Florida politics – Daisy For Florida

Press Release: Florida House Candidate Daisy Morales Blasts Orlando Sentinel for False Reporting

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 23, 2020) – In response to the Orlando Sentinel’s September 22, 2020 article accusing her of failing to attend Soil & Water Board meetings, Florida House District 48 nominee Daisy Morales is calling out the Orlando Sentinel once more to report accurately and stop its propaganda campaign to mislead readers in order to sway another election.

The article states in relevant part:

“…Morales, 59, has served as an elected Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District supervisor since 2014, though she was absent for meetings of the nonpartisan environmental board from March 2019 to February 2020. She has said she had tried to call into the meetings for months — even yelling into the phone —until she realized she was calling the wrong number.”

“During the time she failed to attend the Soil & Water Conservation District board’s meetings, she attended ribbon cuttings alongside Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Hurricane Dorian press conferences and participated in holiday parades as a board supervisor.”

Morales slammed the Orlando Sentinel’s claims. “This article frames a poisonous narrative that I was absent from Board meetings for a year, and that’s an outright lie,” said Morales. “To be clear, I was present for the March 2019 meeting, because the Board needed to vote on a new Board Chair. And for the record, as Supervisor in 2018 and as Board Chair in 2019, I pushed for all supervisors to attend all meetings in person. The others voted against me to allow supervisors to also call in as an option. One careful look at the minutes would’ve confirmed that. According to state law, minutes and agendas should be available for review on the website, orangesoilandwater.org.

“I was physically present during the January 2020 meeting, which an Orlando Sentinel reporter, Ryan Gillespie, was present for and covered in January. Florida National News also covered the meeting. It appears the reporter for this article, Stephen Hudak, sourced the fact that I dialed the wrong number from Gillespie’s January 17, 2020 article, and yet Gillespie’s article confirms my January attendance while this article falsely pegs me as absent. I was also present for the February 2020 meeting, so Hudak’s reporting of my absences is false.

“This article also conveniently omits the fact that some meetings were canceled altogether. Again, a careful review of the minutes would have confirmed that.

“The Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board is comprised of five elected supervisors and is structured to be able to run with a three-person quorum, meaning two supervisors can be absent. Only the Board can vote on what counts as an inexcusable absence, and it hasn’t in the last six years. Supervisor Michael Barber is Board Chair and Secretary, Supervisor Dawn Curtis is Vice Chair, former Supervisor Nicole McLaren was the Public Relations Liaison, and Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan is Treasurer. Why am I being targeted by the Orlando Sentinel? I can always be reached–to the point where state government had to contact me in order to reach several other supervisors because the agencies had difficulty reaching them.

“There is no excuse for the inaccuracies in this article. I’m calling on the Orlando Sentinel to apologize to the public and correct this false and misleading piece to reflect the truth, because it’s wrongful and damaging. Readers are relying on this information as if it’s the truth. A letter has already been written to the editor and published by the Orlando Sentinel in response to this under the false impression that I was absent for a year.

“I’ll say again, the public deserves to have a news outlet that is accurate, transparent and trustworthy.”

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Daisy Morales Endorses Karolyn Campbell in Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Race

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 21, 2020) – State Representative nominee and Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales has endorsed the Board’s first legally blind candidate, Karolyn Campbell, who is running to replace Supervisor Morales on the Board.

“I endorse Karolyn Campbell for Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Seat 2. She brings experience and extensive knowledge of Orange County’s natural resources,” said Supervisor Morales.

Campell serves on the Orange County Disability Board, where Supervisor Morales also serves as Vice Chair. She also often volunteered with Supervisor Morales on several community events over the years.

Campbell boasts a background in environmental education, life cycle sustainment, soil and water conservation management and green initiatives. As a speaker and mentor, she’s been an advocate for increasing diversity, women, and people with special needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for creative solutions.

Supervisor Morales has advocated for the special needs community for many years. She was the legal guardian and caretaker for her mother and special needs sister, both of whom are now deceased. This cause is so personal to her, she made it a campaign promise in her run for State Representative for District 48.

Supervisor Morales won the Florida House District 48 primary against four opponents Tuesday night.

“I promised the people of District 48 that I would go to Tallahassee and fight for quality healthcare for all and for the special needs community,” said Supervisor Morales recently. “What better way to advocate for them than to help someone from the community get elected to public office?” Supervisor Morales added. “Karolyn is more than qualified for the seat.”

Campbell, a military veteran and UCF graduate, has four Bachelor of Science degrees: in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Molecular and Microbiology, and Psychology; she holds a Master of Science in System Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation and Finance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Campbell also graduated from the Department of the Navy Acquisition Development Program in August 2012. She is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III Career Field Certified in Engineering and Life Cycle Logistics and also holds certifications in Program Management, Facilities Engineering, Science & Technology Management, SPRDE – Program Systems Engineering, and is a Defense Acquisition Corps Member.

Campbell is running against Sean McQuade in a special election in November to serve the remaining two years of Supervisor Morales’s Seat 2 term. The seat is available again in 2022.

McQuade ran against incumbent Supervisor Morales in the 2018, losing with 144,321 votes to Morales’s 256,342.

The general election takes place November 3, 2020.

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Morales Campaign Announces Endorsement From State House Candidate and Community Leader Andrew Jeng

ORLANDO, Fla. – Supervisor Daisy Morales‘ campaign announces endorsement from Asian American community leader and Florida House District 43 candidate Andrew Jeng in her primary race for State Representative.

Jeng is a global business leader who has served as the president of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs of Central Florida, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, and Kiwanis Club of Kissimmee. Jeng is also a former police lieutenant of the Taiwan National Police Agency and a current member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Congressman Darren Soto also recently recognized Jeng in the Congressional Record as a distinguished community leader on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I’m endorsing Supervisor Daisy Morales for Florida House District 48 because of her ongoing track record of being a champion for diversity and inclusion for communities of color, low-income families, seniors and the special needs community,” said Andrew Jeng.

“Daisy has proven time after time that she is a true public servant for all communities, including the Asian-American community. She is a leader we trust to be our voice in Tallahassee. We know her and she knows our community.

“She’s in the trenches building trust and acceptance by making sure no community is left behind. I am proud to see Daisy run as the diversity and inclusion candidate.

“Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang and members of the Asian-American community were invited as special guests by Supervisor Morales to witness Orange County’s first African-American mayor, Jerry Demings, administer her oath of office for re-election in 2018. Daisy was the first elected official to receive this historic honor by our new mayor.

“Daisy made sure our community had a seat at the table, and she’ll do even more for the people of District 48 and our state as the next State Representative, ” Jeng stated.

“It’s an honor beyond measure to receive the endorsement from such a distinguished community leader like Andrew Jeng,” said Supervisor Daisy Morales. “Families in Orange and Osceola counties trust Andrew to fight for them every day as a community leader, and I am honored to have his trust, his ideas, and his participation as we build this bottom-up campaign to make sweeping change in Tallahassee and real progress in Florida.”

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: State Representative HD 48 Candidate Daisy Morales Qualifies For 2020 Primary Election Ballot

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 8, 2020) – State Representative HD 48 candidate Supervisor Daisy Morales has qualified for the August 18^th primary election ballot, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

While Morales was the only elected official candidate to enter the race just three weeks ago, she was the first candidate to meet Florida’s requirements to earn a spot on the ballot.

“Our campaign is humbled by the outpouring of support from across Orange County, specially in House District 48. The hard work of my family, friends, and our amazing team of volunteers has enabled me to qualify for the primary election ballot to compete for the Democratic nomination, Supervisor Daisy Morales. “I’m the only candidate in this race with a proven track record of defeating my opponents to win back-to-back countywide elections. In 2018, over 256,000 voters or 64% of the total votes trust me to be their elected leader for a second four-year term.

I currently represent the residents of House District 48 at the county level, as their elected Supervisor on the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. They know me and know them. I look forward to representing them in Tallahassee as the next State Representative.

My campaign earned endorsements from former Democratic Deputy Whip and State Representative John Cortes , City of Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver, III and Music Artist Lillie Nicole McCloud.

Release: Morales Campaign Announces Endorsement From City of Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver, III

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 29, 2020) – Supervisor Daisy Morales announced today, City of Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver, III has endorsed her campaign for State Representative of House District 48, which is part of Orange County.

“Supervisor Daisy Morales is a proven leader whose six-year record as a countywide elected official shows her commitment to diversity and inclusion of all people,” former Ocoee Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioner George Oliver, III said.

“She is the only candidate who understands the challenges Orange County families face everyday and she has the experience necessary to immediately offer real solutions.

With Supervisor Morales, you get a humble leader and quiet warrior who has shown the ability to build consensus in the public and private sectors, work with local, state and federal elected officials to get things done, and that is exactly what the people of House District 48 need in Tallahassee. I am proud to endorse her candidacy for State Representative.”

“I’m proud to earn the support and endorsement of City of Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver, III” Supervisor Morales said. “As local elected officials, we work closely on issues that matters to the people we serve in Ocoee and Orange County to reach the greatest outcome.”

“As the next State Representative of House District 48, I will work tirelessly for the people of House District 48 to expand economic opportunity, improve our schools, fight for affordable healthcare, protect our environment and defend the values that make Florida exceptional.”

Supervisor Daisy Morales was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 to serve on the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. The District is a subdivision of the State of Florida.

Release: Supervisor Daisy Morales Gets Celebrity Endorsement From Music Artist Lillie Nicole McCloud for Florida House District 48

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 29, 2020) – International R&B and Dance artist Lillie Nicole McCloud is using her star power to rally her millions of followers to support and vote for Daisy Morales for State Representative of Florida House District 48. The outspoken singer, who resides in Orlando, has endorsed Supervisor Morales, highlighting her passion for advocacy and leadership in her role as Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.

McCloud posted a portion of her endorsement on Facebook in response to Supervisor Morales’s announcement of her candidacy. “You are an amazing woman. We certainly need you on top,” she expressed. “We need strong, resourceful, brilliant, hard-working, fair-minded women parked in powerful places who care about the people.”

The international dance singer was also a contestant on FOX’s X Factor during its third season, wowing the world with her vocal performances, garnering over 47 million YouTube views. She’s performed alongside other superstars such as dance legend Donna Allen, three-time GRAMMY nominee Angie Stone, and veteran Hollywood starlet Robin Givens.

“You have my utmost respect for every achievement you have accomplished and for your passion and love for all people, remaining fearless and attacking without hesitation any task that is set before you, getting the jobs done,” she shared in her post.

McCloud, who is currently overseas in Slovakia, lives in District 48, near Orlando International Airport. She has encouraged her followers to volunteer, vote, or donate to Supervisor Morales’s campaign.

“I’m excited to receive Lillie’s endorsement,” said Supervisor Morales. “It’s an honor to have someone of her stature support my campaign.”

This isn’t the first time the famed music artist has supported Morales for public office. Then Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson played an important role in her swearing in ceremony in 2014. “She [McCloud] performed at the event, Demings led the Pledge Allegiance and Congressman Grayson administered the Oath of Office,” said Supervisor Morales.

“I’m honored to have McCloud all in for Team Daisy. I look forward to having her play an active role in my campaign to win the Democratic State Representative nomination in the primary election on August 18.”

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Release: Morales Campaign Announces Endorsement From State Representative John Cortes

“With a steadfast drive to serve her constituents and be as accessible to them as possible, Supervisor Daisy Morales is deeply rooted in the community,” said State Representative John Cortes. “She has no problem working with elected officials across county lines, and she’s no stranger to Tallahassee, having advocated for various issues such as housing, agriculture, the environment, and working wages.”

Cortes added, “She’s a strong advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves, which is exactly what we need in Tallahassee. She is someone that I know and trust, and I look forward to working with her to become the next State Representative of House District 48.”

“It is wonderful to have the backing and guidance of Representative Cortes,” said Supervisor Morales. “I’m honored to have the support of a remarkable public servant at the state level who works every day to keep Floridians safe and plan for smart growth. We share a strong dedication to public safety.”

Morales retired from the U.S. government after working 24 years for various agencies, including the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and State Department.

#TeamDaisy | #DaisyForFlorida | #DaisyFor48

Release: Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales Files to Run for Florida House District 48

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 23, 2020) – Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales filed paperwork Thursday, May 21, 2020 with the Florida Division of Elections to run for State Representative Amy Mercado’s House District 48 seat. Representative Mercado recently filed to run for Orange County Property Appraiser.

The district includes Azalea Park and other south-central Orange County communities, such as Meadow Woods, Taft and Sky Lake. “Representative Mercado has done a great job representing the residents of House District 48 in Tallahassee,” said Morales. “I am running for State Representative to expand upon her work as we move the district and state beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As State Representative for District 48, Morales will focus on:

· Advocating for small businesses and workers’ rights

· Affordable access to quality healthcare, including coverage for mental health and pre-existing conditions

· Protecting Florida’s natural resources and green spaces· Florida agriculture and helping farmers succeed

· Protecting Florida’s most vulnerable populations, especially seniors and the special needs community

For Morales, protecting seniors and the disabled is personal. Morales was caretaker and legal guardian for her sister Diana, who had Down Syndrome and was non-verbal. Diana’s parents were already deceased, she couldn’t work, and she had no spouse. Diana contracted a bedsore while in a nursing home and suffered further, eventually dying, after being transferred to the hospital. Supervisor Morales joined the race for State Representative to ensure what happened to her sister doesn’t happen to anyone else. “One of the bills I will file is to change the Wrongful Death law so it won’t discriminate against people with disabilities,” said Morales. “I want to make sure their siblings have rights to sue when the disabled person’s parents pass away, have no spouse, no children, and no job. I will fight for Diana’s Law to correct the Wrongful Death law.”

Morales was first elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor in 2014 against three opponents, including a current and former board chair (by 83,000 votes). Supervisor Morales was re-elected in 2018 to a second four-year term with 256,000 Orange County votes. As Soil & Water Supervisor, Morales made it a priority to forge strong working relationships with county commissioners and other elected officials, state and federal entities, to serve her constituents. She has worked in partnership with the USDA to secure grant funding for Orange County residents; and the Board partnered with the USDA on a $1 million program to help Apopka nurseries upgrade their water filtration systems with more energy- and water-efficient components to help conserve water being drawn from the aquifer.In partnership with Orange County Commissioners Maribel Gomez Cordero (District 4) and Emily Bonilla (District 5), Morales erected several Soil & Water Conservation District signs along the Orange-Osceola County border, raising environmental awareness for travelers as they pass through Orange County, including one on south Orange Avenue near Mary Louis Lane in District 48.

The 59-year-old Bronx, New York native is of Puerto Rican descent and later moved to Puerto Rico during her teen years. She moved to Orlando in 1989 and has been a resident of Orange County for over 30 years. She retired from the U.S. government after working 24 years for various agencies, including the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and State Department.

Tag: Florida politics