Robert L. McKinzie, Jr. files to run for Fort Lauderdale Commission District III
 By Dennis Walker
    FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Today local community leader Robert L. McKinzie, Jr. filed for the Ft. Lauderdale commission seat currently held by Bobby DuBose who is seeking the open State House seat being vacated by House Minority Leader, Representative Perry E. Thurston Jr., who cannot run again due to term-limits.
District III includes much of the northwest section of Fort Lauderdale and parts of the southwest portion of the city from State Road 7 to I-95.
Lorraine Mizell, a member of the pioneering Mizell family of Fort Lauderdale said âI am happy to support Robert McKinzie for Fort Lauderdale City Commission. He and his family have a long standing tradition of involvement and service to this communityâ
McKinzie is a native of northwest Fort Lauderdale, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, received a Bachelorâs degree from Bethune-Cookman University and is the President of Harper and Sons Construction, Inc.
McKinzie said âI want to continue the good work in our com-munity and improve the quality of life in the northwestâ.
The candidate is married to Deberenia Allen McKinzie who is a physician with the Memorial Healthcare System and they have four children.
âIt is with eagerness, excitement and enthusiasm that I endorse Robert as my candidate for the Fort Lauderdale District III seat. I am certain that he will work collaboratively to create opportunities for children to grow everydayâ, said School Board Member Dr. Rosalind Osgood.
McKinzie said âI will focus my priorities on creating jobs for my constituents, crime prevention, economic development and educationâ.
âRobert McKinzie will be an excellent city commissioner. He was born and raised in this community and has what it takes to continue the hard work started by champions like Andrew DeGraffenreidt, Carlton B. Moore and Bobby DuBose âsaid State Senator Chris Smith.
McKinzie has been actively involved in the community as a member of the local NAACP, a board member of the Central Broward Kiwanis Club, a trustee at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, he is Santa Claus every year for the local Boys and Girls Club, and he is a mentor for foster kids and children at Sunland Elementary School and a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
