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Stew Lilker’s

Columbia County Observer

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Columbia County NAACP to Hold Election for Officers: Florida State Conference to Preside

Dale Landry - NAACP regional VP
Dale Landry, Regional VP of the FL State Conference of the NAACP, will be on hand to see that the local election is run by the book.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – On December 15th at 10 am, in Columbia County's Richardson Community Center, Dale Landry, regional vice president of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, will preside over the local branch election process. Vice President Landry explained that nominations for all positions will be taken from the floor and then elections will be conducted after the slate is established. He said the election will be conducted consistent with the NAACP 2012 unit election guidelines.

Long time Columbia County Branch President, John Mayo, added that in order to vote, one must be a NAACP member for at least 30 days.

President Mayo encourages every member to attend, even if they can't vote. He said, "I hope everyone that can attend this important meeting attends. When they see how the NAACP works, maybe they will have others join."

President Mayo said he hopes a younger person will run for president of the organization. "It's taught me so much. It's a wonderful position to have. It is so rewarding."

NAACP Secretary, Presley, and President Mayo
Long time Columbia County NAACP officers, (left to right) Glynell Presley, Secretary, and John Mayo, President, stand together on Martin Luther King Day in 2011. They may be turning over the reigns of the local branch to the next generation of leaders.

President Mayo continued, "I would like to see someone get elected so I can help them along – a young person. That is what I am hoping for."

"The NAACP is a great organization and we don't want the local branch to fall apart."

The Observer asked, "Do you have a problem with the state organization coming in and running the election?"

President Mayo answered, "Absolutely not. The state supports the president. Any time that they feel that I need a little bit of help to make sure that I am not intimidated by anyone -- whatever they need to do -- they will always come and help you out. This year they feel that I need a little help and that's why they will be here."

President Mayo joined the NAACP when he was a teenager in the 50s. "At that time," he said, "The membership fee was only five dollars and I never realized that I would be so active. I just wanted to do my part."

"I remember when my membership came in the mail. My mama said, "'My lord, you don't know what you're doing. We might have visits from those people -- the KKK.'" I had no fear."

"I'm looking forward to the future and forward to the election. I know that the NAACP has made a difference in this country. I know that – I know that. I would never turn my back on the NAACP. I am hoping a young person steps up."

Comments  (to add a comment go here)

On Dec 1, 2012, WD wrote:

What going on within this organization? It appears strange that the State NAACP Dale Landry is coming into Lake City to hold an election. Isn't this the same person from Tallahassee who came into town to oust the police chief? My opinion, this man needs to be removed from his position. When is he up for reelection?

 

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Update: December 2, 2012  10:20 pm

On November 19, 2012, at 3:06 pm, Debra White, 2nd VP of the Branch, sent the following e mail to Dale Landry regarding the Columbia County NAACP election:

I was contacted by State Representatives of NAACP on November 16, 2012, and November 19, 2012 informing me that the election scheduled for the Columbia County Branch NAACP on November 19, 2012, has been cancelled and will be conducted by State or National representatives at a later time.  As instructed I have contacted the officers of our local branch and requested the Branch President make the appropriate announcement to the local council at the general body meeting.

An hour and twenty six minutes later, at 4:32 pm, Dale Landry responded to Ms. White:

Thank you VP White.  Please advise President Mayo that after review of the complaint forwarded to the FSC NAACP regarding the violation of process regarding the Nominating Committee, and discussion with President Mayo, President Nweze after consulting with the National Office has suspended the election in Columbia County to protect the voting rights of the members of the Branch.  10 days notice will be provided to all members of the Branch of the new election date that will occur in December 2012.

Furthermore:

Prior to the publication date of this article, your reporter had spoken with a few people regarding what went on at the NAACP during the election nominating process and events subsequent to that. No one wanted to be quoted; no one went on the record; and no one would be quoted if their names were withheld.

On November 29th, your reporter spoke with Debra White. Ms. White told the Observer that she supported the actions of President Mayo and he was the spokesperson for the Branch.

On November 29th, your reporter spoke with Glynell Presley. Mr. Presley told the Observer that President Mayo was the spokesperson for the local branch. Mr. Presley added that he would have more to say "after the first of the year."

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The Observer has gotten a complaint that material was left out of the story. I hope this additional material, which is all that we have, is helpful. Stew Lilker  ED/Pub