BELLE GLADE — On Tuesday, voters in the Glades communities united to overwhelmingly support pro-community, pro-jobs, pro-ag candidates, sending a clear message of unity that  rejected the  anti-farming platform of Sierra Club-backed candidates running for local offices in the Glades.

In the Belle Glade city commission elections, Joaquin Almazan defeated local activist Steve Messam, who unsuccessfully tried to make farming an issue in the race. Additionally, Bishop Kenny Berry defeated Johnny Burroughs, Jr, and incumbent Commissioner Mary Ross Wilkerson defeated Robert Mitchell, a chef from California. Almazan, Berry and Wilkerson ran on a platform of protecting jobs and creating opportunities within their communities and were supported by a strong grassroots campaign of local residents and community organizers.

“This election was a choice between supporting what unites us versus what divides us, and I am so proud the voters have chosen candidates that will help bring us together,” said Commissioner-Elect Kenny Berry. “Our communities are stronger when we are all working together.”

“The Sierra Club attempted a hostile takeover of the Belle Glade city commission, and on Tuesday, voters turned out in the highest number in recent memory to tell them their attempts to divide our community are not welcome here,” said local school teacher and campaign volunteer Sherrie Dulany. “You might say the Sierra Club’s anti-farming agenda went down in flames.”

“Now that the votes have been counted, it is clear Glades residents strongly rejected the false attacks made against our farmers and the working families of our communities employed by the sugar industry,” said Commissioner-Elect Joaquin Almazan. “I look forward to beginning to work with my fellow commissioners for the good of Belle Glade, its families and its future. We have good jobs in agriculture now and we need to build on that base—not tear it down—and bring additional opportunities in education and employment to complement local food production.”

“My commitment as your city commissioner is to work toward ensuring Belle Glade can be a great place for you and your families, and that starts by listening to your concerns,” said Commissioner Mary Ross Wilkerson. “I am looking forward to continuing the work that needs to be done to help move our city forward.”

“Glades voters have spoken with a clear voice and even more decisively, chosen one of our own as a community leader. Congratulations to our fellow union member, Commissioner-Elect Joaquin Almazan, on winning a hard-fought victory. This race was always about supporting local jobs and local friends in agriculture, and by the vote count, it is clear what our communities want moving forward. We want to continue embracing the positive role farming plays in our community instead of trying to destroy our farming economy and set neighbor against neighbor. Congratulations also goes out to Commissioner-Elect Kenny Berry and Commissioner Mary Ross Wilkerson on her re-election, " said Robert Miller, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMW) District 166 Business Representative.

“This election brought out the very best in our Glades communities, as voters have supported three hard-working and community-minded local individuals. We are so proud to have one of our members, Bishop Kenny Berry of Grace Fellowship Worship Center, now also serving our community as a city commissioner. Now the hard work begins of bringing our Glades communities together to confront our many common challenges. Glades residents have soundly rejected many of the outside organizations that have attempted to spread division and hate among our community. Glades pastors and residents appreciate the willingness of Bishop Berry, Joaquin Almazan and Mary Ross Wilkerson to answer God’s call in service to the people of the Glades. Let’s all move forward together," said Pastor Robert Rease, President of the Glades Ministerial Alliance.