|
Henry Woods |
|
Home |
|
As a nine-year resident of the Keys and regular visitor fifteen years before that, I have come to love both the people and the atmosphere of the Keys. Many have encouraged me to seek public office. I am answering that call by running for Supervisor of Elections, the office to which my skills and passion for civic education I believe are best suited. The Supervisor of Elections should be doing more than just counting votes. He should be the primary civic educator in our county – providing opportunities for people to learn how to run for office, emphasizing why it is important that people engage in public service, and working for increased voter participation.
If elected, I pledge to make the following improvements in how the Supervisor of Elections office does business: · Re-assess how the absentee balloting process is presently conducted · Make sure that voters - wherever they live in the county - have prompt access to the Supervisor · Conduct periodic seminars on the sunshine law and on other election laws as they are adopted in the Legislature · Conduct an annual random sample of voters to whom ballots are sent outside the county to insure they are not also registered in another location · Avoid change of a polling location less than 120 days before an election and conduct an aggressive public information campaign when a polling location has to be changed · Establish a policy whereby a family member of the Supervisor or office staff member may not serve as treasurer or manager of a campaign which uses the Supervisor’s office in any manner in the conduct of that election
It has been sixteen years since the voters of Monroe County had a choice for this important office. I think I bring some skills to the table that can contribute to a more effective elections process in our county.
As Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at Florida Keys Community College, I have been able to reach students of all ages in emphasizing the importance of civic education. Civics used to be a part of the school curriculum in this country. Somehow it has taken a back seat and I think it should be a priority again. The Supervisor of Elections can contribute to restoring it as part of public discussion.
I have twenty-six years of experience in Washington working for United States Senators from my native state of Arkansas. I conducted intern programs for college students among my duties and developed a strong commitment to providing civic education opportunities for young people.
For the past two years, I have served as Program Coordinator for Leadership Monroe County and for the past six years as a part-time grant writer and public relations assistant at AIDS Help. I am on the executive board of the Key West Players at the Waterfront Playhouse, the past four years as president of the Board.
I have also done consulting, workshop facilitation, event planning, campaign or grant-writing for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Florida Keys chapter of the American Red Cross, Monroe County Culinary Advisory Committee, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, former Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekley, Key West Chamber of Commerce, Key West Restaurant and Bar Association, A Positive Step Inc., Helpline, Wesley House, Island Opera, Hospice/VNA, Key West Pops, and the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League.
My parents instilled in me at any early age the importance of public service. To me, there is no higher calling. I seek this particular office because it fits my temperament and my skills and because I want to give back to this Keys community which has taken me in as if I have lived here all my life.
I pledge to bring a new energy and a fresh perspective to this office. It should be about more than simply counting votes. Please read "Henry's Views" for a more detailed discussion of my vision of what the Supervisor of Elections should be doing to educate the voting population about candidates and issues that are on the ballot each year. I ask for your support on November 4th. |
|
For Monroe County Supervisor of Elections |
|
Paid for by the Henry Woods Campaign Fund , Approved by Henry Woods, Democrat for Monroe County Supervisor of Elections. |
