International

Ballot Issues for Florida Voters

MIAMI GARDENS, U.S.A. – Councilwoman Shannon “Lady” Ighodaro, the first woman of Bahamian descent elected to the Miami Gardens City Council seat no. 3, is deeply involved in this election highlighting the stark contrasts between the candidates.

Published

4 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Kendeno Knowles

“Depending on which side of the aisle you are on, you’re going to vote not necessarily for the person, but what i would call the issues,” she said.

Key issues for Miami Gardens include marijuana policies, disproportionate incarceration rates among African Americans, healthcare costs, and immigration.

As a city with diverse diaspora communities. Immigration is a particularly resonant issue.

With 30 years in Miami Gardens and over a decade in politics, Ighodaro’s perspective is shaped by her experience across many election cycles.

“I believe that this one has really sort of rallied the support, especially for the immigrant community,” Ighodaro said.

“I know the struggle. 30 years ago, I was that immigrant student, and I know that madame vice president is the daughter of immigrants, and she herself can certainly relate to that. So, I think what stands out for me, is the rallying cry from the immigrant community, or the diaspora, like we like to say, of which the Bahamians are so richly represented.”

Ighodaro points out the Bahamian diaspora’s concern for the economic implications recognizing the close economic ties between the U.S. and The Bahamas, driven by tourism.

“While on the council, I really, really understood the importance of trade and commerce and the location,” the councilwoman said. “The difference is what? 35 minutes on the jet? And so, I think it’s important to understand that economics will always be the driver.”

For Ighodaro, the interwoven political and cultural ties make this election crucial especially given the Bahamian impact on Florida’s history and economy.