It's a rare occurrence but in the very democratic, maybe overly democratic convention system of the United Democratic Party, it does happen. We speak of course of a convention in which an elected Area Representative in good standing, is challenged by a new comer. That is the position that UDP Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony 'Boots' Martinez finds himself this weekend. On Sunday Martinez will be defending his position as standard bearer of the Port Loyola division against newcomer Dawn Lemmott. We today spoke to both of them and got the wisdom of a seasoned veteran and the hope of the newcomer.
Dawn Lemmott, Candidate for UDP Nomination
"The decision was mine to run and the party they are supporting me because it's a democratic process but that is as far as it goes. They were very neutral to the whole process and they are leaving the convention to be as fair as possible so any party can win on that."
Anthony 'Boots' Martinez, Port Loyola Area Representative
"My party constitution says that an area representative is not immune from a challenge. Probably we could talk about what internally but I think in all fairness that whoever is challenging has a right once they reach the requirements. It's a good midterm report card. As a member of the National Assembly its continuous hard work so this is like an exam and when you finish sitting the exam, you must wait for the results. I think I have done a lot of work for the residents of Port Loyola and it's the midterm report and it's a good challenge for myself and the people of Port Loyola."
Dawn Lemmott,
"My plans for the division are to create a lot of opportunities within that area and I believe that politicians need to be accessible and that is presently not happening. Most politicians once they are elected they tend to neglect the people and neglect the area and that is what I want to change in Port Loyola because there are a lot of issues that are affecting those people and they really need the assistance, and you don't need money to represent your people; you can just remain accessible and create different opportunities for them. We have a lot of problems with the streets, we have problems with adequate lighting, adequate water facilities, and these things can be done by just lobbying these organizations to try and fix up these things in the area. So things can be made possible within the area without financing."
Alfonso Noble,
If you were to be defeated by Miss Lemmott, how will it work in terms of who will be representing the people here?
Anthony 'Boots' Martinez,
"Well I would still be the area representative and nothing will change in regard to that aspect. Whatsoever happens here, will kick in at the next general elections."
Dawn Lemmott,
"If I win of course I will be the representative for Port Loyola and As I said I want to create opportunities for youths, for individuals within the area. My theme is together we can and if I lose I still want to keep that name and form and organization and really access financing those individuals in the area."
Alfonso Noble,
What do you think your chances are?
Dawn Lemmott,
"I have been campaigning and I know I have the support of the people so I think I have a good chance. The people see me as a genuine individual, I go out there and I be myself and I tell them what I want to do for that particular area. My other motto is 'your vote is your power use wisely,' it is their decision on Sunday to elect who they want on that day."
Anthony 'Boots' Martinez,
"I look on all opponents as formidable opponents and if you notice the logo on the shirt is don't worry about the noise in the market check your change, and I look at it as a formidable opponent and don't take anything for granted and just continue to work. I find it easier politically to come out and meet the people because I have been meeting them before so at this point in time I am doing pure politics."
Dawn Lemmott,
"I have no problem with Mr. Martinez, I have worked with him and I ran with him in city council elections and I think that we can work together because we are from one party right and that is the theme I want to send out. We are from party and there is no friction between us, it is just that I believe that I can do certain things better than he is doing within the area."
The convention is on Sunday.
