Why District 46 Needs a Strong, Committed Leader

On August 14^th, the residents of District 46 will head to the polls to select a new leader.

This person will give guidance on the state’s economy, educational system and business environment to lead District 46 for the next two years and beyond.

You must choose this person wisely.

Since 2006, we’ve been under the hegemony of State Rep. Geraldine Thompson, who has been a fantastic advocate for education and working hard for middle class families.

However, she is now campaigning for the Florida Senate.

I am here today to tell you why I am the right person to fill her shoes in the State House.

I feel that out of the field of candidates running to represent the district, I am best suited to take her place.

I offer real leadership.

I’ve been organizing political events since I was a young boy. I have energized campuses to get students fired-up about voting and being successful in life.

I offer my background in community activism.

I represent the true voice of the people. My background in working closely with community groups and neighborhood leaders shows I can get things done.

While Geraldine Thompson’s shoes are mighty – I pledge to continue the good work that she has done, but to follow my own path of fighting for my neighbors in D-46.

There’s more – so much more – that can be accomplished with strong, determined leadership.

I am the Democratic candidate not afraid to speak out against Republican efforts to take from the working poor and the struggling middle class … and give more tax breaks for the wealthiest corporations and individuals among us.

I am the Democratic candidate out knocking on doors, meeting with worker organizations.

I am the Democratic candidate that will not be tempted by money, power or greed. Lobbyists prey on those who give into temptation.

For the past six months, I have campaigned on a platform based on issues and solutions to this district’s most pressing needs.

With good people, hard work and right-minded leadership, we can start those new technical and vocational programs in the district to offset the education and employment struggles of our people.

I will bring together businesses and organizations willing to train and hire recently released juveniles to counter the state’s emerging minority unemployment rate.

These people want to do the right thing – let’s give them a chance.

And speaking of doing the right thing …

I will also present new legislation to counter the problems we have in our juvenile justice system. Florida’s record of locking up kids for life is an international embarrassment.

Something needs to change.

This bill will create remedial programs for juveniles on probation and review the sentences of those who are serving life in prison.

Sadly, my opponents have not offered solutions and are unable to identify our problems.

I follow what’s going on in Tallahassee … meanwhile one of my opponents is hosting a movie night.

The real spotlight needs to be on Legislators who constantly sell-out to big money interests, not party dresses and fancy hats.

We cannot afford a step backwards.

This is why I am asking you for your support on August 14^th. I know it is a primary election and some of you don’t think that it is a big deal.

It is a big deal. Every vote is a big deal.

Kind of reminds me of a story about my Mother.

Growing up in the small working class community of Old Jonesboro in Bessemer, Alabama, my mom taught me the importance of perseverance.

She was a single mother who became a nurse when I was around six years old.

During my time in elementary and middle school, my mom would always pick me up from school after working a 10-hour day.

She would consistently take her shoes off in the car on our way home. One day I finally decided to ask her why she did this on a daily basis and she simply responded, “Because I’m tired.”

But no matter how exasperated she was or how overworked she felt, she always made time for me.

My mother cooked dinner for me, helped me with my homework and always made sure that my needs were met.

She taught me that no matter what stands in your way, that no matter the size of the challenge, you always push through and continue to work.

I am grateful for the lessons my mother taught me, the examples she set. And I will use that experience and knowledge to lead this great district.

The stark reality is that this district sits on the precipice of failing behind or emerging ahead.

We need a loud voice to shake up the system and to let them know that we won’t be taken for granted or taken advantage of.

I am the only candidate in this race who has the faith and the fortitude to lead this district into a phase of growth.

Sadly, my opponents only see this as an opportunity to push a personal agenda – improve their celebrity standing in the neighborhood.

Hey, mission accomplished.

Others simply want to cash that state paycheck. One of my more well-known opponents actually sought to more than double the salaries of State Representatives.

That’s not the kind of leadership we need. That’s more of that self-serving behavior we’ve come to expect.

Let’s change what we expect. Let’s try harder. Pick better people.

I want to represent the residents of District 46 properly in Tallahassee.

For my opponents, it is all about “me, me, me” instead of “we, we, we.”

Haven’t we had enough of that type of representation in Tallahassee?

I am committed to serving the needs of the people.

I will fight against Republican efforts to privatize our public education system.

I will battle their continued efforts to hand over control of our state prisons to private companies.

I am committed to solving the problems that face the people of District 46.

That includes reducing the number of minorities prison and increasing the educational and economic opportunities available to all Floridians.

The great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said …

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

If you believe in this principle, that our future hinges on humanity and benevolence rather than egocentric leadership, then join me.

If you believe that we are the ones who can open our own doors to the future, that we are the dreamers and the doers, that we have a right to elevated and innovative expectations, I am asking for you to join me.

Together we can make District 46 all of what we want and expect it to be.

Thank you.

My name is Jason Henry and I want to be your voice in Tallahassee. Vote for me on August 14^th.

Thank you and God Bless.