Rep Chris Smith Attends Jefferson County DEC Barbecue

Rep. Christopher Smith Speaks at Democrats’ Barbecue

Voters from Precincts 5 and 6, along with other Democrats from throughout the county, had a real treat Tuesday night at a well-attended barbecue supper.  The food was both plentiful and delicious, featuring barbecued pork, coleslaw, baked beans, and all the trimmings, rounded off with three kinds of tasty cobbler – all prepared by Chuck Husbands and members of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee.  This was authentic barbecue – the meat prepared outdoors in a smoker and the cobblers baked in dutch ovens under a layer of hot coals.  The event was held at the The Mays House, a facility formerly housing Dr. Roca’s office, now owned by Carrie Ann Tellefsen and Denise Vogelgesang. The building is being beautifully renovated, and will soon be used as a base for their catering services.

The guest speaker, Representative Christopher Smith, Florida House Democratic Leader, gave an inspiring talk about what it means to him to be a Democrat – personally, as a dedicated family man and concerned citizen, and professionally, as a hardworking attorney and successful legislator.  He stressed in his remarks that he is most proud of the fact that Democrats care – about children and families and seniors, about access to adequate health care, about protecting the environment, and about giving all people a fair chance to realize the American dream. The crowd gave Rep. Smith a standing ovation and enjoyed an animated, informal question and answer session with him.

Those in attendance included Mayor Julie Conley, Property Appraiser David Ward, County Commisssioners Junior Tuten and Gene Hall, School Board Member Beverly Sloan, City Councilman Tom Vogelgesang ,  Congressman Allen Boyd’s wife Cissy Boyd, Shirley Washington, candidate for School Board District 3 and Brenda Sorensen, candidate for Clerk of Circuit Court.

Democratic Party Chair Eleanor Hawkins announced that the next event planned by the Jefferson County Democratic Party is sponsorship and staffing of the Second Annual Book Sale to benefit the Friends of the Library, 9:00 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at the public library.  Books to be donated to the sale can be left at the library or picked up.  Call Shelley Watkins at 997-1099 for information.  

Events planned for May include a reception for Alex Sink, Democratic Candidate for CFO, to be held at the Monticello Opera House on May 8 and a picnic in Precinct 14, Lamont, with details to be published later.  To learn more about becoming involved in the local Democratic Party, call Gladys Roann, 997-5209, or Eleanor Hawkins, 997-2863, or the Democratic Office at 997-3113.