BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Jackie Beiro describes her beliefs through a quote from A. Philip Randolph: “A community is only democratic when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.”

“This was the reason I filed to run for Hillsborough County Supervisor Of Elections,” said Beiro.

“Not one person in my party showed any interest, so I stepped up to the plate in 2010. As the only Democratic candidate, with less than 3 months to qualify, we fell just short of the 8,000 valid signatures required to get on the ballot, so we started early for the 2012 election to ensure that would not happen again.”

Beiro said she is announcing her resignation as a candidate due to recent family health issues that will require long-term attention. [private]

“Although I’m stepping back, I am not stepping away from advocating on behalf of those with no voice and little political clout. However, in stepping off from the front lines, I have a suggestion or two for the Democratic Party: A glaring common threat was found in the 15,000 voters that have signed my petitions. It is the reality of the Democratic Party as an organization and what it means to the average Jane and Joe. The party is littered with folks who talk big, but in reality deliver little more than lip service. Democrats need to be more inviting and accessible. They need to make room for minority voices and issues, not stifle them, and certainly not dislike and disavow them when they speak up.”

Beiro said she was surprised to find out that the majority of the people she spoke with had no idea there is a local Democratic Party. “They have never been invited to participate in the party, and have no clue as to what it is the party does.”

Beiro said her message to the Supervisor of Elections Office is the need for more education and the creation of a simple system.[/private]