Local News
House, Galvano face off
TBO.com
Published: October 28, 2012
Paula HousePublished: October 28, 2012
Party affiliation: Democrat
Age: 62
Education: University of Illinois, Bachelor of Science in Communications, 1968-1972; University of Maine School of Law, J.D., 1985-1988; University of Southern Maine, education curriculum for state teacher certification and mediation certification 1977-78, 2002; University of South Florida, mediation certification, 2009, 2010.
Profession: Florida attorney and certified mediator
Political experience: Former chair of Highlands County Democratic Party; election monitor for Election Protection;
Q: Why are you running and why are you the best candidate?
A: I have been involved in politics my whole life. Every job I have taken has been with the goal of doing what I can to promote fairness, justice, economic freedom and social equity, and I have been successful in these endeavors.
What I have seen in Florida is shocking, because the Florida Legislature and current governor make decisions that promote the opposite. The Legislature over-regulates and meddles in areas that keep everyday people from getting ahead and assures that the money and opportunity keep flowing to insiders and special interests. The Republican mantra of "low taxes and less government" has already been implemented here, and it is why Florida is at the bottom of all social and economic indicators — even with taxation at a level that is second lowest in the country!
As between my opponent and me, there is a clear choice. If you vote for my opponent, you will be keeping the insiders and special interests in control of Florida, voting to dismantle our public school system through vouchers and for give-aways to private and corporate interests.
Q: One of the biggest complaints from the public is partisanship. What can you do to break through that?
A: Facts, facts and more facts, and make sure they are persuasively presented to the media, before they become law. Proposals for legislation should not come only from outside interest groups seeking it. Legislators should seek proposals for legislation from our academic institutions, counties, communities and organizations.
Q: In Florida, Republicans have a super majority in the House and Senate, how can Democrats have a say in the process and how can Republicans allow that to happen?
A: Democrats have made a difference. In decisions such as the public employees pension contributions and the Parent Trigger Bill, they were able to blunt the most harmful aspects or defeat the bill altogether. Good research exposing consequences, including the likelihood of a legal challenge, can be quite persuasive to legislators who do not want bad publicity and the embarrassment of laws being found to be illegal.
Q: Slashing the state budget has been necessary but local governments complain that the Legislature is really mostly cost-shifting onto local communities. Do you agree with that criticism or do you believe these costs should be shouldered by communities?
A: I agree and the proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot reveal it. The Legislature should not be forcing tax cutting at the municipal and county levels, unless the municipalities and counties are requesting it. They should not be pushing costs for essential services to localities, who see and suffer the consequences of unfunded health care, and loss of other essential services.
Q: How do you make sure constituents, not just special interests, are being heard and represented?
A: Rather than wait for legislation to be presented by such organizations as ALEC and NRA, our representatives should be soliciting ideas for legislation from all sectors of Florida's population. Attending only partisan events certainly doesn't lend itself to finding out what all constituents want and need. How do you make sure everyone is being heard? Attending community events that are bi-partisan; being present at political party meetings, not just of your own party; communicating with those in the community who are actually accomplishing things at the ground level that make our communities and society a better place for all to live, would be a start.
Q: What would be your first action in the upcoming Florida Legislature?
A: My first push would be what I call "housekeeping," and that involves reviewing the numerous laws that have been found to be illegal either in this state or other states and encouraging abandoning the court processes to let these extreme and partisan laws die. These laws include forcing poor people to pay for drug tests when applying for benefits, impediments to exercising constitutional rights related to voting, privacy and free speech, interference with contract rights, laws violating the separation of church and state, laws challenging the superiority of federal law over state laws (where they directly conflict) and demand revision of the non-user-friendly computerized system devised to reduce unemployment and welfare numbers by making it impossible for the average claimant to negotiate the application process. My biggest priority will be to lay the foundation for legislation that will ensure that clean water, air and unpolluted ground are assured for the future in Florida. That will go a long way to attract investment in this state.
Q: How would you rate our governor's performance on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest? And why?
A: The governor's performance rates a negative in my analysis (as in -10). His rejection of the high-speed rail project and billions of dollars for health care in Florida, while presenting no credible alternatives to stimulate Florida's economy and provide affordable health care for the low- and middle-income Americans and stabilize Medicare is a huge loss to this state that will be felt for generations to come.
Q: What else would you like to add?
A: The Florida Legislature and governor are beating the same dead horse: no taxes and small government. They can't change reality. Florida is the second lowest in the nation for taxation, and falls into the bottom of all socio-economic indicators as one of the worst states in the nation to live, bring a business or work. It's time for a change.
Bill Galvano
Party affiliation: Republican
Age: 46
Education: Associate's Degree, Manatee Community College, 1986, Bachelor's Degree, Political Science, University of Florida, 1989, Juris Doctorate, University of Miami, School of Law, 1992
Profession: Grimes Goebel Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano, P.L., 1984 to present. I began with the firm in 1984 as an errand boy and janitor while working my way through school and paying for my education. In 1992, I became an associate attorney; four years later, I became a partner of the firm.
Political experience: Served in the Florida House.
Q: Why are you running and why are you the best candidate?
A: I care deeply about our region and our state. I am confident that through hard work, cooperation, and a practical approach to government that places a premium on creativity and a focus on practical solution, I can be part of making Florida a better state.
I am a 43-year resident of Florida, and I understand the challenges and goals we share. My wife and I have three children in public schools, so we experience firsthand how policies crafted in Tallahassee affect our children. In addition, I am a businessman employing nine workers. As an elected official, I have gained experience as a regional leader, successfully working in the legislative process to build coalitions and achieve goals.
Q: One of the biggest complaints from the public is partisanship. What can you do to break through that? In Florida, Republicans have a super majority in the House and Senate, how can Democrats have a say in the process and how can Republicans allow that to happen?
A: As a member of the Florida House I earned a reputation of being reasonable and fair to my colleagues across the aisle. For example here is an excerpt from a statement made on the floor of the Florida House on May 8, 2009 by Ron Saunders, D-Tavernier, a top-ranking Democrat. "During this whole process all session, Bill Galvano's been very fair for the Democrats and he's listened to us. He's been a man of his word and in this process that's the most important thing … "
Q: Slashing the state budget has been necessary but local governments complain that the Legislature is really only cost-shifting onto communities. Do you agree with that criticism or do you believe these costs should be shouldered by communities?
A: The state government should not pass unfunded mandates to local government. Nor should the federal government pass unfunded mandates to the state governments.
Q: How do you make sure constituents, not just special interests, are being heard and represented? Attending only partisan events certainly doesn't lend itself to finding out what all constituents want and need.
A: I will work with and for all the people of District 26, as I did when I served in the House, and I will spend time all around the district.
I have and will continue to hold several town hall meetings before and after each legislative session. I have and will continue to appear regularly before the city and county councils and commissions. I will continue to go door to door and meet constituents one on one. I will continue to serve on boards and in organizations from education to the environment. I have and will continue to conduct surveys of the people of the district. Finally, I attend many events in and out of my district, most of which are not determined by ones party affiliation.
Q: What would be your first action in the Florida Legislature? What bill would you most support or introduce immediately?
A: I think it far more important to be focused on a long-term strategy and practical solutions than to "score" legislative victories. My first task will be to work with all my colleagues to develop these strategies and solutions.
Q: How would you rate our governor's performance on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest?
A: I think the Governor has learned from his experiences, worked to develop a capable staff, and will work effectively with the Legislature to solve Florida's problems.
Q: What else would you like to add?
A: From education to high technology, from agriculture to protecting our unique and fragile environment, Florida is truly at a crossroads. I want to provide the leadership and vision to help Florida face its problems.
It is this simple: we must provide care and comfort to those who built this great state and we shall nurture a bright future to all those who will inherit it.