Courtesy photo / Gwen Azama-Edwards is making another run for elective office, having already served as a Daytona Beach commissioner and city clerk. This time she's going for one of the key municipal leadership posts in all of Volusia County: mayor of the city that is known as the "World's Most Famous Beach."
DAYTONA BEACH -- Gwen Azama-Edwards said she understands the need for marketing the beachside for tourism opportunities, but she sees far too little emphasis placed on the neighborhoods. That is one of the key issues in her race for mayor.
"We need to show as much concern and desire to please our residents as we do the tourists," said the former longtime city clerk and commissioner, whose benchmark is bringing government back to the people. "We have a declining population, businesses are leaving and we're not attracting families. A city without young people declines."
Azama-Edwards, 63, a Volusia County native, has called Daytona Beach home for 40-plus years, with her husband, Larry Edwards, and her two grown sons raised and educated here.
"We need jobs -- entrepreneurial opportunities -- to encourage our young people to stay and raise their own families here," she said, adding, "We need to assist existing businesses that want to expand or just keep their doors open.
"We need jobs -- entreprenurial opportunities -- to encourage our young people to stay and raise their own families here," Azama-Edwards said, adding, "We need to assist existing businesses that want to expand or just keep their doors open.
Azama-Edwards, city clerk for 15 years before running for office in 2003, and deeply involved in community programs to benefit all age groups, is among four candidates in the Aug. 14 primary. She said she feels good about her chances with no incumbent.
"We're getting excellent reception from the people who want to see things done right," Azama-Edwards said with a confident smile. "Its better for them and the city."