Phil Ammann
There are more than 300 candidates running for the 160 seats in the Florida House and Senate. And, try as we will, FloridaPolitics.com won’t be able to interview all of them. So we are asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers a interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email [email protected].
Today’s candidate spotlight features Josh Johnson, a Democrat for House District 9. Here he is in his own words.
Significant other? Kids?
No children/No significant other
Education? Professional background?
Bachelor’s of Political Science Florida A&M University/Master’s Degree Political Science 2017 Florida A&M University. I serve as President of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency Ch. 2 (North Florida), I serve as the assistant to the Director of Administration for the Florida Commission on Offender Review (Florida Parole Commission), Speechwriter, Political Canvassing Captain (A. Philip Randolph Institute, contract), and sales.
What was your first job?
I grew up working. My parents own a child care center, but my first technical job was for Publix supermarkets.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
I did not; I didn’t want the good advice.
Who do you count on for advice?
(Perfect follow up) I would have to say, my parents. My father is a pastor, and my mother is a social worker/educator.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
N/A
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
Taye Williams, as a member of the armed forces and someone who knows me personally. He stated that he felt my intentions were pure, and he appreciated my courage and respected my qualifications.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
“Inspires” is a strong word, while there are several people in state government that I think highly of and respect immensely, I do not think any of them inspire me, which is part of the problem.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
Transparency is the answer to both parts of this question. The lack of it has people wary of elected officials, but more of it could restore that trust.
What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)
Salary increase for State workers, Criminal justice reform, working with state and local governments to facilitate economic growth (small businesses, social programs, direct outreach, etc.)
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e., ridesharing) you are interested in?
Guns on college campuses.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
My legislative district is Tallahassee. With that being said, we have the largest concentrated economy of state employees, my district and the entire state needs wage increases for these workers.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Lawton Chiles
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
I would personally amend state clemency procedures. It is my belief that the right to vote, the right to sit on a jury, and the right to run for political office should be automatically restored after full sentence is served. The right to possess firearms, however, should remain in the discretion of the executive board.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
No
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
One scripture to guide my day from a One Year: Devotional Prayer book 2
Where do you get your political news?
Several sources: USA today, Tallahassee Democrat, MSNBC, CNN, 101.7 Rush Limbaugh (dissent is necessary), Sunburn, and my life, in general, is an active political solar system.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Hillary Clinton
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
Neither. “The Newsroom” (HBO), I haven’t had time to binge watch House of Cards yet. Hopefully, I never get the chance to binge-watch 60 Minutes.
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
Yes, I have a Facebook page “Josh Johnson for Florida House of Representatives”, I also have an Instagram page “jalexander42” and I have a recent Twitter handle “jj4thepeople”.
In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message?
“Let the needs of the people, all people, be the priority of those who serve.”
Hobbies?
I love writing, just finished my first novel, I run about 12-15 miles a week, and I am currently obsessed with trying craft beers.
Favorite sport and sports team?
Football/Jacksonville Jaguars
