A COUPLE OF IMPRESSIVE CANDIDATES

At last night's Polk County Democratic Executive Committee meeting in Bartow, I had the chance to hear a couple of excellent individuals who I hope will do well in their upcoming elections.

Stephen Gorham is a gentleman recently seperated from the U.S. Navy, where he served America in the Middle East. Raised in Lakeland, he now lives in Plant City with his family, and is running for the Tenth State Senate District seat being vacated by Tom Lee (R - Brandon).

Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts is an African-American businesswoman seeking the Lakeland City Commission Southeast District seat being vacated by Seth McKeel, who is running for a state legislative post. She is in a runoff against Edie Yates.

They both presented themselves quite well, although they could spend a bit more time talking about the issues that are premier in their races.