Chamber to host meet and greet for residents to learn about their candidates
By LOIS KINDLE
LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTO
Hundreds of people turned out for the last Eggs & Issues hosted by the Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce in 2016. A large turnout is expected July 27 at this year’s meet and greet.
One way to check out those who’ll be asking for your vote in this fall’s midterm election is to come to Eggs & Issues July 27 and meet them in person.
The Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce, 1651 Sun City Center Plaza, will host the event from 8 a.m. to noon, and you’re invited to enjoy a breakfast sandwich and juice, compliments of South Bay Hospital and William Kidwell of UnitedHealthcare. Just pop in. No RSVP required.
“We’ve invited candidates running for [U.S.] Congress, the Hillsborough County Commission, Hillsborough County School Board and county judge,” said Lynne Conlan, the chamber’s executive director. “We’re expecting a good crowd. We have people pounding the pavement to get their friends and neighbors to come.”
Eggs & Issues isn’t only for the voters. It’s a chance for candidates to learn more about their potential constituents.
“Politicians should definitely be interested in meeting Sun City Center voters,” Conlan continued. “They’re readers; they’re interested in politics; and they care about the future of their community, Hillsborough County and the country. These are the people anyone running for office needs to get in front of. They vote.”
She’s right. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 71 percent of Americans over 65 voted in the 2016 presidential election; 46 percent voted in the 18- to 29-year-old age group. And the number of voters in the over-65 age group continues to rise.
Many of those in attendance will be running for local office.
“If you want to be able to change things close to home on issues that impact you directly, this is the time to meet and interact with people who can make a difference,” Conlan said.
Sun City Center resident Gina Hebert agrees.
“If you’re only going to a candidate’s website or relying on sound bites, you’re not getting the real picture,” she said. “Any time you can meet with a politician one-on-one, you have the opportunity to truly get a sense of who they are.
“There’s a lot on the line every time you vote,” she continued. “So it’s critically important to know whose hands you’re placing your faith and future in.”
There’s still time for candidates to reserve a table and bring their campaign literature and business cards. The cost for a table is $200. For reservations, call Dexter Charles at 813-634-5111.
Admission for residents is free.
“Eggs & Issues is always an interesting, informative event,” Conlan said. “Come have breakfast and ask your burning questions on the important issues.”