamps on the envelope.

Absentee ballots, also known as Vote-By-Mail ballots, are one of three convenient methods of voting available to voters. Voters can also cast their ballots during early voting periods or at their polling site on Election Day.

Ballots are mailed only upon request by the voter or their designee.  Requests can be made online at www.orangecountyvotes.com or by calling (407) 836-VOTE(8683).  The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot be mailed is Wednesday, October 31
at 5:00 p.m.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Pine Hills: Hope, yes. Action, yes.

Posted on October 9, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews
Pastor Kelvin Cobaris at Stop the Killing, Start Living Rally.

Opinion

I missed some of the “Stop the Killing, Start Living” rally but what I did catch spoke volumes about people’s genuine love of the Pine Hills community. There were prayers, inspirational dances, free food and drinks, booths with helpful information including on restoration of rights and voter registration, along with thought-provoking, soul-stirring speeches.

Pastor Kelvin Cobaris, of Livingston Street Church of God in Christ, main speaker at the rally, talked about what we know: We know about the senseless crimes that have taken place in Pine Hills and Orange County recently. He rattled off the horrific details. One very young man was kidnapped, beaten and set on fire. Young Danielle Sampson is still fighting for her life after being shot in her family vehicle, riding home from church. There are many other stories: Organizers displayed a handmade storyboard with a map of those killed in the Pine Hills area recently and placed their names and/or pictures on it.

There is still hope and Jesus Christ is that hope, Cobaris said. We still have to do the work.

“The stories ought to make everyone mad,” Cobaris said. “Mad enough to do something about it.

“It’s up to us to make a difference…everyone on this ground can make a difference,” said Cobaris, who along with other pastors in the Pine Hills area have had to preach the funerals of some of the victims in the latest rash of crimes in the area. “It’s up to us to take our community back.”

Three things he suggested:

Tell. You hear people say: ‘You need to mind your own business’ but it is our business, if something is going wrong in our neighborhoods, Cobaris said. Call the police. Tell them what you saw or heard when they are investigating a crime.

Volunteer. The light, he said, has to go into darkness to make a difference and offer the community hope. “If they have dropped out of school, we connect them with the program to drop back into school.”

He acknowledged that we may not be able to reach all the people struggling in the community, but we can reach some. Contribute your skills and talents to the community, things that you like to do.

Train. Train children the right way while they are young, Cobaris said. Even mentors can do that.

I heard good stuff at the rally. I hope and pray we all get up and do the good stuff…right here at home, in our neighborhoods.

Resources:

K.N.E.C. is Kingdom Network Empowering Communities — faith-based group, made up of churches and concerned residents with goal to find ways to stem crime in Orlando’s inner cities. Contact: Bishop A.L. Helligar, 407-721-4817 or Pastor Michael Kimbrough, 407-234-9619. The group’s website: http://www.knecus.com

Evans High Community School. At the high school, 4949 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 32808. Support Services for students, parents and community. Contact: Sherri White, sherri.white@ocps.net

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Stop the Killing…Start Living Rally on Saturday, Oct. 6

Posted on October 1, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Now more than ever, there is a need for change in our communities concerning the latest rash of serious crimes.

A group of concerned community leaders, business owners and residents will push that change this Saturday, October 6, during a “Stop the Killing, Start Living” rally.

The group Kingdom Network Empowering Communities is sponsoring the free rally, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Evans High School stadium.  Evans High School is located at 4949 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 32808. This is the 5th annual rally in the Pine Hills area in light of National Crime Prevention Month. It also comes less than a week of a robbery-shooting at a China Wok restaurant in the area in which a woman was shot and killed and other senseless crimes over the past several months.

“We no longer want the stigma of crime controlling our streets. It is time to make a change and bring everyone together…” the group’s website states.

You can take part in different ways as a business owner, church or individual. Mainly, show up, listen and respond to the speeches on crime prevention and get to know neighbors. Take in the live entertainment, as well as free food and drinks while they lasts.

For more information, visit the K.N.E.C. website: www.knecus.com or call Bishop A.L. Helligar at 407-721-4817.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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R-Day: National Voter Registration Day Sept. 25

Posted on September 24, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Events are planned national-wide for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.

Here in Orange County, U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown is asking folk to support the day and register or update their registration Tuesday at the Supervisor of Election’s Office on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 119 West Kaley St., Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: 407-836-2070

Those who show up for this event can:
REGISTER to vote/ Update their signature / Update their record ( change of address)
LEARN about Orange County voting rights laws

Similar events are planned in Orange County: Rollins College (Cornell Campus Center) and Full Sail University, both in Winter Park. Check out this website for detail and links to RSVP for these college events: http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/

© Orlando Community News, 2012

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Countdown: October 9 is the last day to register to vote in Presidential Election

Posted on September 20, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

This is the time to act. If you or someone you know is 18 years old or older but not registered to vote, you have until Tuesday, October 9, to register to vote in the General Election. The General Election includes races for the presidency, as well as other national, state and local public offices.

Take out your personal calendar or open the calendar on your smart phone and make a note of the date: October 9. It’s only weeks away and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the General Election on Tuesday, November 6.

In Orange County, the Supervisor of Elections Office has put a lot of effort into keeping  residents informed on key election dates and information.

You can get a voter registration application several ways:

  1. From the office’s website (www.ocfelections.com or  www.orangecountyvotes.com).
  2. From the Supervisor of Election’s Office at 119 W. Kaley Street in Orlando.
  3. From other public offices such as any Orange County Public Library, Department of Motor Vehicles office or Post Office.
  4. From private organizations such as local churches and civic organization which are hosting voter registration drives throughout Orange County.

Please be aware: All completed registration forms sent to the elections office must be postmarked no later than October 9.

The elections office will be open the Saturday before the deadline, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for voter registration and will have extended hours on the deadline day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for people wanting to submit their application in person.

If you are unsure of your registration status (say if you have moved since the last time you voted or your name has changed), call (407) 836-2070. Do it ahead of time to save time and frustration on Election Day.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Countdown: Register to Vote, Orange County

Posted on September 15, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

If you have never voted or never voted here in Florida and you want to vote in the big Presidential Election (a.k.a. General Election) on November 6, mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 9.

Your vote is your voice and it counts!

That’s the deadline to register to vote and the deadline if you are already registered but you want to change your party affiliation.

According to the Orange County Supervisor of Election’s Office, there is no deadline for making an address change within the State of Florida or within the county. It’s a good idea to change your address well in advance of the  election so that you will receive your sample ballot in the mail. Of course, if you are a new Florida resident and have never registered to vote here in the sunshine state, you need to register.

Having a Sample Ballot reminds you of all the details of the upcoming General Election, such as key dates, how you can vote, where you can vote on election day and most importantly, who’s running for what office and what amendments/issues on which you need to vote.

This year, the Office of President of the United States is open. The country will decide whether to keep its first and only African American president, Barack Obama or elect former Massachuetts governor Mitt Romney. There are also countless congressional seats, state legislature seats, etc up for grabs.

One thing is for sure: A  lot has changed since the last Presidential Election (2008) and if you want to play your part in the election process, you have to be prepared and be informed. With recent changes to election laws, you may have new polling place and fewer days/hours to vote early.

You can get details on voting at your county Supervisor of Election’s Office. Here in Orange County, you can go to: orangecountyvotes.com or ocfelections.com for more information.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Finest Hour for Americans: General Election Season

Posted on September 7, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

The conventions are over. Key leaders and everyday people have spoken at the conventions. Delegates have selected their party’s candidate. Both former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. President Barack Obama have accepted their party’s nomination for the presidency. They will soon debate the issues.

What are YOU going to do? This is your finest hour, along with every American. 

A few questions: 1) Are you registered to vote for the General Election in November? 2) How have you prepared to vote? 3) If you plan to vote on election day, where is your polling place?

Some of you have HOMEWORK to do over the next few weeks, as deadlines are fast approaching to qualify to vote in the General Election which is Tuesday, November 6.

For instance, the deadline for new registrations is October 9.

You can contact your county’s Supervisor of Elections Office to find out whether you are qualified to vote and if not, how you can qualify to vote. Basically, in Florida, if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by election day and not have been convicted of a felony in Florida, or any other state, without your civil rights having been restore – you qualify to register and vote.

We can not like the speeches at the conventions and then not vote or not be prepared to vote. Don’t depend on a provisional ballot on election day. Heaven forbid, you were at the wrong polling place and therefore, your “provisional ballot” vote is not valid and not counted.

Do your homework now to guarantee your vote is counted, your voice heard. 

Let’s not have any excuses come November.

 

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Primary Election Tuesday: Not the Time to Stay Home

Posted on August 12, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

I heard about it. Some people plan to stay home or have plum ignored information to help them prepare for the upcoming Primary Election this Tuesday, August 14.

To do that is to vote for folks without knowing what they stand for OR forfeit the right and responsibility to vote altogether.

Please reconsider and get out and vote on Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Read over your Sample Ballot, talk with friends and family or read about the candidates online or in the newspaper and then take your completed Sample Ballot with you to your polling place to vote. That will save time and you will be an informed voter. In the overall scheme of things, you will help your community,  state and country!

Yes, I know Florida is a closed election state, which means only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their party candidates, for an office in a primary election like Tuesday’s.

However, there are times when all registered voters can vote in a primary election, regardless of which major or minor political party they are registered or even if they are registered without a specific party affiliation:

  1. If all the candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner of the primary election will not face any opposition in the general election (i.e. no write-in candidates have qualified), then all registered voters can vote for any of the candidates for that office in the primary election.
  2. If races for nonpartisan (i.e., free from party affiliation) judicial and school board offices, nonpartisan special districts or local referendum questions are on the primary election ballot, then all registered voters, including those without party affiliation are entitled to vote those races on the ballot. (Source: orangecountyvotes.com)

I know in Orange County, there are key positions that fit into one of those categories.

For example:

  • Democrats Jeff Ashton and Lawson Lamar are running for Lamar’s State Attorney’s job with no competition from the Republican side.
  • Five Democrats are running for Florida Representative District 46 seat, with no competition for the Republican side: Bruce Antone, Sean Bradford, Jason Henry, Rosalind B. Johnson and Pam Powell.
  • There six judge seats being contested, including the one held now by Judge Belvin Perry, who was pushed into international spotlight last year as judge in the Casey Anthony Murder Trial here in Orlando. The seats are non-partisan.

The list goes on and on…

Who you vote for is your business. All I am saying is this: do your homework and select the candidate who you think will best serve the community as a whole, based on their background, experience and plans for improvement.

Then, on Tuesday, go out and vote in your assigned Precinct, at your assigned Polling place which may have changed since you last voted. Take your photo I.D. with you; if you are driving, you should have your driver’s license with you.

I agree with the popular saying: You have no right to complain, if you don’t vote.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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If You Want to Vote Early, You Have Until tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 11

Posted on August 10, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Tell your family. Tell your friends. Tell everyone you know who is 18 and older and eligible to vote: Early Voting ends tomorrow, Saturday, August 11, 2012.

Voters will select folks in their political party who want to represent them in Congress, state legislature, county boards, as well as sheriff and judicial offices, to name a few.

You can VOTE EARLY at many public libraries, community centers and elections offices through Saturday. The Early Voting hours in Orange County are: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

People are taking advantage of early voting because it saves time and gives them confidence that their vote will be counted. So far, according news reports, people in Central Florida are voting early in record numbers.

In other election news: The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office will be open on Sunday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for In-Office Absentee Voting. So if you are voting by Absentee Ballot and run out of time to take the completed ballot to an Early Voting location, you can turn it in at the elections office on Sunday.

Polling places will be open on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, August 14, for those who want to vote on “the day of.”

Questions? Contact the Orange County Elections Office: www.orangecountyvotes.com or (407) 836-VOTE (8683).

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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