Albany area Democrats look to build enthusiasm for November

ALBANY – Eagerly grabbing campaign signs for presidential candidate Kamala Harris and cheering a slate of speakers, southwest Georgia Democrats welcomed a campaign office to Albany that will coordinate political efforts in the region.

The 323 Pine Ave. Dougherty County Coordinated Campaign Office will serve as the headquarters for volunteer efforts and a one-stop location to pick up campaign paraphernalia. Among the Democratic candidates represented at the Friday opening were Harris, District 2 U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop and District 153 state Rep. David Sampson, who gave remarks.

Among the more than 100 who gathered for the opening were Maria and Jose Gonzalez, Cuban Americans who relocated to the Albany area from Florida. The couple shared their thoughts on the presidential race.

“I like Kamala Harris,” Jose Gonzalez said. “I don’t like Trump’s politics at all. I just want to be free and happy without having to look at hate and everything else he represents.”

Gonzalez, who came to the United States when he was 11 and operated a furniture business for 40 years with his wife, said he has prospered in the country and wants future generations, including their children, to have the same opportunities.

The couple said they know Hispanic people who have fled terrible conditions in their home countries and are also looking for those opportunities, not a handout.

“I’ve been working since I was 12,” Jose Gonzalez said. “I don’t know what they’re talking about. There are good people and bad people in every country.

“I love this country. I love the opportunities the United States has given me and my wife. Now we’d like to pass this on to other people.”

Maria Gonzalez, who has been in the country since the age of 5, said Republicans don’t represent her views.

“The reason that I came out is I believe we need to elect Kamala Harris to be our next president,” she said. “I think she’ll make a good president.

“I don’t believe in abortion, but I don’t believe the government should tell me what I should do. For me, a president must be someone who cares for the people and wants the best for the people.”

The office gives Democrats the headquarters to boost candidates from the top of the ticket to the bottom, Dougherty County Democratic Committee Chair Joyce Barlow said during an interview prior to the ceremony.

“We’re just excited, and this is electrifying because we are working very hard,” she said. “Whether it’s canvassing, phone-banking, texting … whatever it takes, we’re going to be out there.

“This will be the space to come and pick up signs and be involved. Because we are headed toward victory. We are headed toward victory in November.”

For Marvin Gibson, a retired insurance agent in Albany, the excitement in having an opportunity to vote for Harris is greater than that of voting for Barack Obama. He and wife Valerie Gibson signed up to volunteer during the Friday event.

“I really feel it’s time for a change, and she’s just the person for that change,” he said. “My feeling is the country has been divided long enough. It’s time to unite. You don’t want to go backwards.

“I’ve voted all my life. I’ve never been more excited about this vote than any time in history.”

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]