by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Stating she was concerned about “accuracy and accountability” at the Supervisor of Elections Office, City Council member Suzanne Jenkins announced Monday that she will seek the office in the 2007 election and that she feels she has a broad base of support.
“I have been asked by people all across Duval County to enter the race,” said Jenkins. “Republicans and Democrats, people from all areas, races and ethnicities.”
The timing of the announcement had nothing to do with today’s mid-term election, Jenkins said.
“It doesn’t matter what happens tomorrow,” she said. “I believe enough has gone on.”
Jenkins said she feels she is qualified for the office because she wants to, “be accountable and be responsible.” She added she feels the post requires someone, “who will listen and is trained in conflict resolution.
“I want to return the Supervisor of Elections Office to a level of fair and true results,” she said. “Voter files have not been updated. Polling places have changed and voters have not been notified. It’s time to bring back confidence and integrity.”
Jenkins said she has been concerned about how Duval County elections have been handled for some time and finally made the decision to run for the office about two weeks ago when she learned about a family member’s voting experience.
According to Jenkins, one of her daughters went to the Supervisor of Elections Office to vote early and was told after she had completed her ballot that “the machine was broken” and that she should “just leave the ballot at the office” and her vote would be entered later.
When asked why she is seeking the Supervisor of Elections post when rumors have been circulating that she might run for mayor after her term limit on the Council expires, Jenkins said, “I looked at where the need was. I looked at where I thought I would fit best and the skills set that I would be bringing. I want to restore confidence in the process. For people to know that their vote counts is very important.
“My father was in the Marine Corps and he instilled in me a sense of duty. This is not about what I can do for my country, this is about what I can do for my city. I look forward to continuing to serve.”