Candidate: Laurence Clifton Daniels

Hello. My name is Laurence Clifton Daniels. Most of you know me as L.A. Daniels. I was born and raised in Washington D.C. Basketball was a big part of my life growing up and my friend Johnny Moore, knowing that I was a diehard fan of Coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins dubbed me L.A. I am the fifth child of seven born to Willie and Delores Daniels, two of the hardest working people I have ever known. There was never a day that my parents weren\'t at home. They were very conservative in their approach to life, family, and finances. They didn\'t believe in spending more than they made and they never worried about keeping up with the neighbors. My brothers and sisters were taught responsibility and to give God His due. Our parents made us understand that we weren\'t owed anything. Work was important in the lives of the Daniels children. My first real paying job was at the age of 12 working for the Washington Daily News as a newspaper delivery boy. I also made extra money shoveling snow. I have to say that growing up in Washington D.C. was fantastic. We were literally the capital of the world. There was a pride for this country that few people outside of the city could understand. Embassy Row, the monuments and museums, the Capital Building and the Supreme Court were all there, right in my backyard. Back then, even with everything going on, we were still proud to be Americans. My belief and commitment to people was forged in Washington D.C. It was there that I received my first official volunteer service in the office of Senator John Tower of Texas running the Scripto machine. I will always be grateful to one of my best friends, Michael Johnson, who worked for the Senator as a Page, for opening the door to this opportunity. There was nothing more exciting than riding the underground train from the U.S. Senate to the Capital Building. After graduating from high school, I entered Seminole Jr. College in Seminole Oklahoma, preparing to enter a four year university. Once I achieved my A.S. degree, I transferred to the University of South Florida in Tampa. I graduated from USF in 1980 with a degree in Social Services. I began my career working with at risk youths and juvenile delinquents. I held several positions working with these troubled children. These positions included mentor at the Resident Camp in Point Lookout, Maryland, Recreation Specialist for the City Of Melbourne, Senior River Instructor and Case Manager for the Hurricane Outward Bound School. I also held positions in the Personnel Department of the City of Melbourne and was responsible for the Incentive Pay System. I also managed the Quality Circle Program, Employee Orientation, the Performance Evaluation System, and the Police and Fire Promotional Examinations. After five years, I moved on to the city of Cocoa where I ran the day to day operations of the Personnel Department. I also acted as a member of the management team for the LIU, PBA, and the IAFF union negotiations. Working as a case manager for The State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, I managed 35 cases. This position brought me here to the west coast of Florida, Arcadia to be exact. Taking a chance at being a small business owner, I left working with the kids and bought a Flowers bread route. I continued bread delivery for four years and sold the route. I also worked for a few years at Palm Auto Mall as a sales associate and for Sheckler’s Produce in produce sales. In 2007, I began working for Brasota Mortuary Transport. It was there that I was able to hone my people skills on a more intimate level. I was there to comfort families during what must have been the worst moments of their lives. With this position I worked closely with the local police departments and sheriff’s departments in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties as well as the medical examiner offices of each county. In January of this year, I resigned from my position at Brasota to focus on getting to know my constituents and becoming your next Charlotte County Commissioner. Thank you for supporting me on this incredible journey. I am currently involved in many community activities including President of the Board of Directors for H.E.L.P in Charlotte County, President of the Board of Directors of the E.D.I.C of Port Charlotte, Committeeman PCT. 50 of the Charlotte County Republican Party, 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Branch 5093, Member of West County Republican Club, Member of the Charlotte/ Desoto Republican Club, Associate Member of Peace River Forum, and a Member of the Charlotte County Task Force. I always have time for the community and those in need and can be found visiting people in need or volunteering for community organized events. Finally, the highlight of my life was becoming a father to four beautiful and successful daughters. I am blessed to have their support and love.