Peter Schorsch
More than 300 candidates are running for the 160 seats in the Florida House and Senate. And, try as we will, FloridaPolitics.com won’t be able to interview them all. 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 Wengay Newton, a Democrat running of House of Representatives District 70.
Here he is in his own words:
Significant other? Kids?
Married to my soulmate Melissa Newton for 25 years. We have four children, Anthonio, Brandon, Wengay M. Newton Jr., Chelsea and six grandchildren.
Education background?
Northeast High School, Class of 1981 Diploma; ITT Technical Institute, A.S. in Electronic Engineering, Class of 1983; Xerox Corporation Management Training Graduate, 1996; Microsoft MCSE SPC, 2001; CONA Leadership Graduate, Class of 2006; City of St. Petersburg – Elected Official – eight years of Governance – Class of 2016.
Professional background?
Council Member District 7, City of St. Petersburg 2008–2016; Elected to Council November 2007. re-elected in 2011 (Eight years); term-limited Jan. 2, 2016; Owner of Newton’s Photography Studio since 2000; Senior Printing System Engineer Xerox Corporation for 18 years. (1983 – 2001)
What was your first job?
Maintenance Assistance II, at Bethel Heights Apartments — after-school job — 16 years old.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
Running for Florida House District 70 because I want to continue to work hard representing the community that has given my family and me love.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running?
No.
Receive any encouragement?
Yes.
From whom?
My wife.
Who do you count on for advice?
Janee’ Murphy.
Who is your political consultant?
Janee’ Murphy.
Campaign manager?
Barry Rubin.
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign?
Juan DaCosta.
Why did they donate?
He’s a childhood friend who believes that after eight years on the St. Petersburg City Council I am “Ready Now” to put my experience to work in the state Legislature.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
Rep. Bobby DuBose.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
Taxation, without representation. Continue to work hard and earn the trust of my constituents in District 70.
What are three issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)
1) Affordable Housing
2) Juvenile Justice
3) Medicaid Expansion
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e., ride-sharing) you are interested in?
Transportation options (Zipcar) for the hour, day or week.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
Fair and equal education funding, living wages jobs, affordable housing and access to good health care.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Bob Graham.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
Sometimes constitutional amendments are necessary to preserve the integrity of Florida’s political system, they should — as with the U.S. Constitution — be considered only under “great and extraordinary occasions.” We shouldn’t place issues onto the Florida Constitution that can be solved through the legislative process.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Yes.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
Sunburn.
Where do you get your political news?
Sunburn, The Florida Squeeze, Sunshine State News, Florida Victory Daily Digest, Public Policy Law 360.
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?
Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Twitter handle?
@NEWTFL
In 140 characters, what’s a tweet that best describes your campaign message?
Real leadership is about self-sacrifice, commitment & truly caring about people. It would be an honor & a privilege to serve in Tallahassee.
Hobbies?
Golf, pool, dominoes, board games, card games and fishing.
Favorite sport and sports team?
Tampa Bay Rays, Lighting, Storm and Buccaneers.
