Former Orlando Chief of Police and 2016 Congressional candidate, Val Demings, addressed The Villages Democratic Club on Saturday at Colony Cottage Recreation Center.
Demings’ last visit to The Villages was in 2012 and she proudly noted the bigger turnout this time.
Reflecting on 2014, a year in which she called “painful for the Democratic Party,” Demings went over a strategic plan to help make 2016 a successful year for Democrats based on recommendations from a Democratic Task Force.
The Democratic Party, Demings explained, needs a new “clear and concise” message that displays strength and unity. She then focused on the importance of improving communication by utilizing social media to reach out to the youth and facilitate Democratic information throughout the state.
“We have an obligation to supporting and vetting our candidates,” Demings said in regard to the importance of candidate recruiting.
As for the running in 2016 for Congress, Demings touched on her campaign and what prompted her second bid to unseat incumbent Congressman Daniel Webster whose district stretches from Fruitland Park-Leesburg down through Orlando to Winter Garden. However, the district is the subject of a battle to redraw it to make it more Democratic-friendly.
“What I cared about was that Webster attempted to block everything we stood for,” Demings said.
She said, “how the maps are drawn will make all the difference,” in the Congressional elections.
The Florida Supreme Court is left with the decision to select a new Congressional map by Oct, 17.
“I’m much wiser and I believe I’m a stronger candidate,” said Demings as she reflected on her growth as a politician.
As for her platform, Demings said she will fight for economic opportunity and criminal justice reform. She is also determined that the Democratic Party will be stronger and ready to tackle any accusations from the opposing side with facts, as long as supporters work in unity.
