Candidate Profile - Personal Information

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Candidate Profile - Personal Information"

Rodney Campbell
5 years ago
Views:

1 1. Candidate's Name: 2. Address: Candidate Profile - Personal Information Rosy Palomino 2852 SW 33rd Ct 3. City: Coconut Grove Zip: Telephone Numbers: 5. Address: Home Cell Office Rosy@RunRosy.com 6. Highest Degree Earned: (from what Institution?) 7. Current Occupation: 8. Current Employer: 9. Notable Previous Employment: 10. Family Description: Entrepreneur / Educator Bachelor s Degree in Science University (Miami, FL) Tropical Nostalgia Inc / Miami-Dade County Public Schools Widowed, no children 11. How are you involved in your community? Perception Optics Inc Founding President, Miami Parks Foundation President, Douglas Park Neighborhood Association / Friends of Douglas Park Member, Urban Environment League Member, Old Smokey Steering Committee Former Vice-President, Golden Pines Neighborhood Association 12. What boards have you served on? Member, Log Cabin Republicans Founding Member, Women Republican Club, Federated of Miami Treasurer, Republican Liberty Caucus of Miami Member, Old Cutler Women s Republican Club District 28 Committeewoman, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County (elected to term) Vice-Chair, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County (elected to term) 13. Who are some people you admire most and why do you admire them? Florida International

2 My father, Jose Palomino, an attorney by trade lost everything he owned fleeing with my mother, Magaly, from Castro s takeover of Cuba. He restarted his life working with Restaurant Associates in New York. He relocated our family to Miami where he created and directed the largest hospitality and culinary vocational program in the United States at Lindsey Hopkins until his retirement. He taught me everything I know about quality control, customer service and a strong work ethic. Mayor Ed MacDougall, a founder and mayor of the town of Cutler Bay. His leadership represents the future of what South Florida will look like in years to come. He led the creation of a K-8 charter school to serve local families. His conservatism by example has shown how to be eco-friendly, pro-conservation and still be pro-growth and pro-business. Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera has been my elected representative since he was first elected to office (state representative, then county property appraiser and now Lt. Governor). He is a model of a well-rounded political leader who does what he says with unquestionable work ethic. His career is an example of do good and in you will be recognized for efforts. Mayor Tomas Regalado, the mayor of the city of Miami, is a friend and mentor from whom I learned that you can exercise influence through personality rather than being overbearing. His leadership skills and diplomacy during the economic downturn steadied the finances and prospects for the city of Miami. Today, the city of Miami has been transformed along with investor confidence and an A+ bond rating. 14. Who in your community would you go to for trusted advice? Mayor Tomas Regalado 15. Three Qualities Leaders Possess: I am a good listener, I have a strong work ethic, and I am a well-rounded individual 16. Office being sought: House District: 112 Senate District: 17. Party Affiliation: Republican Length of Time: Life 18. What is your one guiding principle or core value? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 19. Briefly describe your political involvement: Manny Diaz Jr for School Board, 2010 Ron Paul for President, Gineen Bresso for Congress, 2012 Carlos Lopez-Cantera for Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser, 2012 District 28 Committeewoman, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County (elected to term) Vice-Chair, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County (elected to term) Dr. Robert Malone, Jr. for City of Miami District 5 Commissioner, 2013 Rick Scott for Governor and Carlos Lopez-Cantera for Lt. Governor, 2014 Candidate for City of Miami District 2 Commissioner, 2015 Grassroots Leaders for Carlos Lopez-Cantera for Senate, Have you ever been a previous candidate for political office? (IF YES) What Office: Outcome of race: Lost 21. Campaign Organization and Structure: General Consultant: Jorge de Cardenas Manager: Hector Roos Yes City of Miami District 2 Commissioner, 2015 Treasurer: Ernesto Martinez, Jr, JD, CPA

3 Campaign Web Address: Facebook Page Name: Media: Denise Galvez Pollster: Hector Roos Advisors: Mayor Tomas Regalado Campaign Budget Amount: 50, Why are you running for this office? I see a desperate need for people to become more engaged in the political process. Too often, our politics is dictated by influence peddlers and self-interest than what is right for our constituents, both stakeholder and voter. For 18 years, I have taught social studies to immigrant children telling them that true value of American democracy is with the people and our free market system. I tell them that the wonder of the American society is our can-do attitude and that anything is possible if you choose to work towards your dream. My desire for a political career is to serve as a good example of what politics can achieve for my community. 23. Why should the business community support your candidacy: I am a small business owner. I know the challenges of running a business, maintaining payroll, sales and permitting. I have a relationship with the South Florida business community and understand their needs. I also have experience in many issues of concern that are being debated in Tallahassee such as education, permitting and regulation. I feel I would be a value partner in the ongoing discussions. 24. List by priority the top three (3) Legislative Committees you would like to be assigned: Committee 1: Appropriations Committee Committee 2: Health & Human Services Committee Committee 3: Education Committee 25. Are there any organizations which you would NOT accept donations from? If so, please list: FEA, SEIU, and their affiliates; Planned Parenthood employees and affiliates. 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? No. I am a widow with no kids. The Democrats will probably call me a radical or an unsound mind for advocating a limited government, free market philosophy and pro-2nd amendment position. II. Issue Questions Talent Supply & Education 27. What changes would you recommend to Florida's K-12 system of education? Please address school funding. 1) Vast Increase in vocational training programs and industry-specific charter; 2) Increased funding must reach the classroom (metrics); 3) Benchmarking must be reasonable and non-disruptive; 4) Continue to emphasize teacher pay until it is competitive and retains talent. 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

4 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? Union leaders are not focused on improving the working conditions and pay of teachers. 30. How would you address the shortage of qualified talent to fill jobs in STEM-related fields? Better pay and benefits and improved working conditions. 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? We have different needs and starting educational level in South Florida. Particularly, many new classes are made of up children from immigrant families with poor language skills and little to no formal education. Parents are often illiterate. 32. What changes would you support that improve workforce development in the state of Florida? We need to train our workforce to the jobs of today and tomorrow. We have to include industry leaders and human resource directors in this discussion. Investment in human capital in the long term which includes early childhood education through post-secondary. Vocational training must be emphasized in the short term. 33. What changes should be made to Florida's higher education system? Emphasize vocational training programs and immediate job placement. We have to include industry leaders and human resource directors in this discussion. We must change the approach considering that not every student is qualified for college and university (particularly to our strained public university system). STEM education should be opened up to as early as possible. Innovation & Economic Development 34. What can the state do to continue to strengthen its position as a worldwide hub for trade? Do not meddle with industries that already work. Simply improve their ability to grow from our end. This means lower taxes, less regulation and improved marketing. Our state has exploded in growth. We need to and consider how this has affected quality of life standards and where needed advocate for policy to maintain and increase quality of life standards around the state. 35. Please discuss any ideas you may have to enhance the growth and development of the following economic sectors. Manufactoring: We are seeing a revolution in the way industrial design and development is being done. In order to sustain growth, we must continue to advocate policies that improve human capital and maintain a low-cost of living environment which are necessary to a Start-up business environment. Agriculture: We need continue to reexamine property tax reform for farmers and encourage research into new hardy crop strains. Construction: Continue to develop regulations that permit advanced materials and construction techniques. In addition, revamp our regulations on solar energy projects and improve electrical standards that depend on it. Our solar energy industry should not be held back by inspectors and regulators who are unfamiliar the technology. Hospitality/Tourism:

5 Florida continues to enjoy tourism visits due to a Florida s positive public image. Raising the quality of our visitors programs and the standards of the hospitality industry should continue to be improved. Advocating for television and movie production in Florida as well (the Miami Vice effect is still felt decades later). Healthcare: If I understand correctly, our reliance on Federal healthcare exchanges has become a concern as they qualify perhaps too many people into our Medicaid program. Without control of program participants and overall cost, the expenditure of funds from the general budget will become unmanageable quickly. We either need our own qualifying criteria or we will be forced to limit the program. 36. What would you propose to diversify Florida's economy so that we better handle economic downturns? An economy is limited by its access to human capital. In other words, the higher the average education level of our workforce, the more diversified an economy can become. 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? While we should manage our budget considering future shortfalls in revenue, only under extreme situations and when there is vast consensus should we raid trust 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? Bonding, tolls and revenue from special tax districts (which are revenue neutral). However, tolls and tax districts generally should be phased out like paying off a bond (I am not advocating for perpetual taxation). 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 Growth Management Wetlands Use Water Supply Environmental Permitting Business Permits & Licenses Local Government Local Government State Government Local Government State Government 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? Florida should have a comprehensive energy policy that includes the expansion of renewable sources of energy. I need to understand the issue of carbon tax credits and the national discussion regarding the market for those tax credits before commenting further. 41. What can the legislature do to address Florida's water quality and quantity needs? We should respect the right of residents and stakeholders to have access to clean drinking water and to recreational waters. Business Climate/Competitiveness

6 42. What are the three most important things the state legislature could do to improve Florida's business climate? 1: 1) Keep us a low tax state. 2: 2) Advocate for a business-friendly regulatory environment. Deregulate where possible. 3: 3) Invest in human capital. 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: We have not relied on new taxes for an increasingly expanding budget. We do not see a need for it. 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? The size and scope of government is dependent on tax revenue. I am an advocate for limited government so I am advocate for less taxation at every level of government. 46. Are there any taxes that should be increased? No 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 Explain: We should require the disclosure of room rates. This is a customer-friendly attitude and a good business practice. 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: Florida is the fraud capital of the United States. This environment deters many businesses from operating here. 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? While I understand the plight and abuse that the insurance companies face, I respect the legal process. There is no easy answer to Tort Reform. 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? While I understand the plight and abuse that the insurance companies face, I respect the legal process. There is no easy answer to Tort Reform. 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? Businesses have a right to protect themselves from fraud. Governance & Civic Systems

7 52. What is the proper role of state agencies in regulating prices for insurance companies, banks, medical providers and other regulated industries? Explain: The State grants the permits to allow this business in the first place. We do have a fiduciary responsibility to our constituents to allow these industries to operate freely and to be able to offer their services at a reasonable cost. However, I do not advocate for mandates and prefer the consumer decide the rates they will pay for. 53. Government regulations continue to be the top concern for Florida's small business. What areas would you recommend reducing regulation and red tape? I am wary of industries that require a lot of training hours (6 months - 2 years). I have to study the issue at more depth before commenting further. 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? There are various solutions to these pension liabilities (i.e. bond out, add more funding, close program participation, etc.). Since any one of them will work, it becomes the role of legislators to agree on one and move on. 55. Should there be term limits for: Circuit/County Judges? Yes Appellate Judges? Yes Supreme Court Judges? Yes Why? With life expediencies dramatically increasing, a lifetime appointment can easily be regarded as 2-3 times longer compared to the years past judges held these positions. 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: No. We are a country of choice. 57. Rising health care cost is a concern for Florida businesses and consumers. What would you propose that could help alleviate that burden? Offer opt outs and allow competition. Let the free market work. 58. What is your position on Medicaid expansion? We have de facto expansion now. The question is how can prevent the program from spending itself out of existence. 59. What is your position on whether the state should prohibit balanced billing in emergency situations? Broader Arena? This is the current situation. The consumer (patient) is left to negotiate with the hospital the bill. Right now, that is the only way I see the hospitals maintaining their emergency rooms. In a broader scope, balance billing in a normal situation means that the consumer (patient) can decide on that healthcare provider or another based on seeing what the cost is to them. 60. What is your suggestion to address the current workforce shortage of physicians and nurses in the state? I do encourage funding to expand post-graduate and residency programs in the state. We need to retain our talent and keep our medical school graduates here.

8 61. What is your position on the expansion of gambling in Florida? We have many gambling institutions in Florida already but away from metropolitan areas. I do not feel it appropriate decide planning and zoning without local input. 62. Do you believe gambling should ever be expanded or current permitted gambling changed without an affirmative statewide vote of the people? Voter input is necessary. I feel that this is a question that should be put to voters because it continues to be debated in the courts. FINAL THOUGHTS I am a small business owner with a background in a medical, retail and hospitality industries as well as a veteran educator. I bring a unique perspective to the legislature. My efforts in the community are recognized and appreciated. My local political and civic leaders support my candidacy for state representative. I have time and again proven my conviction and my work ethic and offer myself to your group in service.

Candidate Profile - Personal Information

1. Candidate's Name: 2. Address: Candidate Profile - Personal Information Al Jacquet P.O. Box 8084 3. City: Delray Beach Zip: 33482 4. Telephone Numbers: 5. Email Address: 5614145677 5619278800 Home Cell