While working in the county, I had the opportunity to sit on several Boards and Committees, including serving as the Chairwoman of two organizations: the Miami-Dade Commission for Women and the Family Action Network Movement. I am also a long-standing member of the Legislative Committee.
Question: In retirement, in your 50's, you are running for office for the first time. Why?
Woodson: I had to raise my children first. I made a commitment to my family that I would not run for office until my youngest child goes to College. I believe that running for office or being an elected official requires personal sacrifices and extracts a toll not just on you; but, on your family and as a mother, I had an obligation to be there for my family while working in county government full-time.
Now that my youngest is in college, I decide to throw my hat in the ring and continue to serve my community on a larger scale. As a leader In my community, I want to continue to bring about change and create a positive impact.
My rich and diverse background and my professional and advocacy experiences have greatly prepared me to the path that I currently choose to follow. Public service is in my DNA and as a former county executive, a statewide and local volunteer, a long-time Hollywood resident, I know the challenges voters face. I want to craft solutions to these challenges and I am ready to represent well the residents of District 101 and the State of Florida as a whole.
Question: Ok, but what do you want to do if you win?
Woodson: I believe in fairness and equality for all and want our State and specifically the residents of District 101 to fare better.
I would like to work for a better public education system where our children, teachers and parents fare well and attain a more prosperous future. The people in District 101 also need a better healthcare system that is more affordable to all.
I also want to see that mental health is given the priority it deserves in order for our children and families to function at their full potential. We need the state to support a system where college graduates or those who took a trade from a technical school can afford to rent an AFFORDABLE apartment and are not strangled with students loans, an economy where we have jobs and that families don't have to work two jobs to make ends meet, a safer community where our children and families are not subjected to so much gun violence or violent crimes, a community where our seniors and veterans can live a more dignified life. I want to bring the resources down to our district and be able to effect change.
Question: What has surprised you about running for political office?
Woodson: I have had several surprises during this campaign. A few are more alarming than others with the first one being the COVID-19 pandemic. No one was ready for this nightmare and it took our community, our state, our nation and the world by surprise. People are fighting for their lives and it has become impossible for candidates to continue with canvassing or to move along with fundraising activities. It is really surprising how unprepared we were as a State, as a Country to deal with the pandemic; but, our community is strong and people are there for each other.
Another surprise is the fact that the need in our district is even greater than expected. We have a lot of work ahead of us to address some of the issues plaguing our community. The good thing is we are ready and committed to collaboratively do the work for the betterment of our district and our State as a whole.
Question: How many days a week were you working on your campaign before the Coronavirus was declared a pandemic? How many hours a day?
Woodson: Campaigning is a 24/7 job. I was living and breathing the campaign; but with the pandemic I am still engaged 24/7, but more so through social media without the personal contacts. The pandemic has hindered the one-on-one contacts with the residents which is priceless in connecting with people and finding out the real needs or underlying issues.
Question: How did potential voters react to you when you started campaigning? Did the reactions change as news about the Coronavirus became more serious?
Woodson: When I started campaigning, the reaction of the voters was so positive and warm. I really felt rejuvenated and inspired every time I met and engaged in a conversation with a voter. Once the news became more serious about COVID-19, people were disengaged, distant and politics were the last thing on their minds. Their priorities changed and every one was and is in a survival state which is expected.
I fully understand this. I hope that we continue to be there for each other and hopefully, get through this nightmare together. We will, and I believe a new day will come because we are resilient people.
Question: Is there anything I didn't give you a chance to discuss?
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