State Senate District 1 candidate Denise Lee attended the First Coast Tiger Bay Club meeting Thursday morning. In an informal debate, Lee and her opponent, Tony Hill, addressed the club and answered several questions. After the meeting, Lee spent a few minutes with Daily Record staff writer Mike Sharkey, talking about the race and her political career.
Question: This race has been described by many people many different ways. How would you describe the race?
Answer: I would describe it as, unfortunately, a group of people attempting to pick and choose who should serve and who shouldn’t. My concern has been, unfortunately through this race, not being able to discuss the issues at the level you should be able to, rather than having to discuss who the politicians are supporting.
Q: Did you have any idea this race would came down to that?
A: No. There were a lot of rumors and innuendoes but I had no idea that people were going to try to determine who could run and who couldn’t. The bottom line is, it’s the people’s election.
Q: It’s been implied that this race has divided the black community in Jacksonville. What are your thoughts on that issue?
A: You know, I really resent that because black folks aren’t owned by any one person. Black folks go out and apply for jobs and they don’t stop the interviewer and say, ‘Hold it. If anybody black has applied then tear my application up because I don’t want to work. I don’t want to drive a car. I don’t want to take care of my family.’ I think it’s unfortunate that the other camp has intentionally attempted to confuse and mislead many African-Americans and many voters into believing that for some reason my entry into the race means something is wrong, whereas I’m the longest-serving black elected official at this time. The people and I have worked together to accomplish a lot of things right here in Duval County. So why would someone want to even suggest to people that me coming into the race somehow splits the community? I think it’s intentional to confuse people and attempt to hand-pick who represents the people.
Q: If you had known this was how the race was going to evolve, would you have still gotten in?
A: Absolutely. I was guided this way. I prayed and this is where I was guided. I’ve always fought and I’ve always stood up for people. I’ve been in a lot of wars and a lot of battles. I guess this is just another battle.
Q: Do you expect to win the primary and have you given any thoughts as to what you’ll do if you don’t win?
A: I’ve always campaigned and I never call an election. All I know to do is work hard and to make sure I’ve done everything I can to be successful. After that, let the chips fall where they may. I will always remain in politics. I think it’s one of the things you can do to help a lot of people at one time. I’ve been doing it since I was 22-years-old and I’m 50 now. I can’t imagine me not being involved on some political level.
Q: There is less than two weeks left until the primary (Sept. 10). What’s the game plan the last few days?
A: Work. Just work and getting the vote out.
Q: How do you do that?
A: You knock on doors. Wherever people are is where you’ll see me.
Q: Do you have a media blitz planned the last 12 days or will there be a lot of face-to-face campaigning?
A: Lots of face-to-face and mail outs and door knocking. Whatever way you can get to the people is what I’ll do.
Q: The district is large and there’s not much time. Do you focus locally because this is where your main support is or do you try to spread yourself equally over the entire district?
A: I’m just campaigning all over. Duval County, obviously, is the base, has the most voters and I’m going to always make sure that I look out for home. Now, if I win, all of these places will be home. So, I’m here, I’m in Daytona, St. Johns County and Palatka. I’m everywhere.
Q: If you win the general election in November, what will be your biggest priority?
A: My biggest priority will be — I have 11 failing schools in my district — to look at what kind of programs can be put together to address the FCAT. I don’t think it should necessarily be abolished, but it certainly shouldn’t be used as a sole criteria for determining a school’s performance.