Jay McGovern

[{"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>Jay McGovern 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 McGovern's 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-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading-bio-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-242831-2024-09-12\" 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-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tJay, his wife, and their two adult daughters are Florida natives. He is an engineer and retired Navy helicopter pilot and Commanding Officer. While he is disappointed in the state of politics; he feels positive about America and believes we are stronger together. \r\n<p>He believes we need to put our Country ahead of our political party. He is also committed to a positive campaign -- no negative ads or name calling.\r\n</p>\nJay is committed to Florida, its natural beauty and its citizens. He believes in science. He believes women should have the same freedom and bodily autonomy men enjoy. He’d like to reform our immigration system, specifically, increase legal immigration with an easier path to citizenship. Jay will continue efforts to lower consumers costs of living, including capping out-of-pocket medical expenses and prescription drug costs. He believes Medicare should include eyes, ears and teeth and everyone should have a safe and financially secure retirement. As a veteran Nation security is important to Jay. He recognizes that you cannot have a strong Nation with sick uneducated children. He will endeavor to improve public education and children’s healthcare.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading-key-message-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242831-2024-09-12\" 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-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>We are stronger together! Politicians try to divide us but we have more in common with our Democrat and Republicans neighbors than they would have us believe. We share values and a love for our families, friends and Country.</li><li>If I am privileged to serve as your representative, everything I do will be tied to actions that strengthen our Nation and improve the lives of our fellow countrymen. Because we aren’t going back!</li><li>We aspire to put our Country ahead of our political party... this year we can do that with our vote. We are all tired of negativity and gloom. I am committed to a positive campaign -- no negative ads or name calling.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading1-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading1-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tNational Security and Science/Technology.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading2-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading2-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 grateful to have had many role models in my life but my Father stands out among them. He was by most measures an ordinary man. To me he was an extraordinary man. He was a life long learner who had a nature curiosity about how things worked. He like to share his knowledge with others, he wasn't a natural teacher like his Father but, his enthusiasm made up for it! He also treated people from all walks of life with respect. In turn, I don't know if there was any man in our town with as little money or clout who was as highly respected as my Father.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading3-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading3-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tMy political philosophy might best be described as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. \"To whom much is given, much is expected\" paraphrased from Luke 12:48, is something I think of often and try to live by. Probably the most influential book in my life, to date, has been \"Man's Search for Meaning\", by Viktor Frankl.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading4-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading4-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tHonesty and Curiosity. If your representative is not honest, he/she cannot be trusted. Trust is the basis for the social contract governing depends on. Further, if your representative is not curious, he/she cannot or will not seek understanding of problems and proposed solutions. Lack of curiosity results in a form of laziness where your representative just goes along with the crowd. I believe these two characteristics lacking in our representatives have resulted in a lot of talk and finger pointing without getting much resolved.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading5-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading5-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tPersistence, curiosity and fortitude\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading6-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading6-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tListen to his/her constituents and then act on their behalf.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading7-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading7-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tEnhance the upward mobility of the generations who will follow my generation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading8-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading8-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I was 7-years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading9-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading9-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 worked on the beach renting floats, chairs and umbrellas. Later I rented small motorcycles on the beach. I did that for four years until I graduated from High School and joined the Navy. I also worked in High School as a janitor and one Christmas season at Walt Disney World scooping ice cream.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading10-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading10-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The story of how the book developed alone is enough to make it a favorite but the reflection it invokes is what makes it \"the favorite\".\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading11-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading11-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tDave from the movie with the same name.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading12-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading12-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tCome Monday by Jimmy Buffett\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading13-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading13-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tReading and spelling. I don't think I even understood phonics...I work on it but it certainly doesn't come naturally to me.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading14-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tUnlike the Senate, each House member represents roughly the same number of Americans. It makes the House members much more closely tied to their constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading15-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 it benefits America if representatives have a broad range of experience rather than being full of a bunch of career politicians.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading16-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tKeeping our technological lead across the spectrum of science from medical technology to space and computer hardware &amp; software including Artificial Intelligence (AI).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading17-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tYes. I don't think the current dysfunction is the result of the term length. I wouldn't mess with the Constitution when I don't think that is the problem.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading18-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 Gerrymandering is a larger problem. With Gerrymandered district term limits tend to merely change the face of the representative not the ideas and actions of the representative. That said, I understand most people are frustrated with career politicians and see term limits as the solution. I'm not a career politician.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading19-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tCharles Bennet (Democrat) represented NE Florida in the House with a balanced approach to Governing. He helped usher the US through its longest and most prosperous decades, navigating the cold war while finding a way to preserve land and parks for future generations. Following him, Tillie Fowler (Republican) did the same while making difficult budget decisions that allowed us to balance the federal budget on her watch.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading20-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 representatives 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=\"heading20-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tInstead of a single story, I have had many people express frustration with trying to navigate a federal bureaucracy and receiving little or no support from their representative. Resulting in them feeling the system was rigged against them and that they were invisible to people in power.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading21-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading21-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tThese three strings go into a bar. The first one goes up to the bartender and asks for three beers. The bartender says \"get out, we don't serve strings\". He goes back to his friends and breaks the news. Undaunted, the second string goes up the the bartender and says, \"my buddies and I would like three beers\". The bartender says, \"get out, I told your friend we don't serve strings.\" So he goes back to the table with his friends and says we need to leave. The third string says, \"I have an idea.\" He ties himself into a knot and frays the end. Goes up to the bartender and says, \"hey buddy, how's it going, three beers please.\" The bartender sets him up with three beers and then says, \"wait, you're one of them strings.\" and the third string says, \"I'm a frayed knot.\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading22-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tYes\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading23-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tCongress hasn't passed a budget on time since 1996. I would work with my committee and the House leadership to get the biannual budget process working as it was intended. I would encourage my colleagues to hold their tongues regarding what they will and will not tolerate in the budget until the process has netted a budget draft. One of the major problems is that members verbalize some ultimatum and then later don't feel like they can compromise without looking foolish. In truth, they look foolish when they speak before allowing the budget process to happen.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading24-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tSparingly. It's clear it is currently used to score political points. Instead of distinguishing honorable representatives from dishonorable representatives in the case of internal investigations, currently it just builds a wall between the two major parties and wastes a lot of time and money.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading25-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading25-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-242831-2024-09-12\" 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 have not sought endorsements this cycle.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading26-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading26-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tScience, Space and Technology and Armed Services\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-242831-2024-09-12\" id=\"heading27-242831-2024-09-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-242831-2024-09-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-242831-2024-09-12\" 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=\"heading27-242831-2024-09-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-242831-2024-09-12\" 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\tTransparency and accountability are the cornerstones of problem solving. As an engineer, I have to ensure that engineers and others who execute my solutions have all the information both to be successful in execution but also to understand my methodology and assumptions so they can build upon or improve my product. My methodology must be robust and supportable which leads to accountability. Providing my assumptions is transparency. It works the same way with financial transparency and accountability, we just often refer to that as an \"auditable system\" which of course is critical to building trust with taxpayers.\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\nJay McGovern completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGovern's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Jay, his wife, and their two adult daughters are Florida natives. He is an engineer and retired Navy helicopter pilot and Commanding Officer. While he is disappointed in the state of politics; he feels positive about America and believes we are stronger together. He believes we need to put our Country ahead of our political party. He is also committed to a positive campaign -- no negative ads or name calling. Jay is committed to Florida, its natural beauty and its citizens. He believes in science. He believes women should have the same freedom and bodily autonomy men enjoy. He’d like to reform our immigration system, specifically, increase legal immigration with an easier path to citizenship. Jay will continue efforts to lower consumers costs of living, including capping out-of-pocket medical expenses and prescription drug costs. He believes Medicare should include eyes, ears and teeth and everyone should have a safe and financially secure retirement. As a veteran Nation security is important to Jay. He recognizes that you cannot have a strong Nation with sick uneducated children. He will endeavor to improve public education and children’s healthcare. 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? We are stronger together! Politicians try to divide us but we have more in common with our Democrat and Republicans neighbors than they would have us believe. We share values and a love for our families, friends and Country. If I am privileged to serve as your representative, everything I do will be tied to actions that strengthen our Nation and improve the lives of our fellow countrymen. Because we aren’t going back! We aspire to put our Country ahead of our political party... this year we can do that with our vote. We are all tired of negativity and gloom. I am committed to a positive campaign -- no negative ads or name calling. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? National Security and Science/Technology. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I am grateful to have had many role models in my life but my Father stands out among them. He was by most measures an ordinary man. To me he was an extraordinary man. He was a life long learner who had a nature curiosity about how things worked. He like to share his knowledge with others, he wasn't a natural teacher like his Father but, his enthusiasm made up for it! He also treated people from all walks of life with respect. In turn, I don't know if there was any man in our town with as little money or clout who was as highly respected as my Father. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? My political philosophy might best be described as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. \"To whom much is given, much is expected\" paraphrased from Luke 12:48, is something I think of often and try to live by. Probably the most influential book in my life, to date, has been \"Man's Search for Meaning\", by Viktor Frankl. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty and Curiosity. If your representative is not honest, he/she cannot be trusted. Trust is the basis for the social contract governing depends on. Further, if your representative is not curious, he/she cannot or will not seek understanding of problems and proposed solutions. Lack of curiosity results in a form of laziness where your representative just goes along with the crowd. I believe these two characteristics lacking in our representatives have resulted in a lot of talk and finger pointing without getting much resolved. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Persistence, curiosity and fortitude What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Listen to his/her constituents and then act on their behalf. What legacy would you like to leave? Enhance the upward mobility of the generations who will follow my generation. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I was 7-years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked on the beach renting floats, chairs and umbrellas. Later I rented small motorcycles on the beach. I did that for four years until I graduated from High School and joined the Navy. I also worked in High School as a janitor and one Christmas season at Walt Disney World scooping ice cream. What is your favorite book? Why? Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The story of how the book developed alone is enough to make it a favorite but the reflection it invokes is what makes it \"the favorite\". If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Dave from the movie with the same name. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Come Monday by Jimmy Buffett What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Reading and spelling. I don't think I even understood phonics...I work on it but it certainly doesn't come naturally to me. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Unlike the Senate, each House member represents roughly the same number of Americans. It makes the House members much more closely tied to their constituents. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I think it benefits America if representatives have a broad range of experience rather than being full of a bunch of career politicians. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Keeping our technological lead across the spectrum of science from medical technology to space and computer hardware & software including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. I don't think the current dysfunction is the result of the term length. I wouldn't mess with the Constitution when I don't think that is the problem. What are your thoughts on term limits? I believe Gerrymandering is a larger problem. With Gerrymandered district term limits tend to merely change the face of the representative not the ideas and actions of the representative. That said, I understand most people are frustrated with career politicians and see term limits as the solution. I'm not a career politician. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Charles Bennet (Democrat) represented NE Florida in the House with a balanced approach to Governing. He helped usher the US through its longest and most prosperous decades, navigating the cold war while finding a way to preserve land and parks for future generations. Following him, Tillie Fowler (Republican) did the same while making difficult budget decisions that allowed us to balance the federal budget on her watch. Both sitting representatives 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? Instead of a single story, I have had many people express frustration with trying to navigate a federal bureaucracy and receiving little or no support from their representative. Resulting in them feeling the system was rigged against them and that they were invisible to people in power. Tell us your favorite joke. These three strings go into a bar. The first one goes up to the bartender and asks for three beers. The bartender says \"get out, we don't serve strings\". He goes back to his friends and breaks the news. Undaunted, the second string goes up the the bartender and says, \"my buddies and I would like three beers\". The bartender says, \"get out, I told your friend we don't serve strings.\" So he goes back to the table with his friends and says we need to leave. The third string says, \"I have an idea.\" He ties himself into a knot and frays the end. Goes up to the bartender and says, \"hey buddy, how's it going, three beers please.\" The bartender sets him up with three beers and then says, \"wait, you're one of them strings.\" and the third string says, \"I'm a frayed knot.\" Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? Congress hasn't passed a budget on time since 1996. I would work with my committee and the House leadership to get the biannual budget process working as it was intended. I would encourage my colleagues to hold their tongues regarding what they will and will not tolerate in the budget until the process has netted a budget draft. One of the major problems is that members verbalize some ultimatum and then later don't feel like they can compromise without looking foolish. In truth, they look foolish when they speak before allowing the budget process to happen. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? Sparingly. It's clear it is currently used to score political points. Instead of distinguishing honorable representatives from dishonorable representatives in the case of internal investigations, currently it just builds a wall between the two major parties and wastes a lot of time and money. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? I have not sought endorsements this cycle. What committees interest you? Science, Space and Technology and Armed Services What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of problem solving. As an engineer, I have to ensure that engineers and others who execute my solutions have all the information both to be successful in execution but also to understand my methodology and assumptions so they can build upon or improve my product. My methodology must be robust and supportable which leads to accountability. Providing my assumptions is transparency. It works the same way with financial transparency and accountability, we just often refer to that as an \"auditable system\" which of course is critical to building trust with taxpayers.\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."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>McGovern's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>I’m a practical American who understands that right sized Government has a role in our lives. I want to represent you and enact practical solutions to keep America working and set us up for future success. You work hard, pay your taxes, and deserve quality representation and positive results. \n</p><p>I’m one of the majority of Americans who identify as somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum. I am socially liberal and fiscally practical. Gerrymandering doesn’t give those of us in the middle much of a voice – unless we turn out and vote!\n</p><p>I'm a Democratic running in a Republican leaning district because we can all see that partisan gridlock is getting us nowhere. We have learned, we cannot change the way the politicians act, we can only change our behavior. Specifically, how we vote. We cannot keep sending the same people to Washington and expect better results – we will merely get more of the same finger pointing excuses for not getting things done.\n</p><p>We need new representation to shift from the failed 19th Century “trickle-down” dogma – the belief that if we take care of big business, business will take care of us. We need 21st Century solutions that invest in people, human rights, small businesses, and innovation while being fiscally responsible.\n</p><p><b>BORDER SECURITY &amp; IMMIGRATION</b>\n</p><p>Why is it so hard for workers to legally come to the United States? Congress hasn’t enacted any meaningful immigration reform since Ronald Regan was President over 40 years ago. The world sure has changed since then. But old school Republican politicians don’t really want to fix immigration. They just want to fear monger around the issue, and recently proved this with votes against even considering a historic bipartisan immigration bill.\n</p><p>IT'S COMMON SENSE: A workable solution for illegal immigration would be to require a fee for work visas and expand the visa program. This would dramatically reduce illegal immigration and reduce taxpayer expense.\n</p><p><b>PERSONAL SAFTEY</b>\n</p><p>More and more Americans feel unsafe as they go about their daily lives. Statistically, America is safe, but there are places where life shattering violence is too common. We must refocus policing to a “guardian” mentality, moving away from an “enforcement” mentality.\n</p><p>OUR FIRST RESPONDERS RISK THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY: In many cases, they respond to calls that are more dangerous because Congress has failed to adequately address gun violence, mental health, and society’s well being. We do not need to limit gun ownership to enhance gun safety. We can treat addiction like an illness not a crime. We can reduce crime by providing a positive vision and a path for people to become upwardly mobile again.\n</p><p><b>RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER</b>\n</p><p>The overturning of Roe v. Wade was an attack on Women’s rights, and not something that will prevent abortions. In fact we have seen that it threatens IVF, and endangers the lives of abused girls and mothers in medical distress. The idea that the Government should dictate what a woman does with her body is the antithesis of Liberty. Most Americans feel abortions should be safe, legal, and very rare. Now we have learned they need to be safe, legal, rare and free of Government overreach. Republican politicians perpetuate a ruse that this is a States rights issue. IT'S NOT. it is a private issue not a government issue. We don't want politicians and lawyers in the business of family planning. \n</p><p>LIBERTY IS PARAMOUNT: To my friends and neighbors who have a deeply held belief that abortion is wrong; I am not asking for you to compromise your beliefs. I am asking that you not allow government to infringe on the liberty and privacy or our fellow Americans.\n</p><p><b>BACK TO A BALANCED BUDGET</b>\n</p><p>To get back to sane governance, you need a representative in Congress who will do the hard work to stop the politics of continuing resolutions and threats to shutdown Government. Those tactics need to be replaced with rigorous debate through the bi-annual budget process.\n</p><p>JUST 24 YEARS AGO, THE BUDGET WAS BALANCED: We didn’t have to cut social security or compromise our National Security to do it. But it did call for compromise and tough decisions. As an engineer, I will take a practical approach and examine the budget and our spending. First, we need to understand what has changed in the last 24 years that have prevented Congress from balancing the budget. The threats to our National Security have evolved. Russia, China, Iran, and Terrorism remain real threats to Americans and our National Interests. The Global market has also evolved with new threats to intellectual property and cyber security. We have seen huge growth in the federal bureaucracy. The Department of Homeland Security was created, and border spending is at record highs. Congress passed two major tax cuts intended to pay for themselves with economic growth that have only that have added to the National debt.\n</p><p>Congress needs to stop the politics of continuing resolutions and threats to shutdown government. Those political tactics need to be replaced with rigorous policy debate throughout the bi-annual budget process.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Jay McGovern's campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-5\"><a href=\"#cite_note-5\">[5]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\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>Jay McGovern completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGovern's 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-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading-bio-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-87924-2020-06-06\" 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-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-87924-2020-06-06\" 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\tA Florida native, engineer and retired Navy Helicopter Pilot; I'm running to stop the legislature from suing, with taxpayer money, to overturn amendments passed by over 60% of the voters. These amendments include restoration of voting rights, buying conservation lands and to stop gerrymandering.\n<p>I served 30-years in the Navy, as a helicopter pilot and Commanding Officer. I have also worked in both public and private sectors as an engineer with large and small businesses, worked independently as well as on large teams having had the responsibility of leading as many as 1,000 employees.\n</p>\nIn the midst of the pandemic, we have seen the best in each other and yet the worst from our leadership. We know the pandemic has changed our world, the future is uncertain. It's time to be bold in order to build the future we want. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading-key-message-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-87924-2020-06-06\" 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-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>As a veteran, I understands to build a strong nation, you need healthy educated children. We need world-class public education.</li><li>We can grow businesses AND a workforce who have wages that make housing affordable, rather than having to create \"affordable housing\". </li><li>We need to be better stewards of our environment. Build a generation of Floridians who explore rather than exploit nature.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading1-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading1-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-87924-2020-06-06\" 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\tEducation, including technical training. College cannot represent the only path to financial security and solvency in retirement. The pandemic has changed both education and the workplace. We have an opportunity to rethink how we do things. It's time to be bold in order to build the future we want.<br/><br/>\n<p>Economic opportunity, We don't have to choose between attracting businesses and protecting workers or consumers, we can do both. I will take my business acumen to Tallahassee to create policy and law that encourages business growth while respecting our environment and the needs of our workforce and consumers. It's time to put people before corporations.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nInclusion, too many Floridians are marginalized while the legislature panders to the politically connected. Suing to overturn amendments and reverse the will of the voters is a good example. It's time to be included, not dismissed.<br/><br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading2-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading2-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-87924-2020-06-06\" 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\tPolitically, Bob Graham (former Florida Governor and Senator). He has been an unassuming leader who maintained his connection with working Floridians through his \"workdays\". That connection with working people helped him be a consumer and environmental advocate while still facilitating Florida's economic prosperity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading3-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading3-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-87924-2020-06-06\" 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 would recommend people read books across the political spectrum to find their political philosophy. By doing that, I gained an appreciation for other points of view and better ways to articulate mine to someone who is not predisposed to think like me. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading4-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading4-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-87924-2020-06-06\" 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 solve problems you have to have curiosity, be competent and have conviction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading5-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading5-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-87924-2020-06-06\" 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\tRepresent people, specifically constituents. While listening to them, find ways to balance competing priorities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading6-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading6-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-87924-2020-06-06\" 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 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I was seven years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-87924-2020-06-06\" id=\"heading7-87924-2020-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-87924-2020-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-87924-2020-06-06\" 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=\"heading7-87924-2020-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-87924-2020-06-06\" 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\tRenting chairs, umbrellas and Honda minibikes during the summer in New Smyrna Beach for King Concessions and Swift Cycles ('75-'79). \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>\n<p>The following issues were listed on McGovern's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, <a class=\"external text\" href=\"http://www.jaymcgovern.com/#issues\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here</a>.\n</p>", "answer_text": "McGovern's campaign website stated the following:\n“ I’m a practical American who understands that right sized Government has a role in our lives. I want to represent you and enact practical solutions to keep America working and set us up for future success. You work hard, pay your taxes, and deserve quality representation and positive results. I’m one of the majority of Americans who identify as somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum. I am socially liberal and fiscally practical. Gerrymandering doesn’t give those of us in the middle much of a voice – unless we turn out and vote! I'm a Democratic running in a Republican leaning district because we can all see that partisan gridlock is getting us nowhere. We have learned, we cannot change the way the politicians act, we can only change our behavior. Specifically, how we vote. We cannot keep sending the same people to Washington and expect better results – we will merely get more of the same finger pointing excuses for not getting things done. We need new representation to shift from the failed 19th Century “trickle-down” dogma – the belief that if we take care of big business, business will take care of us. We need 21st Century solutions that invest in people, human rights, small businesses, and innovation while being fiscally responsible. BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION Why is it so hard for workers to legally come to the United States? Congress hasn’t enacted any meaningful immigration reform since Ronald Regan was President over 40 years ago. The world sure has changed since then. But old school Republican politicians don’t really want to fix immigration. They just want to fear monger around the issue, and recently proved this with votes against even considering a historic bipartisan immigration bill. IT'S COMMON SENSE: A workable solution for illegal immigration would be to require a fee for work visas and expand the visa program. This would dramatically reduce illegal immigration and reduce taxpayer expense. PERSONAL SAFTEY More and more Americans feel unsafe as they go about their daily lives. Statistically, America is safe, but there are places where life shattering violence is too common. We must refocus policing to a “guardian” mentality, moving away from an “enforcement” mentality. OUR FIRST RESPONDERS RISK THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY: In many cases, they respond to calls that are more dangerous because Congress has failed to adequately address gun violence, mental health, and society’s well being. We do not need to limit gun ownership to enhance gun safety. We can treat addiction like an illness not a crime. We can reduce crime by providing a positive vision and a path for people to become upwardly mobile again. RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER The overturning of Roe v. Wade was an attack on Women’s rights, and not something that will prevent abortions. In fact we have seen that it threatens IVF, and endangers the lives of abused girls and mothers in medical distress. The idea that the Government should dictate what a woman does with her body is the antithesis of Liberty. Most Americans feel abortions should be safe, legal, and very rare. Now we have learned they need to be safe, legal, rare and free of Government overreach. Republican politicians perpetuate a ruse that this is a States rights issue. IT'S NOT. it is a private issue not a government issue. We don't want politicians and lawyers in the business of family planning. LIBERTY IS PARAMOUNT: To my friends and neighbors who have a deeply held belief that abortion is wrong; I am not asking for you to compromise your beliefs. I am asking that you not allow government to infringe on the liberty and privacy or our fellow Americans. BACK TO A BALANCED BUDGET To get back to sane governance, you need a representative in Congress who will do the hard work to stop the politics of continuing resolutions and threats to shutdown Government. Those tactics need to be replaced with rigorous debate through the bi-annual budget process. JUST 24 YEARS AGO, THE BUDGET WAS BALANCED: We didn’t have to cut social security or compromise our National Security to do it. But it did call for compromise and tough decisions. As an engineer, I will take a practical approach and examine the budget and our spending. First, we need to understand what has changed in the last 24 years that have prevented Congress from balancing the budget. The threats to our National Security have evolved. Russia, China, Iran, and Terrorism remain real threats to Americans and our National Interests. The Global market has also evolved with new threats to intellectual property and cyber security. We have seen huge growth in the federal bureaucracy. The Department of Homeland Security was created, and border spending is at record highs. Congress passed two major tax cuts intended to pay for themselves with economic growth that have only that have added to the National debt. Congress needs to stop the politics of continuing resolutions and threats to shutdown government. Those political tactics need to be replaced with rigorous policy debate throughout the bi-annual budget process. [4] ” —Jay McGovern's campaign website (2024) [5]\n\n\nJay McGovern completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGovern's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. A Florida native, engineer and retired Navy Helicopter Pilot; I'm running to stop the legislature from suing, with taxpayer money, to overturn amendments passed by over 60% of the voters. These amendments include restoration of voting rights, buying conservation lands and to stop gerrymandering. I served 30-years in the Navy, as a helicopter pilot and Commanding Officer. I have also worked in both public and private sectors as an engineer with large and small businesses, worked independently as well as on large teams having had the responsibility of leading as many as 1,000 employees. In the midst of the pandemic, we have seen the best in each other and yet the worst from our leadership. We know the pandemic has changed our world, the future is uncertain. It's time to be bold in order to build the future we want. 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? As a veteran, I understands to build a strong nation, you need healthy educated children. We need world-class public education. We can grow businesses AND a workforce who have wages that make housing affordable, rather than having to create \"affordable housing\". We need to be better stewards of our environment. Build a generation of Floridians who explore rather than exploit nature. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Education, including technical training. College cannot represent the only path to financial security and solvency in retirement. The pandemic has changed both education and the workplace. We have an opportunity to rethink how we do things. It's time to be bold in order to build the future we want. Economic opportunity, We don't have to choose between attracting businesses and protecting workers or consumers, we can do both. I will take my business acumen to Tallahassee to create policy and law that encourages business growth while respecting our environment and the needs of our workforce and consumers. It's time to put people before corporations. Inclusion, too many Floridians are marginalized while the legislature panders to the politically connected. Suing to overturn amendments and reverse the will of the voters is a good example. It's time to be included, not dismissed. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Politically, Bob Graham (former Florida Governor and Senator). He has been an unassuming leader who maintained his connection with working Floridians through his \"workdays\". That connection with working people helped him be a consumer and environmental advocate while still facilitating Florida's economic prosperity. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I would recommend people read books across the political spectrum to find their political philosophy. By doing that, I gained an appreciation for other points of view and better ways to articulate mine to someone who is not predisposed to think like me. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? To solve problems you have to have curiosity, be competent and have conviction. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Represent people, specifically constituents. While listening to them, find ways to balance competing priorities. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I was seven years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Renting chairs, umbrellas and Honda minibikes during the summer in New Smyrna Beach for King Concessions and Swift Cycles ('75-'79).\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.\nThe following issues were listed on McGovern's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here ."}]