District 3 County Commission candidate Alison Austin delivers remarks to supporters

TACOLCY Center director Alison Austin kicked off her campaign to unseat Audrey Edmonson as County Commissioner for District 3 with an event at Grand Central on June 28. 

Some community members present to show support for Austin were: businessman Tony Prado; former Burger King executive Stephanie Sylvestre; community activist Eufaula Frazier; educator and non-profit agency head Carline Paul; and Bishop James Adams of St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church of Overtown.

Austin voiced disapproval of major decisions made by Edmonson such as the vote for the Marlins stadium that left taxpayers saddled with millions of dollars in debt.

“There is a misnomer in our community. Some believe that the power is in the position, but real power is with the people,” Austin said. “I’ve been watching much of my community die around me while others play politics.”

Imploring constituents to “be the change you want to see,” Austin issued an impassioned invitation for fellow “Hope Dealers” to join her in the transformation of District 3.

“There are local and national examples of successful community revitalization right here in District 3 in the Design District, Wynwood, Upper Eastside and Midtown.”

Austin said the entire district, which also includes Overtown, Liberty City, Allapattah, Brownsville and Little Haiti, should also thrive.

She said that leaders should represent the “people’s interests,” not special interests.

“When the people have a voice, they are empowered, when empowered they vote, when they vote, they are engaged, when engaged, they thrive, when they thrive, communities are whole.”

For more information on the campaign to elect Alison Austin, visit www.electalisonaustin.com.