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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi All, </p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Veronica Martinez is running from the floor for the same position Bobbi is nominated for. I am pasting her email here that I’ve just been forwarded, so that there is full transparency about this election:</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Veronica Martinez</p><p class=MsoNormal>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>I am seeking a position on the board of directors. I am running against Bobbi Pompey, I am asking for your support. Here is a little bit about me. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>I am a mom to a 7-year-old boy named Jonathan. I love him mor then anything in this world. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>I started my journey with the NFB in the summer of 2017, when I attended my first national convention. The NFB message, really spoke to me. I met so many people that summer, Parents, Teachers, Everyone was walking around the hotel, like it was nothing, I thought, I want more for myself. It did not take me long to get involved. I joined the chapter-at-large. I served as secretary-treasurer for about a year. I've participated in the Washington Seminar. That is where I learn a lot about advocacy. The impact that trip made on me, was so profound! I wanted to do mor, I joined the California association Of Guide Dog Users. I helped with legislation that helped sunset the California State Board of Guide dogs for the blind. I am currently working on legislation concerning fraudulent representation of emotional support dogs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>July of 2018 I started the Bakersfield Chapter Of the National Federation Of the Blind Of California, Where I currently serve as president. I am very committed to my chapter. They are not just NFB members, They are my friends. They know that they can call on me for anything, I am reliable, , and approachable. I never want anyone to feel like they don't belong, or like they are not welcome. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>In august, I was elected Vice President of the California Parents of Blind Children. I helped plan this year's agenda for our state convention. . <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Currently, I am helping organize the Spanish Chapter at large with Juanita Herrera. There has always been talk of serving the Spanish speaking community, it is going to happened! It's time! As you can see, I am very committed to the work of our movement. I am willing to learn. Words don't come easy to me, this is something that I am working on improving. The more I get out in to the community to speak about the chapter, the better I will be. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Thank you very much for this opportunity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Respectfully submitted, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Veronica Martinez <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>NFBCA Bakersfield Chapter President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>661-742-4181<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>