Randy Ross Maneuvers To Steal Leadership Role From Regina Hill In "24 Hours Of Ms. Smith" Home Saving Event

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by Lawrence A. Robinson
The headline read, "Gay activist gives 96-year-old woman the gift of home." WHAT!! This is the headline in a local online media that is taunting the Black community, while praising the indiscernible heroic efforts of Randy Ross whom

the writer indicated almost single handily saved a Black 96 year old, tobacco chewing, soap opera watching woman from her leaky roof, termite infested, tub through the floor, dilapidated house when her church had only thrown a tarp over it.

The writer indicated that a friend called Ross when she (the friend) heard the roof was leaking and 'Super Randy Ross' spring into action and 'led the project' that saved the senior citizen who lived in Carver Shores...or so the story goes.

Original Article:Gay activist gives 96-year-old woman the gift of home

The truth is, the 96 year old senior was living in conditions that were not fit for human, especially someone who has survived these many years. Dozens of supporters, including Randy Ross, helped. Some gave labor, some money, some expertise other prayed for a successful outcome. This project took the leadership talents of many people on several fronts to accomplish.

The article mentioned that two Black sororities at the University of Central Florida donated furniture and decorations for the bedroom. It failed to mentioned that fraternity brothers and sorority sisters from Bethune Cookman, FAMU, FSU, FMU and UF were present and very supportive in every area including the furniture.

I am not sure if there was any straight truth to any of Susan Clary's article.

The social media outlet, Face Book is buzzing with comments about that article. That article gives all credit for the success of '24 Hours for Mrs. Smith' to Randy Ross. Randy Ross your support is very much appreciated, but you did not do it all and you know it.

The question is why did you allow this to be published? Maybe you want to strengthen your political base within the gay community. Maybe you want to create a political base in the Black community. You did mention that you intend to run for Orlando's City Council in 2016. Maybe you are positioning to replace Sam Ings? There is a lot that is needed in the Black community, replacing Sam Ings is a good start. If you actually do the work, you will actually get the praise.

Here are a few unedited comments from Face Book. The writer's names are blocked.

Media Writer: Interesting article published here. Funny, I thought that ELECT Regina Hill for City Commissioner District 5 had something to do with this project, didn't she? Her name was not mentioned. As a matter of fact, only one name was mentioned.

Media Writer: Hm-m-m-m

Media Writer: Oh the selfish agenda of some. Some folks do good because it's in their heart. For others, their intentions are self serving. Regina Hill is in it because it's in her heart, her chosen profession all of these years proves this. With that said, Regina Hill was the first person I recall bringing to light Mrs. Smiths 'plight'. I recall Regina Hill as the lead on this community assisted 'project'.

Media Writer: I agree. The first I heard of this was Regina knocking on doors for her campaign, almost falling through the floor, then putting her campaign on a back burner in order to help Ms. Smith.

Media Writer: ------, 100% agreed. I call it like I see it. It states at the bottom of the article that this person is running for City Council. Bingo. I cannot trust the words or motives of a man who ran for school board member and lost, then court clerk and lost (maybe other positions as well) and now city council. The losses don't bother me. The jumping around to various positions bothers me. It depicts a person who desperately wants to be a politician. That's a person who is only seeking power, privilege, etc- in my opinion. And I state this NOT bashing this man. I'm simply pointing out the extremely obvious.

Media Writer: I honestly don't even think Randy Ross himself would approve of the way the article was written. He and Regina are pretty close to my knowledge and it is just sloppy journalism on Susan's part.

Media Writer: That could be true --------. I'm a fair guy. I'll give the benefit of the doubt, but I know Susan and Randy are close as well. I haven't read all of Susan's work, but the articles I have seen were good/accurate. This one just seems to be surprisingly one sided when so many others were involved and possibly Regina initiated the project.

Media Writer: I have always been under the distinct impression that REGINA,the compassionate,caring person we've come to know,recognized this Sr.'s needs herself,this was shared as Regina's brainchild; she decided to expedite service to improved conditions voluntarily and inviting input whereby I too was happy to provide. It seemed more that Regina spearheaded the program but is not receiving appreciation by media or leaders when perhaps the story should have been about Regina, the Sr. the relationship,mission and result,you'd think-- rather than a perception of 'fly-in' opps for others many barely see doing such projects anyway when they think no one is looking. If the project's concept and mobilization stemmed from Regina,she should have received the support of the 'limelight' and not be crafted into a shadow of perceived insignificance has she appears to have been. Moral of the story? Revisit "The Little Red Hen"; Not I said the cat,dog,pig,cow,rat etc but all wanted to share in the end ??

Media Writer: I think that you are right -------. My wife and I noticed last week that everyone and their uncle was jockeying for a photo opp with Ms. Smith. People who didn't show up till the event looked like it would be successful. And others who showed up in the beginning and then again at the end without doing much when the work was being done. I wonder what the motive is considering the way Randy Ross and Susan Clary presented this article. Obviously, it is very slanted to make Randy appear to be the hero when clearly he is not.