Candidate: Wendell Sams

Wendell Sams Candidate for City Council I was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 26, 1964 and grew up in Folsom, Louisiana. Upon graduating from Mandeville High School, I enrolled in the United States Army, and served honorably on both Active and Reserve Duty status from 1987 to 2003, as a Cannon Crewman and a Military Police Officer. I was called to preach Gospel Ministry at the early age of 14 and called to Pastor Hatton Pond Baptist Church in Stuarts Draft, Virginia in 1995. I worked as a Supervisor of Security for the Am-South Banks in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Katrina disaster. In 2004 and later started my own business, formally known as W.S. & D. Line Painting Services, while upholding key roles as President of Chandler Middle School’s PTA, John Marshall High School’s PTSA, and Vice President of Henderson Middle School’s PTA. I later obtained my Master’s Degree in Theology from the Spirit of Truth Institute in Richmond, Virginia all while raising my two youngest daughters as a strong single parent. In December of 2010 I relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where I’m currently a Member and Associate Minister of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Pastored by the Rev. Dr. A. D. Denard. Married to the lovely Mrs. Lisa Michelle Sams, who was born and raised here in Jacksonville, Florida, I Coach boxing at P.A.L. on canal street, I am a member of the Masonic Order and former member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Campaign Platform • Bring new businesses to the 7th District in which will create more competitive careers. • Develop strategic methods on lowering taxes. • Putting our Uniform Police Officers, Fire fighters and School Teachers back to work. • Establishing accountability for the safety of our home businesses and vacant properties as well as positions held. • Making sure that our children, seniors, and disabled veterans are cared for. • Listening to the concerns, ideas, and visions of the residents in our District. • Working hand and hand with communities and leaders to restore and or rebuild our neighborhoods and increase the property value in and around our district. • Work jointly with other members of the council to restructure low-income housing. Stand for equality in our district as well as in our city.