Wednesday, November 04, 2020

Donald Payne Jr. re-elected to U.S. of Representatives

Democrat Donald Payne Jr. wins a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District.

Payne easily defeated Republican Jennifer Zinone. Early vote totals have Payne winning 86% of the vote with over 60% of precints reporting.

VOTE TOTALS

Donald Payne Jr.: 161,805

Jennifer Zinone: 21,381

Tuesday, November 03, 2020

Cory Booker wins re-election to U.S. Senate

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker easily won re-election Tuesday to a second six-year term in Washington.

The Associated Press called the race for Booker shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m.

Booker, the first Black elected to the Senate from New Jersey, defeated Republican Rik Mehta, according to the Associated Press.

Booker's Senate win comes after his unsuccessful presidential primary bid, which was suspended in January 2020 before Booker officially endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in March.

Monday, November 02, 2020

Stacey Abrams speech in support of Joe Biden at Atlanta Rally 11/02/2020

Former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally in support of Joe Biden and other Democrats at a rally hosted by former President Barrack Obama in Atlanta. Watch her entire speech below:

Sunday, November 01, 2020

Deputy Chief Jakari Young Named Daytona Beach's First African American Police Chief

City Manager James Chisholm announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Jakari Young as Daytona Beach’s (FL) next police chief. Chief Young will take over as police chief on Friday, Nov. 6, and he will take his oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick L. Henry will administer the oath.

Young, 42, will be the department’s first African American police chief and its 17th chief since 1919. Young has served as the department’s deputy chief since 2017 and has been a member of the command staff for the past six years.

“I believe Jakari’s the right choice to serve as Daytona Beach’s next police chief. He knows our community, has a stellar track record and has the respect of his peers. He has established himself as a competent law enforcement professional and is well qualified to lead our department,” said Chisholm.

Young will replace outgoing Chief Craig Capri, who is retiring from the Daytona Beach Police Department after a 30-year career. Capri served as police chief since 2017.

“I would like to thank our City Manager James Chisholm for providing me this opportunity,” Young said, “I am extremely humbled and honored to lead this great organization. The dedication, commitment and professionalism displayed by the men and women of this department is second to none, and I couldn’t be any prouder to be their leader. I am also extremely excited to be able to continue to both serve and partner with our 68,000 plus residents and business owners on a daily basis while executing 21st century policing strategies to both reduce and prevent crime.”

He added, “Much love and respect to my friend, mentor and predecessor Chief Craig Capri for all of his support and guidance throughout my career. I wish him nothing but the best in all future endeavors.”

During his 19-year tenure with the Daytona Beach Police Department, Young has worked in various operational and administrative capacities, including the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, Special Response Team, Crisis Intervention Team and the Office of Professional Standards. He has been recognized with several awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Medals of Merit, Chief’s Awards, commendations and the Bernard Schneider Award.

Young holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from Bethune-Cookman University in Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Administration, respectively. He holds memberships in the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Young is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute and the Florida Leadership Academy. He also serves on the Board of Directors for SMA Healthcare. He is a happily married father of three children.

The Daytona Beach Police Department has an annual budget of $40 million and employs 256 sworn officers and 60 civilian employees.

Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants a Federal Plan for Education during a Public Health Crisis

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced the Pandemic Planning and Response for Schools Act today. The bill would “require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education to create a public plan for the continuation of education during a public health emergency.”

“My bill is a direct response to the failed leadership of the Trump Administration regarding how to reopen schools during this global pandemic,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “Right now, we have school districts across the country trying to figure out how to teach students and keep them safe during this public health crisis without any federal guidelines or standards. We need a plan from the two federal agencies that handle public health and education to guide schools on what to do during such an emergency.”

The bill states that a plan to outline how to continue student education during a public health crisis must be created and available to Congress, the States, and the public no later than 30 days after an emergency has been declared. The plan would provide requirements and recommendations on how to protect students and faculty during in-class instruction. If schools need to be closed, the plan would give directions regarding how to conduct online classes with direct supervision from a teacher or classroom instructor. In addition, it would provide rules and guidelines for what to do if schools use in-class and online instruction for students during the emergency.