Gary McManus

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Gary McManus completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McManus' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI strive to be a Christian gentleman. In that capacity, I take my role as husband and father very seriously. I have 3 kids of my own and 2 stepchildren (a strange term, as they are grown). I have a grandson, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law. I also have a dog named Indy (he was born on Independence Day). I dearly love my growing and diverse family.\r\n<p>I spent my career in Executive sales for companies like AT&amp;T, GE, Merck, and IBM. I have called on many different industries, including government, education, healthcare, banking, and insurance, to name a few. My job was to understand their business, their challenges and develop solutions. In information technology, these solutions were often complex, requiring me to build teams of experts solve these problems. I have negotiated multi-million dollar deals, overcoming obstacles and arriving at agreements with clients who often had competing agendas with my own. I believe this experience will be helpful in the legislature.\r\n</p>\nMy decision making is based upon reason and the best available information. I am a principled person and that means that if my principles conflict with the party line, I will follow my principles. Luckily, that hasn’t been a big problem since I became a Democrat in 2015. In fact, I became a Democrat when I came to the conclusion that the Democratic Party was the party that most exemplified my Christian principles.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>1.)\tMake every voice heard and every vote count - Democracy is under attack in our country. The Republican party has become extreme, and their ideas are not mainstream. In order win elections, they have increasingly relied on voter suppression, gerrymandering, and spreading baseless claims of voter fraud. I want to push back against that.</li><li>2.)\tRestoring the Dream – I decided to enter politics because I am concerned that my generation will be the first to leave the next generation a country in worse shape than they received it. I want my kids to be able to own a home, get an education, and have healthcare. The middle class is being squeezed out of existence. I want to help to restore opportunity and the ability for upward mobility and wealth creation to all Americans.</li><li>3.)\tHealthcare and Education as a Right – How free is any American when they are one major health crisis away from total financial ruin? How free are they when they can’t leave a lousy job because they have to keep the lousy insurance? Medical bills should not be the #1 cause of bankruptcy. An educated society is essential for a thriving Democracy. Public schools benefit society as a whole and everyone should pay to support them.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading1-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think restoring the middle class strengthens our country as a whole. It even benefits the wealthy in the long term. A rising tide lifts all ships.<br/>\r\nDemocracy must be protected and defended. What good are any of our rights in an authoritarian society? There are people in this country who would burn our democracy to the ground in order to rule from the ashes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading2-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a Christian, following the example of Jesus is part of your life. Beyond that, I was very blessed to have very great and devoted parents. They are both very principled and very outspoken - a trait they passed on to all of their 6 kids. My Dad was a union man who had the courage to go on strike with a family of 8. He taught me how to be a man. he taught me to protect and provide for my family even at great personal cost. He also taught me to camp and fish, which gave me a great appreciation for the natural world. Even with 6 kids, I never felt that I lacked either of my parent's attention. that is quite a feat. My Mom gave me her religious sensibilities. She also volunteered to collect for the March of Dimes and a host of other charities, which meant that I had to go door to door and make the pitch. That's almost certainly how I gravitated toward sales. I still try to follow their example and live up to their expectations every day. They remain one of my greatest blessings.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading3-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Righteous Mind<br/>\r\nby Jonathan Haidt\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading4-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI like politicians who have a strong philosophical or ideological sense about them. I may not know their opinions on every conceivable topic but, if I know how they think and they are consistent, I can predict that.<br/>\r\nObviously, integrity, transparency, and work ethic are essential.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading5-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBy trade, I am a communicator, a problem solver, a negotiator and a closer. I am pragmatic and results oriented. I have no intention of dying of old age in office. In 6 years, I plan to be traveling with my wife and fishing with my grandkids. I want to accomplish the most good I can while I’m in office.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading6-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe strongly in “management by walking around”. It’s key to be available to constituents, to keep the pulse of the district, and advocate for them in Tallahassee. It’s all about them (Republicans, Democrats, and others) , not me. The core responsibility is constituent service, which is very much like client service in sales. Beyond that, following the law, a willingness to collaborate, and conducting one's self with dignity and integrity are key.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading7-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo have strengthened our democracy, helped to restore the dream of upward social mobility, and end the divisiveness in our political discourse.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading8-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJuly 16, 1969. The tiny, black and white TV in our living room remained on for every second of the moon landing. I was only 5 and I didn’t fully appreciate what was happening at the time. I just knew it was BIG. It must have made an impression because I never miss a launch if I can avoid it. Having access to Cape Canaveral is one of my favorite things about this area.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading9-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThat’s hard to say. I was shoveling snow, mowing yards and delivering newspaper since I was 11. My first paycheck was from a shoe store where we actually measured people’s feet and fit them for shoes. I remember praying for sunshine on Easter so kids would scuff their shoes or we would have nothing but returns on Easter Monday. That was where I learned to sell. I worked there through high school.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading10-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlthough the Bible is the most important book to me, I'd rather not give you the beauty pageant answer. My favorite novel is Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. It is a book of high ideals and the difficulty maintaining them in a sometimes cynical world. There's real beauty in the way Don Quixote sees nobility in Sancho Panza and Dulcinea - beauty they don't see themselves until Don Quixote's conviction convinces them of their worth. It is romantic, fantastic, and deeply layered. I enjoyed the play also.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading11-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tKal El\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading12-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThanks for that question– now it’s stuck there again. “Baby Shark” has been an ear worm ever since my grandson introduced me to the demonic little ditty. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison is one of my favorite songs. \"Bellavia\" by Chuck Mangione gets me every time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading13-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI went through a divorce when my kids were in middle school and high school. They lived with me and I had a very demanding career that involved travel. I have strong sympathy for single parents because you give your all and still feel like you are coming up short. Scripture has all sorts of references to vines being pruned and gold that’s tested in fire. In a strange way, I came through it stronger and with a deeper relationship with my kids than I otherwise would have. I feel so blessed to have my wife and stepchildren. It an embarrassment of riches.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading14-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMutual respect and accountability.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading15-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tExtremist policies that divide rather than unite Floridians. We must always value liberty over conformity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading16-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt’s a mixed bag. Experience can help but it can also create blind spots. Anyone can learn the civics part of the job. It’s harder to teach an adult integrity and sound reasoning. The current legislature has set the bar pretty low on both scores.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading17-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. As the minority party, it will be essential. It takes years to put together multi-million dollar projects and sometimes that means working closely with adversaries to move projects forward. You have to be creative to find common ground. I can do that.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading18-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJohn McCain - not because I agreed with him very much and would never have put Sarah Palin a heartbeat from the Presidency, but he had many admirable qualities. I admired his courage, his willingness to reach across the aisle, and the strength he showed to do the right thing even when his party pressured him otherwise.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading19-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tAre you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNot having served in the military, part of the reason I decided to enter politics was to do my part for the country. If I had the opportunity to contribute at a greater level, I would take it out of a sense of duty. I’m still planning on limiting my time of service so I can enjoy my family in retirement. I'm not interested in making this a second career.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading20-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am working with an educator who is a Republican. He and many other teachers are upset by CS/HB 1445, which was sponsored by my opponent. It was a union-busting bill limiting teacher’s ability to collectively bargain. Despite intensive lobbying and the fact that over 99% of constituent feedback opposed it, the measure passed with my opponent’s vote. Constituents were ignored and my opponent’s typical party-line vote was cast. That is NOT constituent service. That’s repaying your campaign donors.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading21-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBetter not. Here's my favorite \"G\" rated joke - What do you call a pirate with both eyes, both hands, and both legs? A beginner.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading22-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tShould the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think that a balance needs to be struck. A Governor needs to have the power to respond quickly, but limits need to be set to prevent abuse, particularly when an autocratic governor would use emergency powers to restrict citizen's right to protest. A time limit should be set so that a governor can act quickly, but then must justify their actions to the legislature. They cannot continue indefinitely. For example, a week in the case of a natural disaster. It would also depend on the type of emergency. For responding to violent protests, the time limit may be zero to ensure that the response is non-partisan before a counterattack ensues.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading23-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first bill you would introduce if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFreedom of speech in government - to allow the uncensored consideration of all relevant information regarding legislation. For example, disallowing any reference to climate change in legislation is not acceptable. The same applies to any relevant scientific data. Censorship makes bad policy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading24-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCenter for Freethought Equality<br/>\n<p>Florida Central Labor Council<br/>\n</p>\nNOW\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading25-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAgriculture, Conservation &amp; Resiliency Subcommittee<br/>\n<p>Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining<br/>\r\nCriminal Justice Subcommittee<br/>\r\nEthics, Elections &amp; Open Government Subcommittee<br/>\r\nWater Quality, Supply &amp; Treatment Subcommittee<br/>\r\nHealthcare Regulation Subcommittee<br/>\n</p>\nState Administration &amp; Technology Appropriations Subcommittee\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading26-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBoth are essential.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-250494-2024-08-09\" id=\"heading27-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-250494-2024-08-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading27-250494-2024-08-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-250494-2024-08-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think that allowing citizens to directly affect policy change by voting on proposals to change state laws and state constitutions is an effective countermeasure to efforts that would clip the wings of our democracy. We need more democracy and liberty, not less. If I made any change, it would be to ensure that ballot initiatives that pass are put into effect. The DeSantis administration disregarded the express will of the people using gimmicks to prevent felons who paid their debt to society regain their voting rights. That shows a complete disregard for democracy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nGary McManus completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McManus' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I strive to be a Christian gentleman. In that capacity, I take my role as husband and father very seriously. I have 3 kids of my own and 2 stepchildren (a strange term, as they are grown). I have a grandson, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law. I also have a dog named Indy (he was born on Independence Day). I dearly love my growing and diverse family. I spent my career in Executive sales for companies like AT&T, GE, Merck, and IBM. I have called on many different industries, including government, education, healthcare, banking, and insurance, to name a few. My job was to understand their business, their challenges and develop solutions. In information technology, these solutions were often complex, requiring me to build teams of experts solve these problems. I have negotiated multi-million dollar deals, overcoming obstacles and arriving at agreements with clients who often had competing agendas with my own. I believe this experience will be helpful in the legislature. My decision making is based upon reason and the best available information. I am a principled person and that means that if my principles conflict with the party line, I will follow my principles. Luckily, that hasn’t been a big problem since I became a Democrat in 2015. In fact, I became a Democrat when I came to the conclusion that the Democratic Party was the party that most exemplified my Christian principles. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? 1.)\tMake every voice heard and every vote count - Democracy is under attack in our country. The Republican party has become extreme, and their ideas are not mainstream. In order win elections, they have increasingly relied on voter suppression, gerrymandering, and spreading baseless claims of voter fraud. I want to push back against that. 2.)\tRestoring the Dream – I decided to enter politics because I am concerned that my generation will be the first to leave the next generation a country in worse shape than they received it. I want my kids to be able to own a home, get an education, and have healthcare. The middle class is being squeezed out of existence. I want to help to restore opportunity and the ability for upward mobility and wealth creation to all Americans. 3.)\tHealthcare and Education as a Right – How free is any American when they are one major health crisis away from total financial ruin? How free are they when they can’t leave a lousy job because they have to keep the lousy insurance? Medical bills should not be the #1 cause of bankruptcy. An educated society is essential for a thriving Democracy. Public schools benefit society as a whole and everyone should pay to support them. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I think restoring the middle class strengthens our country as a whole. It even benefits the wealthy in the long term. A rising tide lifts all ships. Democracy must be protected and defended. What good are any of our rights in an authoritarian society? There are people in this country who would burn our democracy to the ground in order to rule from the ashes. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? As a Christian, following the example of Jesus is part of your life. Beyond that, I was very blessed to have very great and devoted parents. They are both very principled and very outspoken - a trait they passed on to all of their 6 kids. My Dad was a union man who had the courage to go on strike with a family of 8. He taught me how to be a man. he taught me to protect and provide for my family even at great personal cost. He also taught me to camp and fish, which gave me a great appreciation for the natural world. Even with 6 kids, I never felt that I lacked either of my parent's attention. that is quite a feat. My Mom gave me her religious sensibilities. She also volunteered to collect for the March of Dimes and a host of other charities, which meant that I had to go door to door and make the pitch. That's almost certainly how I gravitated toward sales. I still try to follow their example and live up to their expectations every day. They remain one of my greatest blessings. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I like politicians who have a strong philosophical or ideological sense about them. I may not know their opinions on every conceivable topic but, if I know how they think and they are consistent, I can predict that. Obviously, integrity, transparency, and work ethic are essential. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? By trade, I am a communicator, a problem solver, a negotiator and a closer. I am pragmatic and results oriented. I have no intention of dying of old age in office. In 6 years, I plan to be traveling with my wife and fishing with my grandkids. I want to accomplish the most good I can while I’m in office. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? I believe strongly in “management by walking around”. It’s key to be available to constituents, to keep the pulse of the district, and advocate for them in Tallahassee. It’s all about them (Republicans, Democrats, and others) , not me. The core responsibility is constituent service, which is very much like client service in sales. Beyond that, following the law, a willingness to collaborate, and conducting one's self with dignity and integrity are key. What legacy would you like to leave? To have strengthened our democracy, helped to restore the dream of upward social mobility, and end the divisiveness in our political discourse. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? July 16, 1969. The tiny, black and white TV in our living room remained on for every second of the moon landing. I was only 5 and I didn’t fully appreciate what was happening at the time. I just knew it was BIG. It must have made an impression because I never miss a launch if I can avoid it. Having access to Cape Canaveral is one of my favorite things about this area. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? That’s hard to say. I was shoveling snow, mowing yards and delivering newspaper since I was 11. My first paycheck was from a shoe store where we actually measured people’s feet and fit them for shoes. I remember praying for sunshine on Easter so kids would scuff their shoes or we would have nothing but returns on Easter Monday. That was where I learned to sell. I worked there through high school. What is your favorite book? Why? Although the Bible is the most important book to me, I'd rather not give you the beauty pageant answer. My favorite novel is Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. It is a book of high ideals and the difficulty maintaining them in a sometimes cynical world. There's real beauty in the way Don Quixote sees nobility in Sancho Panza and Dulcinea - beauty they don't see themselves until Don Quixote's conviction convinces them of their worth. It is romantic, fantastic, and deeply layered. I enjoyed the play also. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Kal El What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Thanks for that question– now it’s stuck there again. “Baby Shark” has been an ear worm ever since my grandson introduced me to the demonic little ditty. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison is one of my favorite songs. \"Bellavia\" by Chuck Mangione gets me every time. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I went through a divorce when my kids were in middle school and high school. They lived with me and I had a very demanding career that involved travel. I have strong sympathy for single parents because you give your all and still feel like you are coming up short. Scripture has all sorts of references to vines being pruned and gold that’s tested in fire. In a strange way, I came through it stronger and with a deeper relationship with my kids than I otherwise would have. I feel so blessed to have my wife and stepchildren. It an embarrassment of riches. What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature? Mutual respect and accountability. What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade? Extremist policies that divide rather than unite Floridians. We must always value liberty over conformity. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics? It’s a mixed bag. Experience can help but it can also create blind spots. Anyone can learn the civics part of the job. It’s harder to teach an adult integrity and sound reasoning. The current legislature has set the bar pretty low on both scores. Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer. Absolutely. As the minority party, it will be essential. It takes years to put together multi-million dollar projects and sometimes that means working closely with adversaries to move projects forward. You have to be creative to find common ground. I can do that. Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? John McCain - not because I agreed with him very much and would never have put Sarah Palin a heartbeat from the Presidency, but he had many admirable qualities. I admired his courage, his willingness to reach across the aisle, and the strength he showed to do the right thing even when his party pressured him otherwise. Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future? Not having served in the military, part of the reason I decided to enter politics was to do my part for the country. If I had the opportunity to contribute at a greater level, I would take it out of a sense of duty. I’m still planning on limiting my time of service so I can enjoy my family in retirement. I'm not interested in making this a second career. Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I am working with an educator who is a Republican. He and many other teachers are upset by CS/HB 1445, which was sponsored by my opponent. It was a union-busting bill limiting teacher’s ability to collectively bargain. Despite intensive lobbying and the fact that over 99% of constituent feedback opposed it, the measure passed with my opponent’s vote. Constituents were ignored and my opponent’s typical party-line vote was cast. That is NOT constituent service. That’s repaying your campaign donors. Tell us your favorite joke. Better not. Here's my favorite \"G\" rated joke - What do you call a pirate with both eyes, both hands, and both legs? A beginner. Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers? I think that a balance needs to be struck. A Governor needs to have the power to respond quickly, but limits need to be set to prevent abuse, particularly when an autocratic governor would use emergency powers to restrict citizen's right to protest. A time limit should be set so that a governor can act quickly, but then must justify their actions to the legislature. They cannot continue indefinitely. For example, a week in the case of a natural disaster. It would also depend on the type of emergency. For responding to violent protests, the time limit may be zero to ensure that the response is non-partisan before a counterattack ensues. What is the first bill you would introduce if elected? Freedom of speech in government - to allow the uncensored consideration of all relevant information regarding legislation. For example, disallowing any reference to climate change in legislation is not acceptable. The same applies to any relevant scientific data. Censorship makes bad policy. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Center for Freethought Equality Florida Central Labor Council NOW What committees interest you? Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining Criminal Justice Subcommittee Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Both are essential. Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider? I think that allowing citizens to directly affect policy change by voting on proposals to change state laws and state constitutions is an effective countermeasure to efforts that would clip the wings of our democracy. We need more democracy and liberty, not less. If I made any change, it would be to ensure that ballot initiatives that pass are put into effect. The DeSantis administration disregarded the express will of the people using gimmicks to prevent felons who paid their debt to society regain their voting rights. That shows a complete disregard for democracy.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]