Derrick 'Shine' Wallace - Mr. Personality
- Details
- Category: Politics
- Published: Monday, 11 August 2014 16:51
- Written by Hughey Watson
by Hughey Watson - Political Contributor
A special report to Community Steeple
The Rap on the candidates for Orange County Commissioner District 6
In a series of six reports I will lay bear the heart of each candidate in the Orange County Commission District 6 race. I will discuss the rap on each candidate and provide his or her patent responses to what people are saying. I will review the candidates in alphabetical order.
I have done Lawanna Gelzer - The Perennial Candidate, Homer Hartage - The Wannabe Comeback Kid and Gary Siplin's Girl Friday – Victoria. Today we take a look at Derrick Wallace aka `Shine'.
Derrick 'Shine' Wallace - Mr. Personality
Derrick Wallace aka 'Shine' is a life long native of county commission district 6. He was educated in District 6 schools graduating from Jones High. A graduate of Florida A&M University, for the past 30
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years he has been a General Contractor and owns Construct Two Group.
Wallace has two raps against him.
First, people are saying that Wallace is out to buy the election. He loaned his campaign one hundred thousand dollars.
When confronted with this allegation, Wallace response is defiant. Wallace contends that through hard work and diligence he has been financially successful in business.
"I am a product of the district. I am a graduate of Jones High (which he rebuilt) and all that I have become is a result of the life lessons I learned within this community. So why can't I give back? We hear that all the time, give back or those who have made it must give back. Now that I am trying my best to give back, someone has the audacity to complain? Give me a break. I am doing what is required according to the good book."
Granted, Wallace has been rather successful. He is one of the largest African American construction management firms in Florida. He has built a number of the most noted theme attractions at Walt Disney. And his construction accomplishments reach far beyond the Central Florida region.
Yet some still tag this as a negative. Frankly, it doesn't' make sense for a general contractor of his size and success to be in the race. Why? If Wallace, who is considered the front-runner, wins he will have trouble getting contracts in the Orlando area. Any deal involving his company will be under great scrutiny. Which government – city, county or school board – will want that kind of examination? Contractors who loose a bid against his company will protest, without a doubt.
And if he does not win the election, which is possible, he is guaranteed to never get a contract in the Orlando area again. Which entity is going to want to cross the District 6 winner who becomes commissioner.
Albeit, Wallace isn't concerned about that reality. "Listen, I have done well. My campaign isn't about me, it is about the people and the district I grew up in and still live in. I see too many opportunities for our communities go unfulfilled. God has blessed me and I must do something about it."
The other rap against Wallace is his party affiliation. Is he a democrat or a republican?
"I was born an American. I grew up in district 6. That is how I define myself. A party label is not the issue . It is what you do with your life. That's what counts. I have worked hard, I have been blessed with success and I am constantly giving back. That is the label I desire to be labeled with."
Granted, this is a non-partisan race. Political party tags are not even allowed on campaign material or signs. But people, especially black people have a leaning towards democrats.
Originally freed blacks felt loyalty to Lincoln and the Republican Party. Even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his father were republicans. The leaning towards the Democratic Party really began with the election of President John F. Kennedy. This issue is still a hot question in the black community. Many feel a complete allegiance to the Democratic Party, while some are beginning to question that blind loyalty.
Wallace seems to have little concern for the party issue. He is focused on outcomes. "Don't tell me what party you are a member of, tell me what you have done and what you plan to do for my people and my community."
Those are the raps on Derrick `Shine' Wallace and his patent responses. Next up Roberta F. Walton – Tiffany's Aide.
