Steven Mitchell Schiffman

[{"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>Steve Schiffman completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schiffman'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-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading-bio-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-203427-2023-09-15\" 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-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tSteve Schiffman is a \"baby boomer\" who still remembers when Congress worked for the benefit of the American people; where diversity of views and opinions were welcomed and not demonized; where comprise and consensus-building was the sought-after legislative goal in order to reflect the broader concerns of the American people. \r\n<p>Today, this is not the case. Unfortunately we see the attitude of \"my way or the highway\".\r\n</p><p><br/>\r\nWhy vote for Steve Schiffman? \r\n</p><p>As the only moderate, common sense Republican running for Congress in 2024, only Steve is commitment to working across Congressional party lines to bring compromise, to achieve results, and working to achieve a better tomorrow for all of South Nevada's voters. \r\n</p><p>Steve Schiffman has always prioritized the interests of the voters over that of party politics to solve problems. An important element is Steve's ability to actually listen to what people are saying, focusing on their needs, their concerns and their hopes for tomorrow.\r\n</p><p>This is not new to Steve. As a lawyer with an LL.M degree from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, as a former USAID foreign service officer, as a former US Peace Corps volunteer, and as a UNDP legal advisor, Steve's track record includes his mentoring on democratic governance, rule of law and economic development reform.\r\n</p>\nIn other words, Steve Schiffman is the \"real thing\" for the people of Southern Nevada's Congressional District 3.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading-key-message-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203427-2023-09-15\" 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-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 must re-introduce respect for diversity of views by all members of Congress.</li><li>We must seek out consensus and to find a common solution to today's numerous problems and concerns.</li><li>We must bring a moderate, common sense approach to Congress rather than catering to the political extremes.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading1-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading1-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\t1 Foreign Policy/Foreign Affairs<br/>\n<p>2. Intelligence and Security<br/>\r\n3. Judicial Affairs<br/>\r\n4. International Trade and Commerce<br/>\n</p>\n5. Internet, Social Media and Artificial Intelligence\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading2-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading2-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 look up to those Congressional leaders (in both House and Senate) that stood for integrity, honesty and transparency, irrespective of party affiliation and/or label.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading3-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading3-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-203427-2023-09-15\" 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:<br/><br/>\r\nJFK's \"Profiles in Courage\".\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading4-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading4-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 best answer is that of what I learned while being a US boy scout in my teens, and which applies not only to elected officials but to each human being, that being what is referred to as the fundamental principles of Scouting aka the Scout Law:<br/><br/>\r\nTrustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and, Reverent.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading5-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading5-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tSteve Schiffman offers a track record of being moderate in my views, open in terms of accepting alternative viewpoints, while maintaining true to my core principles of good governance.<br/><br/>\n<p>The polarizing attitudes and ideology that has taken over the American political environment -- as witnessed in recently-held political debates and rallies, nationwide -- is a danger to traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. Under the status quo, ideologues in both parties constantly use threats, boycotts, political deadlock and drama, which is unacceptable and unethical political behavior.<br/><br/>\r\nFor example, Steve advocates a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; increased low-interest, federal guaranteed student loans and grants for higher education; sustainable and affordable Medicare; a commitment for the security of all Americans at home, and to lead America and its allies, notably Israel, in the battle against terror and extremism. <br/><br/>\r\nMore importantly, Steve offers a vision of growth and progress but with a dose of realism”. For example, social change comes from within the person; not to be forced upon by political ideologues of either the left or right”. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nIn the final analysis, Steve offers the voters a perspective based on his own experience in the spheres of rule of law and jobs-generating economic development. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading6-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading6-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-203427-2023-09-15\" 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, integrity, and transparency.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading7-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading7-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tLet's get elected first, before speaking or writing of a \"legacy\" in terms of being in Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading8-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading8-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 President John F. Kennedy. I was attending Robert E Lee Junior High School in Orlando when the announcement was made over the public address system to all classes.<br/><br/>\n<p>How can anyone really forget such a sad event in American history? <br/><br/>\r\nWho can ever forget his personal challenge to the American people and those living overseas:<br/><br/>\r\n\"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.<br/><br/>\n</p>\n\"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.\" \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading9-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading9-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tDuring my entire senior year at Edgewater high school in Orlando, FL, I worked at WWQS-FM radio, between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm as on air talent/announcer.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading10-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading10-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tJFK's \"Profile in Courage\".<br/><br/>\r\nWhy? The title says it all!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading11-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading11-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tNever gave it much thought.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading12-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading12-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\t Barry McGuire's \"Eve of Destruction\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading13-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading13-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 rather lucky or fortunate since I have not really thought of my being in a struggle during my lifetime.<br/><br/>\n<p>That is not to say that I have not had my challenges and/or disagreements, but those are minor when compared to \"life in general\".<br/><br/>\n</p>\nIn the final analysis, I take full responsibility for both my successes as well as failings during my adult lifetime.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading14-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading14-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 US Senate which presents the interests of the individual 50 American states as a whole, the House of Representatives are designed to reflect the local concerns and nuances of daily American life. <br/><br/>\n<p>By having elections every two years, our House of Representatives are constantly monitoring the voters' pulse to ensure the feelings and attitudes of the American people \"on the street\" at any given time.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThat is why there should not be any term limit on the voting options made available to the American voter.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading15-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading15-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-203427-2023-09-15\" 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, since there are certain core skills required to ensure a successful result in the role of being a legislator, which one gets in a government work environment, such as the need to reach out, to listen to the voters, and to seek out compromise and/or consensus when endorsing public policy decisions or passing key legislation.. <br/><br/>\n<p>While finances and the economy are key elements of our present-day government structure, Congress is not a \"corporate entity\" and thus membership in the House of Representatives should NOT be seen as an executive and the voters NOT as \"clients\". <br/><br/>\n</p>\nThus, to run for the House of Representatives based on \"business\" or \"corporate\" experience is the wrong emphasis.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading16-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading16-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\t1. Re-unite the people of the United States by respecting diversity of views and the need to reach out and build-upon consensus; to ensure that extremism never takes hold in American politics and/or social policies..<br/><br/>\n<p>2. To take pro-active steps to counter Communist China in its quest to economically dominate our economy, worldwide.<br/><br/>\r\n3. To develop strong public government oversight into the development and/or application/implementation of advanced Artificial Intelligence - in its broadest context.<br/><br/>\r\n4. To counter radical Islam, both domestically and globally.<br/><br/>\r\n5. To ensure American energy independence by incorporating a mix of all forms including fossil/carbon, nuclear, wind, thermal, solar<br/><br/>\r\n6. To address the increase of violence in American society, including introducing a common sense approach to gun safety, safety in both public and private schools, the elimination of international drug smuggling and domestic trafficking.<br/><br/>\n</p>\n7. The adoption of a moderate, common sense approach to American immigration laws, ensuring a \"merit-based\" system while taking meaningful steps to enforce the protection of America's international borders.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading17-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading17-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-203427-2023-09-15\" 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, since such a term ensures that the representative is constantly in communication with his/her voters.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading18-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading18-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tLet the voters decide whether to \"term-limit\" a candidate for Congress (House and/or Senate).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading19-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading19-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-203427-2023-09-15\" 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 there are, such as the late moderate, common sense, Central Florida GOP Congressman, Lou Frey. <br/><br/>\r\nLou had a modest public persona who did not attempt to seek nationwide media attention nor participate in divisive political discourse, preferring to quietly accomplishing what was best for his voters in the Orlando/Winter Park area, be they registered republicans, democrats and/or independents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading20-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading20-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tEach story has its own element of being particularly touching, memorable, and/or impactful. The idea is to not to just \"hear\" but to listen and have respect and a degree of sensitivity towards each person's situation/experience.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading21-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading21-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tPublicly? Are you kidding?\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading22-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading22-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tCompromise, based on both common sense and consensus-building is not only desirable for policymaking but is absolutely required for successful policymaking, including its adoption by the American people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading23-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading23-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tEasy: tax policies should be based on what is fair, reasonable, and balanced. Tax policies should not focus on one particular social or economic group.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading24-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading24-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tThere is only one answer: in a moderate, common sense, and balanced fashion.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-203427-2023-09-15\" id=\"heading25-203427-2023-09-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-203427-2023-09-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-203427-2023-09-15\" 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=\"heading25-203427-2023-09-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-203427-2023-09-15\" 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\tPending\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\nSteve Schiffman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schiffman's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Steve Schiffman is a \"baby boomer\" who still remembers when Congress worked for the benefit of the American people; where diversity of views and opinions were welcomed and not demonized; where comprise and consensus-building was the sought-after legislative goal in order to reflect the broader concerns of the American people. Today, this is not the case. Unfortunately we see the attitude of \"my way or the highway\". Why vote for Steve Schiffman? As the only moderate, common sense Republican running for Congress in 2024, only Steve is commitment to working across Congressional party lines to bring compromise, to achieve results, and working to achieve a better tomorrow for all of South Nevada's voters. Steve Schiffman has always prioritized the interests of the voters over that of party politics to solve problems. An important element is Steve's ability to actually listen to what people are saying, focusing on their needs, their concerns and their hopes for tomorrow. This is not new to Steve. As a lawyer with an LL.M degree from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, as a former USAID foreign service officer, as a former US Peace Corps volunteer, and as a UNDP legal advisor, Steve's track record includes his mentoring on democratic governance, rule of law and economic development reform. In other words, Steve Schiffman is the \"real thing\" for the people of Southern Nevada's Congressional District 3. 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 must re-introduce respect for diversity of views by all members of Congress. We must seek out consensus and to find a common solution to today's numerous problems and concerns. We must bring a moderate, common sense approach to Congress rather than catering to the political extremes. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? 1 Foreign Policy/Foreign Affairs 2. Intelligence and Security 3. Judicial Affairs 4. International Trade and Commerce 5. Internet, Social Media and Artificial Intelligence Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to those Congressional leaders (in both House and Senate) that stood for integrity, honesty and transparency, irrespective of party affiliation and/or label. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Yes: JFK's \"Profiles in Courage\". What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The best answer is that of what I learned while being a US boy scout in my teens, and which applies not only to elected officials but to each human being, that being what is referred to as the fundamental principles of Scouting aka the Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and, Reverent. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Steve Schiffman offers a track record of being moderate in my views, open in terms of accepting alternative viewpoints, while maintaining true to my core principles of good governance. The polarizing attitudes and ideology that has taken over the American political environment -- as witnessed in recently-held political debates and rallies, nationwide -- is a danger to traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. Under the status quo, ideologues in both parties constantly use threats, boycotts, political deadlock and drama, which is unacceptable and unethical political behavior. For example, Steve advocates a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; increased low-interest, federal guaranteed student loans and grants for higher education; sustainable and affordable Medicare; a commitment for the security of all Americans at home, and to lead America and its allies, notably Israel, in the battle against terror and extremism. More importantly, Steve offers a vision of growth and progress but with a dose of realism”. For example, social change comes from within the person; not to be forced upon by political ideologues of either the left or right”. In the final analysis, Steve offers the voters a perspective based on his own experience in the spheres of rule of law and jobs-generating economic development. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Honesty, integrity, and transparency. What legacy would you like to leave? Let's get elected first, before speaking or writing of a \"legacy\" in terms of being in Congress. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was attending Robert E Lee Junior High School in Orlando when the announcement was made over the public address system to all classes. How can anyone really forget such a sad event in American history? Who can ever forget his personal challenge to the American people and those living overseas: \"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. \"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.\" What was your very first job? How long did you have it? During my entire senior year at Edgewater high school in Orlando, FL, I worked at WWQS-FM radio, between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm as on air talent/announcer. What is your favorite book? Why? JFK's \"Profile in Courage\". Why? The title says it all! If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Never gave it much thought. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Barry McGuire's \"Eve of Destruction\" What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I am rather lucky or fortunate since I have not really thought of my being in a struggle during my lifetime. That is not to say that I have not had my challenges and/or disagreements, but those are minor when compared to \"life in general\". In the final analysis, I take full responsibility for both my successes as well as failings during my adult lifetime. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Unlike the US Senate which presents the interests of the individual 50 American states as a whole, the House of Representatives are designed to reflect the local concerns and nuances of daily American life. By having elections every two years, our House of Representatives are constantly monitoring the voters' pulse to ensure the feelings and attitudes of the American people \"on the street\" at any given time. That is why there should not be any term limit on the voting options made available to the American voter. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, since there are certain core skills required to ensure a successful result in the role of being a legislator, which one gets in a government work environment, such as the need to reach out, to listen to the voters, and to seek out compromise and/or consensus when endorsing public policy decisions or passing key legislation.. While finances and the economy are key elements of our present-day government structure, Congress is not a \"corporate entity\" and thus membership in the House of Representatives should NOT be seen as an executive and the voters NOT as \"clients\". Thus, to run for the House of Representatives based on \"business\" or \"corporate\" experience is the wrong emphasis. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? 1. Re-unite the people of the United States by respecting diversity of views and the need to reach out and build-upon consensus; to ensure that extremism never takes hold in American politics and/or social policies.. 2. To take pro-active steps to counter Communist China in its quest to economically dominate our economy, worldwide. 3. To develop strong public government oversight into the development and/or application/implementation of advanced Artificial Intelligence - in its broadest context. 4. To counter radical Islam, both domestically and globally. 5. To ensure American energy independence by incorporating a mix of all forms including fossil/carbon, nuclear, wind, thermal, solar 6. To address the increase of violence in American society, including introducing a common sense approach to gun safety, safety in both public and private schools, the elimination of international drug smuggling and domestic trafficking. 7. The adoption of a moderate, common sense approach to American immigration laws, ensuring a \"merit-based\" system while taking meaningful steps to enforce the protection of America's international borders. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes, since such a term ensures that the representative is constantly in communication with his/her voters. What are your thoughts on term limits? Let the voters decide whether to \"term-limit\" a candidate for Congress (House and/or Senate). Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Yes there are, such as the late moderate, common sense, Central Florida GOP Congressman, Lou Frey. Lou had a modest public persona who did not attempt to seek nationwide media attention nor participate in divisive political discourse, preferring to quietly accomplishing what was best for his voters in the Orlando/Winter Park area, be they registered republicans, democrats and/or independents. 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? Each story has its own element of being particularly touching, memorable, and/or impactful. The idea is to not to just \"hear\" but to listen and have respect and a degree of sensitivity towards each person's situation/experience. Tell us your favorite joke. Publicly? Are you kidding? Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise, based on both common sense and consensus-building is not only desirable for policymaking but is absolutely required for successful policymaking, including its adoption by the American people. 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? Easy: tax policies should be based on what is fair, reasonable, and balanced. Tax policies should not focus on one particular social or economic group. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? There is only one answer: in a moderate, common sense, and balanced fashion. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Pending\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>Schiffman’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><big><b>SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM</b></big>\n</p><p>During the 2023 “State of the Union” address to Congress, President Biden stated that <i>“as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right, ”</i> adding that <i>“we’ll pay for it the way we talked about: by making sure the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share.”</i> Unfortunately, Biden (and much of the Congress) was wrong on two accounts: a) now is the time to start serious discussions/negotiations on the future of Social Security; and, b)funding should be based on what is equitable and reasonable without political <i>“finger-pointing”</i> to <i>scapegoats</i>.\n</p><p><b>Steve is offering his own <i>\"common sense\"</i>, Moderate Republican Social Security funding solution to take effect 60 days upon passage of legislation and signature of the US President.</b>\n</p><p>1. For those individuals born on/after January 1, 1985, early Social Security retirement benefits shall be offered upon reaching age 70; full benefits upon reaching age 72; and compulsory benefits starting at age 75. <b>Such benefits shall be 100% tax-free on both <i>federal and state-level</i> .</b>\n</p><p>2. For individuals born on/after January 1, 1980 whose annual gross income exceeds $500,000 but under $750,000, their social security benefits shall be reduced by 50%. Such benefits shall remain taxable under current IRS regulations.\n</p><p>3. For individuals on/after January 1, 1970 whose annual gross income exceeds $750,000 or more, their social security benefits shall be reduced by 99.9%.\n</p><p><br/>\n<big><b>BORDER SECURITY/IMMIGRATION REFORM</b></big>\n</p><p>We constantly hear the phrases <i>“border security”</i> and <i>“immigration reforms”</i> used interchangeably. This is a mistake. Such continued usage tends to filter out and/or block the real areas of concern. Steve believes the issues can be boiled down to two concerns:\n</p><p>1. The need to enforce American <i>refugee status laws</i> ; and,\n</p><p>2. The need to amend by legislation or Constitution, the legal meaning of <i>“naturalized in the United States”</i> in order to discourage illegal entry to the USA.\n</p><p><big><b>Political Refugee versus Economic/Criminal/Drug Cartel Refugees</b></big>\n</p><p>In a nutshell, Steve believes that most of the chaos happening on America’s Southern borders is based on poor economic and/or criminal gangs’ considerations in their respective home countries. While American policies need to be sensitive about such environments, globally, our immigration laws are not designed for such purposes.\n</p><p>There is no doubt that the prevailing <i>“word on the street”</i> among hopeful immigrants to the United States is that the easiest way to enter the USA is to use one of two words to describe their <i>raison d'être</i> attempted entry into the USA, legally or illegally: 1) <i><b>Refugee</b></i> and 2) <i><b>Asylum</b></i> . Although there are legal differences between those two words, for the hope-to-be immigrant, those words have identical meanings: free entrance to USA!\n</p><p>The term \"refugee\" means any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality …. and unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.\n</p><p>There is a generally accepted precedent in international law that a person should register and seek asylum in the first country where it is safe to do so. Once the claim of refugee status has been granted, the person can often be resettled in a third country. This is known as the \"safe third country\" for migrants’ doctrine.\n</p><p>For purposes of immigration policy, Steve believes that the prior Trump administration was on target compared to the subsequent actions by President Biden. Specifically, the Trump administration in 1920 set the FY 2021 refugee admissions ceiling at 15,000. The Biden administration raised the ceiling to 125,000 for FY 2022.\n</p><p><b>Today, 2024, we are now seeing the natural outgrowth of such a policy change at our Southern borders.</b>\n</p><p><big><b>Defining the term “Naturalized” as used in the 14th Amendment</b></big>\n</p><p>There is no doubt that the status quo is not working in today’s world of mass attempts of illegal migration to the USA, to the extent that we need to amend by legislation or Constitution, the legal meaning of <i>“naturalized in the United States”</i> in order to discourage illegal entry to USA.\n</p><p>While much of the reforms stipulated in the 2024 House resolution HR 2 reflects a moderate common-sense approach to reforming both border security and immigration reforms, it lacks an important element that relates to incentives for entering the USA illegally, namely a need to define the term <i><b>“natural born citizens”</b></i> .\n</p><p>The Constitution nowhere defines the meaning of these words, either by way of inclusion or of exclusion, except insofar as this is done by the affirmative declaration that <i>\"all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.\"</i> Even the 14th Amendment does not define such a term except in the broadest of context: <i>\"all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside…\"</i>\n</p><p>In other words, the Fourteenth Amendment does not exclude from citizenship by birth children born in the United States of parents permanently located therein, and who might themselves become citizens; nor, on the other hand, does it arbitrarily make citizens of children born in the United States of parents who, according to the will of their native government and of this Government, are and must remain aliens.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</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;\">—Steve Schiffman’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-17\"><a href=\"#cite_note-17\">[17]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Steve Schiffman did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>\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>Steve Schiffman 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 Schiffman'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-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading-bio-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-78993-2020-03-14\" 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-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\t As a moderate, \"common sense\" Democrat, my motivation is clear: the polarizing attitudes and ideology that has taken over the American political environment - as witnessed in recently-held political debates and rallies, nationwide - is a danger to traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. \n<pre>I advocate a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; increased low-interest, federal guaranteed student loans and grants for higher education; the need to ensure a sustainable and affordable Medicare; a commitment for the security of all Americans at home, and to lead America and its allies, notably Israel, in the battle against terror and extremism.\n</pre>\n<p>Having completed my legal graduate studies at The London School of Economics' Faculty of Law, I offer over three decades of domestic and international legal reform and economic development, improving the lives of the less advantaged through outreach, legislative drafting and jobs creation as well as promoting women and minority rights and fighting corruption. \n</p>\nIn terms of public service and outreach, I offer both cultural sensitivity on a global scale while concurrently a demonstrated history of public service and volunteerism. I am especially proud of being a former US Peace Corps volunteer during my younger years.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-78993-2020-03-14\" 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-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I hope to influence and/or achieve meaningful legal and policy reform and the promotion of democratic values, using a \"common sense\" and practical approach to consensus building.</li><li>I wish to promote and re-introduce traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. It other words, respecting 1) fairness; 2) tolerance and respectibility of opinions and views; and 3) compasson for others.</li><li>I do not look at political/party labels but rather at the person and the issues being debated in an objective and non-dogmatic way.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading1-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading1-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tAmerican foreign policy, including strong support for Israel<br/><br/>\n<p>To transition national health care vis-à-vis hospitals and medical insurance away from \"pro-profit\" entities to that of non-profit, organizations<br/><br/>\nTo expand/reform Medicare \"Advantage\" programs to ensure universal coverage rather than limiting non-emergency care to a particular county and/or state; enabling equal medical coverage/benefits irrespective of location in USA<br/><br/>\nTo continue taking the lead in fighting terrorism and political extremism, worldwide.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nTo strengthen consumer rights in the USA, including limitation on credit card \"non secured\" loans, transparency in marketing and advertising (in all media), including disclosure of actual prices and costs to consumers, irrespective of origin e.g., in stores, on television, mail order, email, internet.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading2-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading2-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 respect as role models in the political sphere:<br/><br/>\n<p>1. Teddy Roosevelt<br/>\n2. John F. Kennedy<br/>\n3. Henry \"Scoop\" Jackson<br/>\n4. Ronald Reagan<br/>\n5. John McCain<br/>\n6. Sam Nunn<br/>\n7. Joseph Lieberman<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThey were both statesmen and representatives of the voters; where decisions and policies were based on fairness, tolerance, and compassion\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading3-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading3-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\t1. 12 Angry Men (movie)<br/>\n<p>2. Judgment at Nuremberg (movie)<br/>\n3. Profiles in Courage (book)<br/>\n4. On The Beach (movie)<br/>\n</p>\n5. The Manchurian Candidate (1962 movie)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading4-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading4-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\t\"Forward Thinking\"<br/><br/>\n<p>\"Open-Minded\"<br/><br/>\n\"Decency\"<br/><br/>\n\"Honesty and Integrity\"<br/><br/>\n\"Accountability with Transparency\"<br/><br/>\n\"Civility,\" <br/><br/>\n\"Loyalty\"<br/><br/>\n</p>\n\"Mutual Respect\"<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading5-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading5-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\t\"Forward Thinking\"<br/><br/>\n<p>\"Open-Minded\"<br/><br/>\n\"Decency\"<br/><br/>\n\"Honesty and Integrity\"<br/><br/>\n\"Accountability with Transparency\"<br/><br/>\n\"Civility,\" <br/><br/>\n\"Loyalty\"<br/><br/>\n</p>\n\"Mutual Respect\"<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading6-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading6-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tAdvocate the need to look ahead and not behind;<br/><br/>\n<p>The need to welcome new ideas without rigid reactions;<br/><br/>\nProtecting our cherished civil rights and liberties;<br/><br/>\nPromoting a Better Tomorrow;<br/><br/>\nDefending American values; and<br/><br/>\n</p>\nDefeating Political Extremism<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading7-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading7-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 person who successfully advocated:<br/><br/>\n<p>Advocate the need to look ahead and not behind;<br/><br/>\nThe need to welcome new ideas without rigid reactions;<br/><br/>\nProtecting our cherished civil rights and liberties;<br/><br/>\nPromoting a Better Tomorrow;<br/><br/>\nDefending American values; and<br/><br/>\n</p>\nDefeating Political Extremism<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading8-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading8-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX, while attending Algebra I class at Robert E Lee Junior High School in Orlando, FL. Our school principle, via the PA system, announced the shooting at around 2:05 pm EST; and his subsequent death around 2:30 pm, when classes were pre-maturely dismissed. <br/><br/>\nI was 14 years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading9-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading9-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tWhile in high school, worked afternoons and weekends at a WWQS-fm, a local radio station in Orlando, FL (News, Announcer, Board). It lasted until I attended university which was \"out of state\".\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading10-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading10-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tJFK's \"Profiles in Courage\"<br/><br/>\nThe title and subject matter tells it all.N/A\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading11-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading11-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tN/A\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading12-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading12-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 Way (Frank Sinatra)<br/><br/>\n<p>Impossible Dream (Robert Goulet)<br/><br/>\nI Just Called To Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder)<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAbraham, Martin, and John (Dion)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading13-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading13-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tThere have been numerous personal \"challenges\" but none that would be deemed as a \"struggle\", per se.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading14-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading14-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 House of Representatives tends to reflect more of the \"moment of the day\" vis-à-vis feelings and concerns of local constituents rather than longer-term policy issues. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading15-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading15-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-78993-2020-03-14\" 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, although not necessarily in an \"elected\" position. For the sake of transparency, I have substantial experience in governmental and/or politically related activities. I find that such experience is extremely helpful and provides insights not normally obtained by those who lack such experience.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading16-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading16-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tEliminating polarization in politics and social relationships, nationally.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading17-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\t1. Foreign Affairs<br/>\n<p>2. Security<br/>\n3. Judicial<br/>\n</p>\n4. Ways and Means\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading18-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tN/A\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading19-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading19-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-78993-2020-03-14\" 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; it enables having a constant \"pulse\" on local constituency needs.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading20-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading20-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tAgain legislative term limits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading21-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-78993-2020-03-14\" 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 are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-78993-2020-03-14\" 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, any position offered.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading22-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading22-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tOver my lifetime, there have been several whom I highly respect, both Democrats and Republicans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-78993-2020-03-14\" id=\"heading23-78993-2020-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-78993-2020-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-78993-2020-03-14\" 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=\"heading23-78993-2020-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-78993-2020-03-14\" 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\tThere are to many such personal stories; however, they all have a common characteristic: believing that their problems are ignored and/or not recognized.\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": "Schiffman’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM During the 2023 “State of the Union” address to Congress, President Biden stated that “as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right, ” adding that “we’ll pay for it the way we talked about: by making sure the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share.” Unfortunately, Biden (and much of the Congress) was wrong on two accounts: a) now is the time to start serious discussions/negotiations on the future of Social Security; and, b)funding should be based on what is equitable and reasonable without political “finger-pointing” to scapegoats . Steve is offering his own \"common sense\" , Moderate Republican Social Security funding solution to take effect 60 days upon passage of legislation and signature of the US President. 1. For those individuals born on/after January 1, 1985, early Social Security retirement benefits shall be offered upon reaching age 70; full benefits upon reaching age 72; and compulsory benefits starting at age 75. Such benefits shall be 100% tax-free on both federal and state-level . 2. For individuals born on/after January 1, 1980 whose annual gross income exceeds $500,000 but under $750,000, their social security benefits shall be reduced by 50%. Such benefits shall remain taxable under current IRS regulations. 3. For individuals on/after January 1, 1970 whose annual gross income exceeds $750,000 or more, their social security benefits shall be reduced by 99.9%. BORDER SECURITY/IMMIGRATION REFORM We constantly hear the phrases “border security” and “immigration reforms” used interchangeably. This is a mistake. Such continued usage tends to filter out and/or block the real areas of concern. Steve believes the issues can be boiled down to two concerns: 1. The need to enforce American refugee status laws ; and, 2. The need to amend by legislation or Constitution, the legal meaning of “naturalized in the United States” in order to discourage illegal entry to the USA. Political Refugee versus Economic/Criminal/Drug Cartel Refugees In a nutshell, Steve believes that most of the chaos happening on America’s Southern borders is based on poor economic and/or criminal gangs’ considerations in their respective home countries. While American policies need to be sensitive about such environments, globally, our immigration laws are not designed for such purposes. There is no doubt that the prevailing “word on the street” among hopeful immigrants to the United States is that the easiest way to enter the USA is to use one of two words to describe their raison d'être attempted entry into the USA, legally or illegally: 1) Refugee and 2) Asylum . Although there are legal differences between those two words, for the hope-to-be immigrant, those words have identical meanings: free entrance to USA! The term \"refugee\" means any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality …. and unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. There is a generally accepted precedent in international law that a person should register and seek asylum in the first country where it is safe to do so. Once the claim of refugee status has been granted, the person can often be resettled in a third country. This is known as the \"safe third country\" for migrants’ doctrine. For purposes of immigration policy, Steve believes that the prior Trump administration was on target compared to the subsequent actions by President Biden. Specifically, the Trump administration in 1920 set the FY 2021 refugee admissions ceiling at 15,000. The Biden administration raised the ceiling to 125,000 for FY 2022. Today, 2024, we are now seeing the natural outgrowth of such a policy change at our Southern borders. Defining the term “Naturalized” as used in the 14th Amendment There is no doubt that the status quo is not working in today’s world of mass attempts of illegal migration to the USA, to the extent that we need to amend by legislation or Constitution, the legal meaning of “naturalized in the United States” in order to discourage illegal entry to USA. While much of the reforms stipulated in the 2024 House resolution HR 2 reflects a moderate common-sense approach to reforming both border security and immigration reforms, it lacks an important element that relates to incentives for entering the USA illegally, namely a need to define the term “natural born citizens” . The Constitution nowhere defines the meaning of these words, either by way of inclusion or of exclusion, except insofar as this is done by the affirmative declaration that \"all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.\" Even the 14th Amendment does not define such a term except in the broadest of context: \"all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside…\" In other words, the Fourteenth Amendment does not exclude from citizenship by birth children born in the United States of parents permanently located therein, and who might themselves become citizens; nor, on the other hand, does it arbitrarily make citizens of children born in the United States of parents who, according to the will of their native government and of this Government, are and must remain aliens. [16] ” —Steve Schiffman’s campaign website (2024) [17]\n\nSteve Schiffman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.\n\n\nSteve Schiffman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schiffman's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. As a moderate, \"common sense\" Democrat, my motivation is clear: the polarizing attitudes and ideology that has taken over the American political environment - as witnessed in recently-held political debates and rallies, nationwide - is a danger to traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. I advocate a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; increased low-interest, federal guaranteed student loans and grants for higher education; the need to ensure a sustainable and affordable Medicare; a commitment for the security of all Americans at home, and to lead America and its allies, notably Israel, in the battle against terror and extremism. Having completed my legal graduate studies at The London School of Economics' Faculty of Law, I offer over three decades of domestic and international legal reform and economic development, improving the lives of the less advantaged through outreach, legislative drafting and jobs creation as well as promoting women and minority rights and fighting corruption. In terms of public service and outreach, I offer both cultural sensitivity on a global scale while concurrently a demonstrated history of public service and volunteerism. I am especially proud of being a former US Peace Corps volunteer during my younger years. 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? I hope to influence and/or achieve meaningful legal and policy reform and the promotion of democratic values, using a \"common sense\" and practical approach to consensus building. I wish to promote and re-introduce traditional American democratic values of diversity and respect of the marketplace of ideas. It other words, respecting 1) fairness; 2) tolerance and respectibility of opinions and views; and 3) compasson for others. I do not look at political/party labels but rather at the person and the issues being debated in an objective and non-dogmatic way. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? American foreign policy, including strong support for Israel To transition national health care vis-à-vis hospitals and medical insurance away from \"pro-profit\" entities to that of non-profit, organizations To expand/reform Medicare \"Advantage\" programs to ensure universal coverage rather than limiting non-emergency care to a particular county and/or state; enabling equal medical coverage/benefits irrespective of location in USA To continue taking the lead in fighting terrorism and political extremism, worldwide. To strengthen consumer rights in the USA, including limitation on credit card \"non secured\" loans, transparency in marketing and advertising (in all media), including disclosure of actual prices and costs to consumers, irrespective of origin e.g., in stores, on television, mail order, email, internet. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I respect as role models in the political sphere: 1. Teddy Roosevelt 2. John F. Kennedy 3. Henry \"Scoop\" Jackson 4. Ronald Reagan 5. John McCain 6. Sam Nunn 7. Joseph Lieberman They were both statesmen and representatives of the voters; where decisions and policies were based on fairness, tolerance, and compassion Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? 1. 12 Angry Men (movie) 2. Judgment at Nuremberg (movie) 3. Profiles in Courage (book) 4. On The Beach (movie) 5. The Manchurian Candidate (1962 movie) What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? \"Forward Thinking\" \"Open-Minded\" \"Decency\" \"Honesty and Integrity\" \"Accountability with Transparency\" \"Civility,\" \"Loyalty\" \"Mutual Respect\" What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? \"Forward Thinking\" \"Open-Minded\" \"Decency\" \"Honesty and Integrity\" \"Accountability with Transparency\" \"Civility,\" \"Loyalty\" \"Mutual Respect\" What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Advocate the need to look ahead and not behind; The need to welcome new ideas without rigid reactions; Protecting our cherished civil rights and liberties; Promoting a Better Tomorrow; Defending American values; and Defeating Political Extremism What legacy would you like to leave? A person who successfully advocated: Advocate the need to look ahead and not behind; The need to welcome new ideas without rigid reactions; Protecting our cherished civil rights and liberties; Promoting a Better Tomorrow; Defending American values; and Defeating Political Extremism What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX, while attending Algebra I class at Robert E Lee Junior High School in Orlando, FL. Our school principle, via the PA system, announced the shooting at around 2:05 pm EST; and his subsequent death around 2:30 pm, when classes were pre-maturely dismissed. I was 14 years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? While in high school, worked afternoons and weekends at a WWQS-fm, a local radio station in Orlando, FL (News, Announcer, Board). It lasted until I attended university which was \"out of state\". What is your favorite book? Why? JFK's \"Profiles in Courage\" The title and subject matter tells it all.N/A If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? N/A What was the last song that got stuck in your head? My Way (Frank Sinatra) Impossible Dream (Robert Goulet) I Just Called To Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder) Abraham, Martin, and John (Dion) What is something that has been a struggle in your life? There have been numerous personal \"challenges\" but none that would be deemed as a \"struggle\", per se. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House of Representatives tends to reflect more of the \"moment of the day\" vis-à-vis feelings and concerns of local constituents rather than longer-term policy issues. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, although not necessarily in an \"elected\" position. For the sake of transparency, I have substantial experience in governmental and/or politically related activities. I find that such experience is extremely helpful and provides insights not normally obtained by those who lack such experience. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Eliminating polarization in politics and social relationships, nationally. If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? 1. Foreign Affairs 2. Security 3. Judicial 4. Ways and Means If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees? N/A Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes; it enables having a constant \"pulse\" on local constituency needs. What are your thoughts on term limits? Again legislative term limits. If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role? Yes, any position offered. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Over my lifetime, there have been several whom I highly respect, both Democrats and Republicans. 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? There are to many such personal stories; however, they all have a common characteristic: believing that their problems are ignored and/or not recognized.\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": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<div class=\"floatright\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"/File:Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png\"><img alt=\"Candidate Connection\" data-file-height=\"141\" data-file-width=\"504\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"56\" src=\"https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/200px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png\" srcset=\"https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/300px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png 1.5x, https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/400px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png 2x\" width=\"200\"/></a></div>\n<p>Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\") participated in <a href=\"/Survey\" title=\"Survey\">Ballotpedia's candidate survey</a> on March 20, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\")'s responses follow below.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-18\"><a href=\"#cite_note-18\">[18]</a></sup>\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<p><b>What would be your top three priorities, if elected?</b>\n</p>\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\">1) Health Care/Medicare Reform<br/>\n<p>2) Public Education Support<br/>\n3) Infrastructure Funding<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-BPsurvey_19-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-BPsurvey-19\">[19]</a></sup><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</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</tbody></table>\n<p><b>What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?</b>\n</p>\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\">1. The need to stimulate high paying and sustainable jobs creation in conjunction with major infrastructure repair/replacement, nationwide; 2. The need to advocate for a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; 3. The need to ensure a sustainable and affordable Medicare health care system – especially for our must vulnerable, that being our senior citizens; 4. The need to guarantee the continued public support for the security of Israel.<span class=\"error mw-ext-cite-error\" dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Cite error: Invalid <code>&lt;ref&gt;</code> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many</span><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-2\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table>\n<p>Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\") answered the following: \n</p><p><b>Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?</b> <br/>\n</p>\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\">President Teddy Roosevelt, America's first \"\"progressive\"\" US President; President John F. Kennedy, who advocated classic liberal values of Fairness, Compassion, and Tolerance while concurrently placing a high value as represented in his book, \"\"Profiles in Courage\"\".<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?</b> <br/>\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\">Profiles in Courage is very applicable in today's polarized political environment. The Grapes of Wrath (both the book and movie) 12 Angry Men (Film) The Grapes of Wrath (Film)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?</b> <br/>\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\">Truth, Honesty, Transparency, Tolerance, Fairness, Compassion, and Integrity.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-5\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?</b> <br/>\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\">An ability to listen and development consensus in solving problems. Mutual respect and believer of diversity of opinion Open-mindedness and forward-looking Accountability with transparency<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-6\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?</b> <br/>\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\">Good governance Honor Integrity Honesty Civility Decency and Fair Play Ethics<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-7\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What legacy would you like to leave?</b> <br/>\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\">Successful as the people's advocate Work product reflecting bold leadership Advocate of common-sense solutions in an open and transparent manner.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-8\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?</b> <br/>\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\">Assassination of President John F. Kennedy - roughly 2:05 pm, ET while in Algebra I class. I was 14 years old in 8th grade.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-9\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What was your very first job? How long did you have it?</b> <br/>\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\">Radio station announcer/board operator, WWQS-fm, Orlando, FL while a senior in high school (late afternoons/early evenings and weekends). Approximately 1 year (left to start university in September 1968.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-10\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What happened on your most awkward date?</b> <br/>\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\">She had to drive her car for the date.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-11\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What is your favorite holiday? Why?</b> <br/>\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\">Thanksgiving Day: reminds us of how blessed America and its people are - as compared to others during the 20th century.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-12\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What is your favorite book? Why?</b> <br/>\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\">Profiles in Courage: it shows the \"\"best\"\" of human values and character.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-13\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What was the last song that got stuck in your head?</b> <br/>\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\">God Bless America - as sung by Kate Smith - written by American hero and patriot, Irving Berlin.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-14\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What is something that has been a struggle in your life?</b> <br/>\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\">Become fluent in foreign languages.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-15\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?</b> <br/>\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\">The fact that all bills for raising revenue must start in the House of Representatives.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-16\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>Do you believe that it’s beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?</b> <br/>\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\">Yes<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-17\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?</b> <br/>\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\">DEFENDING AMERICAN VALUES OF CLASSIC LIBERALISM 1. Defending American values of classic liberalism; 2. Reversing political polarization in the legislative process 3. Re-establishing truth, honesty, transparency, tolerance, fairness, compassion, and Integrity among the electorate and US Congress..<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-18\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?</b> <br/>\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\">Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ways and Means Judiciary Foreign Affairs Homeland Security<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-19\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?</b> <br/>\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/a<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-20\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?</b> <br/>\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\">Yes<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-21\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What are your thoughts on term limits?</b> <br/>\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\">Against mandatory term limits for US Congress<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-22\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>What process do you favor for redistricting?</b> <br/>\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\">Objective rather than subjective<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-23\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?</b> <br/>\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\">Yes; any that is offered<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-24\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table><b>Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?</b> <br/>\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\">Not in the House, but in Senate, there are several such as: Sam Nunn, Henry \"\"Scoop\"\" Jackson, Daniel Patrick Moynihan.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-25\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</a></sup>\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</tbody></table>\n</div>\n<p>Schiffman submitted the following campaign themes through Ballotpedia’s <a class=\"mw-redirect\" href=\"/Ballotpedia:Biographical_information_submission_form\" title=\"Ballotpedia:Biographical information submission form\">biographical information submission form</a>:\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\">My core values: Transparency, Tolerance, Fairness, Compassion, Honesty.\n<p><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_16-26\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-16\">[16]</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;\">—Steve Schiffman</cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<p>The following issues were listed on Schiffman's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, <a class=\"external text\" href=\"http://www.schiffmanforcongress.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here</a>.\n</p>", "answer_text": "Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\") participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on March 20, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\")'s responses follow below. [18]\nWhat would be your top three priorities, if elected? “ 1) Health Care/Medicare Reform 2) Public Education Support 3) Infrastructure Funding [19] [16] ” What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why? “ 1. The need to stimulate high paying and sustainable jobs creation in conjunction with major infrastructure repair/replacement, nationwide; 2. The need to advocate for a balanced, equitable and fair tax system; 3. The need to ensure a sustainable and affordable Medicare health care system – especially for our must vulnerable, that being our senior citizens; 4. The need to guarantee the continued public support for the security of Israel. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many [16] ” Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Steve Mitchell Schiffman (\"\"The Mench\"\") answered the following: Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? “ President Teddy Roosevelt, America's first \"\"progressive\"\" US President; President John F. Kennedy, who advocated classic liberal values of Fairness, Compassion, and Tolerance while concurrently placing a high value as represented in his book, \"\"Profiles in Courage\"\". [16] ” Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? “ Profiles in Courage is very applicable in today's polarized political environment. The Grapes of Wrath (both the book and movie) 12 Angry Men (Film) The Grapes of Wrath (Film) [16] ” What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? “ Truth, Honesty, Transparency, Tolerance, Fairness, Compassion, and Integrity. [16] ” What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? “ An ability to listen and development consensus in solving problems. Mutual respect and believer of diversity of opinion Open-mindedness and forward-looking Accountability with transparency [16] ” What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? “ Good governance Honor Integrity Honesty Civility Decency and Fair Play Ethics [16] ” What legacy would you like to leave? “ Successful as the people's advocate Work product reflecting bold leadership Advocate of common-sense solutions in an open and transparent manner. [16] ” What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? “ Assassination of President John F. Kennedy - roughly 2:05 pm, ET while in Algebra I class. I was 14 years old in 8th grade. [16] ” What was your very first job? How long did you have it? “ Radio station announcer/board operator, WWQS-fm, Orlando, FL while a senior in high school (late afternoons/early evenings and weekends). Approximately 1 year (left to start university in September 1968. [16] ” What happened on your most awkward date? “ She had to drive her car for the date. [16] ” What is your favorite holiday? Why? “ Thanksgiving Day: reminds us of how blessed America and its people are - as compared to others during the 20th century. [16] ” What is your favorite book? Why? “ Profiles in Courage: it shows the \"\"best\"\" of human values and character. [16] ” What was the last song that got stuck in your head? “ God Bless America - as sung by Kate Smith - written by American hero and patriot, Irving Berlin. [16] ” What is something that has been a struggle in your life? “ Become fluent in foreign languages. [16] ” What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? “ The fact that all bills for raising revenue must start in the House of Representatives. [16] ” Do you believe that it’s beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? “ Yes [16] ” What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? “ DEFENDING AMERICAN VALUES OF CLASSIC LIBERALISM 1. Defending American values of classic liberalism; 2. Reversing political polarization in the legislative process 3. Re-establishing truth, honesty, transparency, tolerance, fairness, compassion, and Integrity among the electorate and US Congress.. [16] ” If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? “ Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ways and Means Judiciary Foreign Affairs Homeland Security [16] ” If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees? “ n/a [16] ” Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? “ Yes [16] ” What are your thoughts on term limits? “ Against mandatory term limits for US Congress [16] ” What process do you favor for redistricting? “ Objective rather than subjective [16] ” If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role? “ Yes; any that is offered [16] ” Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? “ Not in the House, but in Senate, there are several such as: Sam Nunn, Henry \"\"Scoop\"\" Jackson, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. [16] ”\nSchiffman submitted the following campaign themes through Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form :\n“ My core values: Transparency, Tolerance, Fairness, Compassion, Honesty. [16] ” —Steve Schiffman\nThe following issues were listed on Schiffman's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here ."}]