By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - Residents will see incumbent Gertrude Walker running against Stephanie Morgan for the St. Lucie County supervisor of election seat on the November ballot.
Hometown News asked the candidates the same questions about their campaigns. Their answers are below in alphabetical order, and can also be found online at www.myhometownnews.net.
Hometown News does not endorse any candidates for political office, but instead provides information about each candidate for voters to make an educated decision.
Name: Stephanie Morgan
Occupation: All About You, which helps local companies brand and promote their businesses.
Family: Husband, David and stepsons Gareth and Ethan.
Name: Gertrude Walker
Occupation: St. Lucie County supervisor of elections
Family: Husband, Charles and children Charles Jr., Charlene, Melanie and Aldon.
Q: How long have you lived in St. Lucie County?
Morgan: I was born in Hickory, N.C., and moved to Port St. Lucie in 1963.
Walker: I have lived here 50 years.
Q: Why should voters choose you?
Morgan: For the first time in 20 years, the voters have a choice. I will bring new leadership, new energy and new ideas to the position. I am very involved in the community and will continue my involvement by providing information and education to the voters and future voters of St. Lucie County in order to "promote the vote."
Walker: I have a proven record of conducting impartial, secure, trouble-free elections for the past 32 years. I have operated the supervisor of elections office with integrity, fairness and efficiency, and provided prompt and courteous service to all the citizens of St. Lucie County. There is no substitute for experience when it comes to conducting elections.
Q: What are the top two issues you wish to see addressed?
Morgan: Many people I have talked with have expressed their concerns about their taxes. I will be taking a very close look at the budget and will look for ways to save the taxpayers money. We have to work within our means.
One issue I heard and read about was the timing and the way the election results from the primary were presented. I realize that accuracy is of the utmost importance; however, in the way our technology has advanced we have to be aware of what is out there, such as software updates, smartphones, Facebook, etc. in order to disseminate information in a timely manner.
Walker: As a parent, grandparent and a concerned citizen, the two most important issues are jobs that provide a living wage and a solution to the drainage problems.
Q: If you could, what would be the one thing you would change in the county and why?
Morgan: In regard to voting, it would be to increase voter turnout. Be being involved in the community is key, as this allows for providing information to the voters. Voters need to know their vote does count.
Walker: There must be some large manufacturer located in the frozen north that would like to relocate to sunny St. Lucie County and put people to work. This will take economic development and improved infrastructure to facilitate this wish.