Peter Schorsch
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 an 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 Frank Cirillo, a Democrat running for Florida Senate District 23.
Here he is in his own words:
Significant other? Kids?
No, No.
Education background? Professional background?
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science with Honors from the University of South Florida. Currently a Director for the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Sarasota-Charlotte, a former legislative aide for Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione.
What was your first job?
Little League Umpire for T-ball and coach pitch when I was in 8th grade.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
To make Florida a better place to live, to make just and fair laws, and to represent the voice of the people.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
Yes. Somewhat. I spoke to the DEC Chair, DEC Vice-chair, another candidate who is running for a different seat, someone else running, and my close friends in politics.
Who do you count on for advice?
My close friends as well as people in general, you never know who that one person is who might give you a brilliant piece of advice or tip that helps you be a more effective at campaigning or shares a new idea that you had not thought of.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
Sean Dougherty. Peter Imhoff.
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
My grandparents, specifically my grandfather, because they has always been supportive of me and they think I would do a great job being a Senator.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
Gov. Lawton Chiles who walked 1,003 miles when he ran for US Senate to get to know the Florida people better. I think it speaks volumes about someone’s character when they really want to know the will of the people.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
Because of the partisanship they see in the 24-hour news media, the dysfunction of political bodies to not pass laws, and the influence of corporations and lobbyists in campaigns due to citizens united. I hope to work with my fellow elected officials to find a compromise in order to pass legislation that benefits the people, work to reform campaign finance, and hopefully show that even as a 21-year-old I can bring sanity and civility back to politics.
What are three issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)
Well, I call them the three E’s, which stands for Improving our education system, bolstering and diversifying our economy, and protecting our environment. If I had to pick one specific thing for each issue, it would be increasing funding for the k-12 system, fighting for a living wage statewide, and banning fracking
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in?
I am interesting in most of them, but particularly state pre-emption of local government on any issue. I think the state legislature restricts local government too much.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
The district’s needs from northern Sarasota to Port Charlotte are very different but as a whole; public infrastructure money to relieve, roads, bridges, and add more transportation options is probably most needed.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Bob Graham, since he improved Florida’s education system at the k-12 and collegiate level, expanded our state’s environment protection programs, and helped grow and diversify the state economy.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
I would add a section requiring all elections in the state to have open primaries.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Somewhat.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
My phone to check for notifications.
Where do you get your political news?
The Internet, I read a lot, so I try to find multiple sources but my go to is NPR for the 5-minute news recap in the morning.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Hillary Clinton
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
House of Cards
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
Facebook: facebook.com/votecirillo
Twitter: @FrankACirillo
Instagram: @cirillo2016
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankacirillo
In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message?
“Frank, Fighting for Florida’s Future”
Hobbies?
Surfing, traveling, watching Youtube (specifically the Vlogbrothers) and riding my motorcycle when the streets are not busy.
Favorite sport and sports team?
To watch, football (the USF Bulls), but my favorite team is the New York Yankees because of Derek Jeter. He is one of the most admirable sports icons on and off the field.
