Candidate Profile - Personal Information

Transcription

1 1. Candidate's Name: 2. Address: Candidate Profile - Personal Information Tinu Pena 2101 Vista Parkway 3. City: West Palm Beach Zip: Telephone Numbers: 5. Address: Home Cell Office tinu.pena@gmail.com 6. Highest Degree Earned: (from what Institution?) 7. Current Occupation: 8. Current Employer: 9. Notable Previous Employment: 10. Family Description: Consulting Engineer Motre Co. LLC 11. How are you involved in your community? I-595 Express LLC Master of Science, Project Management - Boston University Quintessential Nigerian-American Woman, divorced mother of two mixed race Children. I am involved in my community through volunteering work. I participate in community events that promote awareness be it for cancer, cultural diversity, and business awareness, to name a few. I am a member of the Florida Engineering Society - Palm Beach Chapter, I am the Past President and current treasurer for National Society of Black Engineers - Palm Beach Professional; I was formerly the Vice President of Outreach and FAU Student Advisor with Society of Women Engineer - SEFL. I am currently a member of Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, New Leaders Council of Palm Beach, Leadership Palm Beach, American Legion 367, League of Women Voters - Palm Beach, and Palm Beach County NOW to name a few. 12. What boards have you served on? Civically, I currently represent Royal Palm Beach on the Citizen Advisory Committee on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and a board member on YWCA. I have served on the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Board and PBC Zoning Commission and on the Florida Atlantic University - College of Eng. Civil Engineering Department Advisory Board. 13. Who are some people you admire most and why do you admire them? I find that the people I admire the most have the spirit of "Servant Leadership" and the abilities of a transformational leader. My parents are amongst the people I admire the most because of their giving and selfless nature. Pope Francis for his ability to transcend religious lines to accept others, his humility and sense of humanity makes me do better as a person. Serena Williams for facing her adversities head on and being unapologetic. Mark Zuckerberg, for his innovative thinking and philanthropy and Maya Angelo, for ability to create who she became without looking back. Abraham Lincoln, for his tenacity in rising above his failures to succeed. Those are some of the people I admire. 14. Who in your community would you go to for trusted advice? Rhonda Ferrin-Davis has always been someone I could turn to for advice. She is the daughter of former Councilman Ferrin in Royal Palm Beach. Mack Bernard, former Florida House of Representative. 15. Three Qualities Leaders Possess: Proactive Adaptable Visionary 16. Office being sought: House District: 86 Senate District:

2 17. Party Affiliation: Democratic Length of Time: What is your one guiding principle or core value? Integrity 19. Briefly describe your political involvement: I am involved with the Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee, and a Precinct leader. 20. Have you ever been a previous candidate for political office? (IF YES) What Office: Outcome of race: 21. Campaign Organization and Structure: General Consultant: Akindele Akinyemi I ran locally in 2008 and 2010 for the Village of Royal Palm Beach council seat Yes I was edged out both times. In the spirit of this seat's predecessor and Abraham Lincoln, I continue on this mission to serve the people. Manager: Paige Brennan Treasurer: Larry Lawson Media: Mosaic Pollster: N/A Campaign Web Address: Facebook Page Name: Advisors: Vinnie Munnelly Campaign Budget Amount: $100, Why are you running for this office? I am running for office because there needs to be a paradigm shift in the thought process used in making policies. I would like to work on policies that take a more encompassing approach to ensure laws that are passed truly bring about economic growth, good governance and improves the quality of life of the people. 23. Why should the business community support your candidacy: As a small business owner, having an environment that always for growth is important to the success of my business. You should support a candidate that understand the importance of economic growth. A person that knows that a good economic driver indicator is an innovative and sustainable environment. 24. List by priority the top three (3) Legislative Committees you would like to be assigned: Committee 1: Appropriations Committee 2: Economic Affairs Committee 3: Education 25. Are there any organizations which you would NOT accept donations from? If so, please list: National Rifle Association 26. Opponents and the media research public records, police reports, credit information and do other background checks in an effort to discover tax liens, lawsuits, arrest records and other unfortunate things. Are there any issues your opponent could use against you that you should disclose to this group? In 2002, I was in an altercation with my estranged husband protecting myself and children. I ended up being arrested for slapping him. The case was a no file. The arrest record was expunged. I filed for bankruptcy in around that period as well. However, in my 2010 race, my opponent had use that information against me, so there is a possibility that even though I had expunged the arrest and the bankruptcy discharged, some of that information may be out there in internet-land.

3 II. Issue Questions Talent Supply & Education 27. What changes would you recommend to Florida's K-12 system of education? Please address school funding. The manner in which the State currently funds the K-12 education system should still be utilized. It is a matter of better appropriating and investing accordingly in an education system that provides quality and not quantity. 28. As an extension of the school day and to help end "Generational Pverty" would you support funding affordable afterschool programs that provide assistance with homework, delinquency prevention, life skills and the development of good character for Florida's working families? Yes 29. What is your position regarding the ability of teachers unions and other public-sector unions to collectively bargain issues that are beyond the typical employment issues directly tied to hours worked and wages/benefits paid? Negotiation is a common component of doing business. Since the specific issues beyond typical employment issues are not stated, it will be comprising for me to make a stance. I do know that being fair while pursuing economic grow creates a balance that will go a long way to sealing the rift between different views. I would advocate for providing more technology based curriculum and access to the education system. The current funding system should still be used to provide funding the education system. 30. How would you address the shortage of qualified talent to fill jobs in STEM-related fields? There is no immediate to solution to the shortage other than bringing in talent from other areas to filling those high paying positions in Florida. Long range planning is need to address the shortfall - promoting STEM fields early on change the mindset of children early to view STEM as a viable field to pursue. 31. What are your thoughts about having a series of benchmarks designed to create a minimum standard for Math and Language Arts throughout the United States? Having benchmarks designed to create a minimum standard for Math and language Arts throughout the United States, can provide an early indication as to where individual students are relative to the standard. This will assist teachers identifying where additional help is needed to help improvement individual student knowledge base as well as overall achievement. 32. What changes would you support that improve workforce development in the state of Florida? It is important to take a holistic approach to workforce development. With the continuing development in technology and sprout of new industries such as the green industry; it is imperative to support improvement to workforce development by looking at it from two perspective. 1. Education - Our approach must examine the industry needs against what the education system is delivering. Changes to make sure the talent pool being the developed can meet the needs of Florida's changing economic dynamics. 2. Retraining: Developing programs and work opportunities for those with either obsolete skills or those looking to enter a different market have the ability to retrain to help provide a diverse workforce pool. 33. What changes should be made to Florida's higher education system? We all know that a well-educated population means increase in the talent pool to fill above average positions and high paying jobs - this translates to money being put back into the economy. The changes that should be made to Florida's higher education system is to 1. Make it affordable 2. Ensure curriculum is tailored to the 21st century talent development needs. 3. Ensure higher education system factors in the global economy in developing talent. 4. Include opportunities for real world experience for student in the industry of interest as part of the curriculum.

4 Innovation & Economic Development 34. What can the state do to continue to strengthen its position as a worldwide hub for trade? Investing in infrastructure needs and improving existing infrastructure. Allow opportunities for companies to make Florida which translates into providing employment opportunities for citizens. 35. Please discuss any ideas you may have to enhance the growth and development of the following economic sectors. Manufactoring: Utilize technology to increase productivity and seek incentives to facilitate its integration. Agriculture: Continue to provide avenues for the industry to be able to be competitive and recoup during losses due to natural disasters. Construction: The construction industry takes different forms be it commercial, residential, roadway, bridges. In any case, for improvement to public safety, providing funding to improve on existing infrastructure. Hospitality/Tourism: Work with communities business development boards to facilitate promotion of Florida's hospitality/tourism key assets nationally and globally through use of technology. Healthcare: Promotion of preventive care, self-health improvement and nutrition education. Promote public health community. 36. What would you propose to diversify Florida's economy so that we better handle economic downturns? In other to determine how to diversity Florida's economy, a key step to take is determine the different assets each community bring to the table. This approach will help determine which industry can be best served depending on the location. Infrastructure & Growth Leadership 37. When is it appropriate for the legislature to shift money from a dedicated state trust fund to pay for other services? It is never considered appropriate to shift money from a dedicated state trust fund to pay for other services. It is a short term bandage approach to address shortfall in funds. 38. There is a widening gap between infrastructure needs and infrastructure funding. Would you support private investment in public infrastructure projects in order to meet infrastructure needs? Yes How would you propose private investors be repaid? In implementing any new system, it is important to have instruments of accountability and transparency in place to build public acceptance. Therefore, repayment to private investors has to be determined between all involved stakeholders. The repayment approach for roadway construction might not be suitable for the repayment of a Dam. That said, it would be prudent to utilized experts in developing a repayment plan that will served the interest of all parties. 39. Philosophically, when considering the following issues, do you think the authority to set or regulate these areas should be at the Federal, State, Local or Regional Government level? Wages State Government

5 Growth Management Regional Government Wetlands Use State Government Water Supply Regional Government Environmental Permitting State Government Business Permits & Licenses Local Government 40. What role should the state play in balancing the ability of electric utilities to provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity with the regulations of carbon emissions? The State's role is to provide oversight to ensure that the public health and welfare are not adversely impacted 41. What can the legislature do to address Florida's water quality and quantity needs? Investing in infrastructure improvement and development. Continuing have the appropriate agencies improve on means and methods of determine/improving water quality. Business Climate/Competitiveness 42. What are the three most important things the state legislature could do to improve Florida's business climate? 1: Improve on business environments that allows small businesses in different sectors to thrive. 2: Provide companies seeking new headquarter location to find Florida an attractive state to relocate to with incentives. 3: Diversify the business opportunities that promotes startups in technology and entrepreneurship. 43. Florida does not currently have a sales tax on services. Several attempts have been made over the past decade to create a new tax on services in the state Constitution. Would you support creating a sales tax on services?ness testimony standards? No Explain: The numerous tax cut to attract industries to Florida can be assumed to have diminished the revenue stream for the State. Therefore, in creating a new tax on services, the State appears to be seeking an avenue to bring in revenue. However, it has not been clearly stated which services this will be applied. As such I can't conclusive determine if I would not or would support such a tax. I would need further economic implication analysis on the subject matter. 44. What is your position on collecting sales and use tax on transactions from out of state and online retailers? Support 45. What is your general philosophy on state and local taxes? While the intended requirements of taxes was meant to be equal, certain, convenient and go toward the economy, many still rather not be pay into the system. Understandably so when hard earned money is overzealously taxes. However, it is a necessary evil that funds government at different level in maintaining the quality of life every constituents subscribes to regardless of socioeconomic status. 46. Are there any taxes that should be increased? Increasing taxes on the masses will bring about enragement from the public especially since cost of living continues to increase relatively higher than other economic factors. When tax increases takes place, be excise, sales or otherwise, that is passed along to consumers and when there is stagnation in income there is diminish buy power, hence impacting the overall economy. 47. Do you believe hotels should or should not be required to include resort fees in the daily room rate to allow guests to comparison shop before they book a room? Should be requred

6 Explain: The whole point of comparison shopping is knowing upfront what the value is and make an informed decision based on that data. By including the resort fee up front, the consumer can decide whether the hotel in itself worth spending the extra dollars. This essentially can lead to hotels ensuring they provide great service to guests. 48. What are your thoughts on the number of lawsuits files in Florida? Should the state intervene to make it easier or more difficult to file a lawsuit? Explain: While the actual data that indicates a high number of lawsuits files in Florida is not in my purview, I am unable to objectively comment on the matter. However, my subjective opinion is that the State should find a common and fair ground to ensure that frivolous lawsuits are weaned out. 49. Would you support legislation that limits recovery for future medical care in personal injury lawsuits to what is "usually and customarily" paid to other medical providers in the community? Why? This is a catch 22 question in my opinion and the question is a bit unclear making it difficult to have a position. However, I am fully aware that there are the economic impacts to an organization(s) and then there are underlying impacts to the person that suffers from the injury. 50. Accuracy in Damages: Would you support legislation that limits the amount of money recoverable for medical care in personal injury lawsuits to the amount actually paid for the medical care versus the amount charged by the provider of the medical care? Why? There are other factors that plays into this equation that should be evaluated in order to come to a stance. If we are talking just medical care, then recoverable money by the medical care-giver should be just for the actual care provided which I am assuming includes administrative costs. 51. In the context of a personal injury lawsuit, do you believe that it is reasonable to require an injured person seeking money from a liability insurance company to give the insurance company a (1) written notice of the claim and (2) a minimum of 45 days to investigate the claim and offer to pay the policy limits of the policy? Agree Why? In order to be aware of a claim, the person seeking money has to notify the liability insurance company regardless. To me, the question here is the form of notification. I would prefer phone notification as first contact followed by a written notice be it in the form a police report or individually written.however, 45 days is a substantial waiting period, efficiency in processing would be a better avenue to take. Governance & Civic Systems 52. What is the proper role of state agencies in regulating prices for insurance companies, banks, medical providers and other regulated industries? Explain: Ensuring consumer protection to avoid insolvency, availability and unfair practices and policies, 53. Government regulations continue to be the top concern for Florida's small business. What areas would you recommend reducing regulation and red tape? Areas that does not provide opportunity to adversely impact public safety and welfare and that does not infringe on consumer protection. 54. Both the Florida Retirement System Pension plan and Local Government-administered pension plan programs are experiencing a growing unfunded actuarial liability that is currently in excess of $31 billion. How do you propose to fill the funding gap in these guaranteed pension plans?

7 Look at a long range approach as to avoid adversely impacting the taxpayers instantaneously. The question then becomes, how we get to this point without adequately planning to address the issues before it became a $31 billion issue. It is imperative that we do not overburden taxpayers but at the same time, those that are affected by this issue are part of the pool of taxpayers, so while it may be unpopular, addressing the elephant in the room is a must. 55. Should there be term limits for: Circuit/County Judges? Yes Appellate Judges? Yes Supreme Court Judges? Yes Why? Recent editorials has shed light on how some judges have misused the court to unfairly render judgement, with such concentration of power comes a great deal of responsibility to ensure the law is upheld. While term limits does not necessarily prevent misuse of power and the ability to vote a judge out of office is possible, where falls short for constituents fall is their ability to better know who these judges are in order to vote accordingly. So until such a system or information bank is put in place, term limits may be the only way to feasible remedy. However, since judges plateau at a particular age, that might be an area that needs reexamine to better meet the legal climate of the 21st Century. Quality of Life & Quality Places 56. Should the state of Florida be able to mandate that health insurance providers cover specific health conditions or benefits even if the mandates increase the cost of health insurance for employees and employers? Explain: Mandate is a very strong word, Free enterprise is what our State and Country were founded on. This is a point to respect as it relates to mandating companies on what to do by The Govt. Again, this is a catch 22, question. If the overall goal is to improve on the health of citizens and thinking long term, the upfront cost general will be high, it the subsequent action that is crucial on the part of the State of Florida is to ensure affordability While Obamacare, allows individuals now to get coverage, and preexisting conditions can no longer prevent individuals from obtaining health care or covered services. The affordability aspect is still agape. With most insurance companies moving to more preventive coverage such as mammograms, PAP smears, annual checkups which are included in plan coverage and in Medicare and Medicaid. The State should be seeking ways to ensure citizens to work on self-care through exercising, healthier eating and sleeping habits. So here is the question, with the continued increase in population here in Florida, why hasn t the state been able to negotiate a fair deal for Floridians with insurance coverage with the various market? If large firms has the ability to shop around based on number of employees, shouldn t the State be able to do that as well? Even if it is mandated, there are still a number of citizens and businesses that might not be able to afford the shared of the cost. 57. Rising health care cost is a concern for Florida businesses and consumers. What would you propose that could help alleviate that burden?

8 Federal government subsidy! Florida should participate in President Obama's program versus what the Governor did. Refusing to participate in the program. That has left Floridians, businesses and hospitals with less affordable care and increased cost rather than accepting the government's subsidies. States who joined such as Kentucky and half the states in US are finding the costs are decreasing and coverage is increasing. Reimbursement is paying at higher rates in which all are benefiting. At the end of the day, the Federal government subsidy is not a handout Many tax payers paid into the pot, at the end of the day, we all want the economy to thrive, if health care cost take away a large portion of the disposable income, this impacts other sectors in the business community. The goal here is not to lose the middle class (the largest base in the State and Country), various increase costs and taxes are impacting the bottom-line of many middle class member and if we do nothing to stabilize or provide relief, we yet to know what is ahead of us economically. 58. What is your position on Medicaid expansion? Medicaid expansion through Obamacare has been or can be very helpful to cover lives (individuals) that would not have otherwise have access to care. This bring me back to affordability. The question here or clarification needed is specifically what, for whom and to cover what do we mean by expansion? Medicaid has over the years benefit consumers, and health care providers, it expansion should continue to do just that most importantly we allow those that may fall in the gap the ability to be covered. 59. What is your position on whether the state should prohibit balanced billing in emergency situations? Broader Arena? Ok, I am going to take a stab at this, while this is not my area of expertise; here is where I stand, balanced billing is prohibited for Medicare and Medicaid (Government programs). why should there be a different standard for all other citizens? It becomes more complicated an issue when consumers are taking out plans with very large deductibles, $5K, $10K, $15K. If deductible have not been met, consumers would be expected to pay the deductibles. After deductibles are met, why would one consumer be billed and another over 65 for the same issue not? Inequality in the system. Seems like our system still needs more equity for all. 60. What is your suggestion to address the current workforce shortage of physicians and nurses in the state? The State has done a good job with nursing by passing recent legislation on expanding Advanced Nurse Practitioners scope of practice on ordering medications. Yet, there is still work to be done. Monitoring schools that are for profit and not quality legitimate colleges are not only very costly causing debt amongst young college students desiring to be a nurse, they are either not accredited by the National League of Nursing which may subsequently mean a higher rate of failure in passing board examination. More regulations on these schools should occur. State assisted programs and more grants to students to pay for tuition and loan forgiveness programs if they create "pay back " programs that would benefit the State and lower income & undeserved areas in FL. For Physicians, most physicians leave the state once they complete their residency and go to other areas in and around the country. By approving more residency programs in our state with hospitals and reimbursing hospitals at better rates for the expense of being a training site for residences would attract residents to stay in the locations they trained. It is noted that where a resident trains, they usually stay. It is important to note that there are other industries and trades that workforce shortage would need addressing, it is our duty as a community to look at the different facet that truly makes us a functioning society and be proactive in addressing the shortfalls. 61. What is your position on the expansion of gambling in Florida? Gambling having a very diverse offering can t be one size fits all. In thinking long range economic growth, my research has yielded limited information; hence, my opinion is formed on that limited basis of information. Florida is uniquely positioned in its offering of attraction to citizens and visitor, expanding gambling, what are we looking to replicate here for economic growth?

9 62. Do you believe gambling should ever be expanded or current permitted gambling changed without an affirmative statewide vote of the people? It is our fiduciary duty to ensure that quality of life type of policy changes should be a matter of statewide vote by the people. FINAL THOUGHTS Nonetheless, I truly believe given the information necessary for constituents to comprehend and make informed decisions, using statewide voting would be an acceptable approach to make a determination. Final thoughts I have taken time to answer the questions to the best of my ability and in doing so, I do not profess to be an expert at what I have stated but would say have applied logic to my thought process and infer my opinion based on my research and comprehension of such materials reviewed. Nonetheless, I intend to the type of representative regardless of party affiliation be accessible to all constituents, evaluate policy and make decisions that not only serves my constituents well but Florida. It takes a number of people to building a village and I look forward to building that village with you all. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this process and please excuse any typos.