The Jefferson County Democrats came together May 22 for a memorial dinner honoring the many contributions of Beverly Sloan, deceased, a respected, longtime educator, school board member and Democratic Committee member.  Phil Barker, Jefferson County School Superintendent, paid tribute in a moving remembrance of the many ways Sloan worked toward improving educational opportunities for children.  He spoke of her love for education and for the community.  As a school board member, she thoroughly studied and weighed issues and proposed solutions that were fair and the right thing to do.  Eleanor Hawkins on behalf of the Jefferson Democratic Party then presented Sloan’s family with a commemorative plaque and lovely plant.

Ron Cichon, Jefferson Democratic Executive Committee At Large Member, introduced special guests, including Curtis Richardson, State Representative, who presented a check for $1,000 to the local Democratic Party to help in assisting Democratic candidates.  Cichon then coordinated an opportunity for each candidate in attendance to briefly address the audience.  Those candidates and the offices for which they are running were:  Jay McGovern, US Representative District 4; Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasalinda, State Representative District 9; Julie Conley, State Representative District 10; Suzan Franks, State Senate District 3; Kirk Reams, Clerk of Circuit Court; Angela Gray and David Ward, Property Appraiser; David Hobbs, Sheriff; Phil Barker and Bill Brumfield, Superintendent of Schools; Caroline Carswell and Lois Hunter, Tax Collector; LaClarence Mays and Edward Vollertsen, School Board District 1; Gerrold Austin, George Evans and Sandra Saunders, School Board District 2; Nancy Benjamin and Franklin Hightower, School Board District 4; and County Commission candidates – Franklin Brooks and Vins Harrell, District 1; Hines Boyd, C.P. Miller and Ann Reddick, District 3; Eddie Lee Harley and Danny Monroe, District 5.

Julie Conley, Precinct 2 Committeewoman, introduced the keynote speaker, Andrew Gillum, City of Tallahassee Commissioner Seat 2.  Recognized as an emerging leader by many state and national organizations, Gillum in 2002 organized the largest get-out-the-vote campaign in Florida’s history.  Gillum, while still a political science student at Florida A&M University in 2003, became the youngest person to be elected to the Tallahassee City Commission that subsequently elected him as its Mayor Pro Tem.  Gillum gave an inspiring talk with the clear message that education, perseverance, courage and determination matter greatly, not just in bettering the lives of individuals but in moving toward a better future for our country.  He encouraged full participation in the election process and especially urged voting in the primary election (early voting begins August 11; primary election is August 26) and the general election (November 4.)

Throughout the evening, guests were offered delicious treats.  Featuring a variety of hot and cold appetizers, mixed green salad, grilled sirloin tip roast, fresh green beans and peas, smashed potatoes, and a tempting assortment of dessert bites, the delicious food enjoyed by the crowd was catered by Carrie Ann & Co. and expertly served by Democratic Party volunteers.