By Dessalines Ferdinand
Politically, the Haitian-American community has made progress during the last two decades, particularly in the State of Florida. History will constantly remind those who became the first at certain levels within the Sunshine State political arena.
Former El Portal Councilman and Mayor Philippe Derose, former North Miami Councilman Ossman Desir, former North Miami Mayor Josaphat ‘Joe’ Celestin, former State Representative Phillip Brutus, former State Senator Dahphne Campbell, Miami-Dade Commissioner-District 2 Jean Monestime and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, each made political history in the past.
Dr. Naomi Esther Blemur, a first-generation Haitian-American minister, community leader, author, wife, and mother, is now looking to add her name on this elite ‘political history makers list’ as she recently announced her candidacy for the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in Tallahassee.
The Commissioner of Agriculture is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of government of the State of Florida that heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Elected to a four-year term that is limited to two consecutive terms in office, the Commissioner of Agriculture is charged with supporting and regulating Florida’s agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace.
In addition, the Commissioner is one of four members of the Florida Cabinet and is fourth (behind the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and chief financial officer, respectively) in the line of succession to the Office of Governor.
If Dr. Blemur triumphs in the upcoming August 23rd Democratic Primary elections, she will have to face the winner of the primary Republican race in the November 2022 general election. The seat is open for election because its current occupant, Nicole Heather Fried, is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for Governor and isn’t running for re-election, so a new Agriculture Commissioner will take office in January, 2023.
Records show that on the list of the 12 people who were elected for this position in the past, 10 of them are or were democrats. As a member of the Democratic Party, Dr. Blemur might be able to reach her political goal. But the road to the Mayo building/Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Tallahassee may not be an easy trip.
Dr. Blemur is facing two opponents in the Democratic primary: Haitian-American Jacques Rene Gaillot, Jr. from Jacksonville and Ryan Morales, Marketing Director for Delpuma. Gaillot has some political battle experience as he ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Florida’s 3rd District. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on August 14, 2012, but was defeated in the general election on November 6, 2012 by Ted Yoho. Morales has served as a member of the Lake County Democratic Club and as a member of the South Lake Democratic Club. He previously served as vice president of the Lake County Democratic Hispanic Caucus in 2019.
The chance for Blemur to win the Democratic primary race is possible if she can raise a reasonable amount of money and receive endorsements from some major political actors, businesses and industry groups, such as the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Associated Industries of Florida.
As a second step to making political history by becoming the first Haitian-American to win this seat, becoming the 13th Commissioner of Agriculture of Florida, Dr. Naomi Esther Blemur must defeat the Republican nominee. Many Florida political analysts predict that this could be Senate President Wilton Simpson. Simpson is a big name in Tallahassee and the business industry. As of the end of 2018, the state senator reported a net worth of nearly $26 million. Most of Simpson’s wealth comes from his egg business, Simpson Farms, and his asbestos removal company, Environmental Services, in Trilby, a small town in central Florida, about forty miles north by northeast of Tampa.
I just voted for you on my mail in ballot.
There is very little to no information about her credentials and expertise which would make her a good candidate for this position. What has she done in the past? What is her resume? I am a FL citizen with a mail-in ballot trying to make an informed decision and there is no much here to inform me about her abiities
https://naomiblemur.com/
I had the same challenge. Try this site.
I agree, this is not her official site though – go here – https://naomiblemur.com/
Same here. Not much to go own. What are her plans for the future?
She isn’t the only candidate with this problem.
What are your views on climate change?
Marcia Storch
Please check this website
Naomi Esther Blemur for Commissioner of Agriculture https://naomiblemur.com
I really like what I’ve read about you. I am interested on your feelings towards legalizing and growing cannibis. Good luck!
This article tells me NOTHING about her.
What makes her use the term Dr.?
What is her interest in holding this position?
What does she intend to improve / change in the office.
What is her Education, Professional resume?
What are her Social or Community Relations?
Please check her official website
Naomi Esther Blemur for Commissioner of Agriculture https://naomiblemur.com
I’m with Roni. Need more information
Ready to mail just need two, then I’ll be good to go.
I didn’t see what your actual qualifications for the job you are seeking.
Please tell me what you are planning to do once you are in office. There is nothing said about your stand on issues.
The title of Dr is being promoted, what is the degree awarded and at what institution?
I too I’m trying to make an informed decision about this candidate. Is she Pro life or Pro choice that is important information for me to make my decision.
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Same here. Not much to go on. What are her plans for the future?
The same woman who openly bullies opponents and questions the validity of their ethnicity. Also stole milions from her own community. Her campaign staff openly attacks and bullies others on instagram.
Ditto! Dr.appears very bright but what platforms are you standing on?A few more days prior to voting …
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