Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
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 Lavigne Kirkpatrick, a Republican running for House District 106.
Here she is in her own words.
Significant other? Kids?
Husband, Thad Kirkpatrick. Five children: twins Melissa and Christina, Amy, Bonnie, and Steven and three grandchildren: Alison, Charlie, and Kate.
Education background? Professional background?
Associate of Arts, 1980 Tallahassee Community College; Associate of Science in Nursing, 1983 Broward Community College; Bachelor of Science in Social Science, 2012 Florida State University; Graduate Certificate in Florida City and County Management, 2013 Florida State University. Presently, I am attending the University of South Florida, pursing a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA), expected graduation December 2016.
Academic Awards: Dean’s List at Florida State University; Member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Member of the Golden Key International Honor Society; Member of the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society; Member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society in Social Science.
I have been a registered nurse for over 32 years. I have held the positions of manager, director, vice chair and chair; responsible for hundreds of health professionals, and multimillion-dollar budgets. I served seven years on the Florida Board of Nursing (appointed by two governors), confirmed by two classes of Florida senators where I served as vice chair in 2013, and chair in 2014. Under my leadership, we improved the education of nurses and saved the taxpayers over $5.5 million in license fees and millions more as Gov. Scott followed our lead and implemented our policies throughout the Department of Health and its agencies. I also serve on the 20th Judicial Circuit Court Examining Committee.
What was your first job?
When I was 12 years old, I had a paper route in the small town of Greenfield, Ohio. My first, non-entrepreneurship job, was as a summer camp counselor at Gulliver Academy (now Gulliver Prep) in Coral Gables. I also worked through college in various positions, including as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
Florida has many issues. We need prepared representatives. I know the people, because I have served the people, and I am ready for the job.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
Yes, I spoke with many members of the local Republican clubs. Knowing my party, and my proven dedication to the Republican Party as the former Collier County Republican State Committeewoman, and with extensive involvement in the Republican Party for over 10 years, it was not necessary to speak with the party, as they already had chosen their candidate. Those that offered encouragement were the City of Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, the City of Naples Vice-Mayor Linda Penniman, and Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.
Who do you count on for advice?
My husband, Thad, my mother, colleagues, previous legislators, and the people.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
Rockie Pennington; we also have a committee called the “Kitchen Cabinet”
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
Other than myself, to open my campaign account, and my husband, Minuteman Press, Mont Williams, because he knows me and my dedication to my principles and my community.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
One of the greatest legislators was Rep. Mike Davis. He did the “right thing” rather than doing things right.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
Because many elected officials are not leaders, and are full of empty words. Many are self-serving and enjoy power and the desire of “position” rather than serving the people. They LACK a servant’s heart. What will I do about it? I will be persistent in my beliefs and moral compass, be determined to serve the people in all I do, and will always have the courage to do the “right thing.”
What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)
(1) Health and safety. We need to protect our state from harms, such as terrorist attacks, and protect our first responders while they perform their role as health and safety providers.
(2) Preserve and protect Florida’s water like Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades (which are health, safety, and economic issues).
(3) Reform health care. We have several issues, from lack of access and lack of healthcare providers, to a growing population that will have increased healthcare needs. Florida’s budget for health care is growing toward 40 percent (of the total) and presently our Legislature has only 10 members in the industry of health care. In Collier County, we will have over 130 physicians retiring, and in Florida, we will need 50,000 RNs by 2025.
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in?
One of the disruptive issues I am interested is telemedicine, which raises many licensure questions and quality of care issues, but in a time where access, costs, and limited health care providers are present, telemedicine may be an answer to our health care crisis.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
Sustain our economic process, education that prepares student for future jobs, water and Everglades preservation, and healthcare reform.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
As a former county chair for Rick Scott’s campaign for governor and seeing the great strides he has made in economic growth, he has been a true public servant and not a politician.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
Article III, Section 6, Laws — I would amend with language that every law should be one item within one subject and matter. Article IV, Section 5(b) Primary, general, and special elections — I would amend the language to include: even if a “write-in candidate” enters the election. The qualified “write-in candidate” will NOT close a primary election.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Yes and no. Yard signs like bumper stickers, and large signs, are for name recognition and create the perception of support. However, in my particular district, many of the voters are not in the district during the primary election, and they vote by mail. Therefore, they are not influenced by signs.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
The Daily Bread, which is a devotional.
Where do you get your political news?
Newsmax, Naples Daily News, Politico, and Florida Politics.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Unfortunately, I think that Hillary Clinton might win this. However, I am doing everything I can to keep this from happening.
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
60 Minutes, although sometimes it is biased.
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
Yes, I have a Facebook page (2,391 friends), a Facebook “like” page (553), Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn (4796 connections), Instagram (790 friends), and Twitter (129 followers). Handle @LavigneAnn
In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message?
#Proven Republican. Served the people of Collier County +20 yrs. Prepared 2 be State Rep. RESPECTED DEDICATED PREPARED Elect #Lavigne Ann Kirkpatrick State Rep D106
Hobbies?
American history, genealogy, travel, and cooking.
Favorite sport and sports team?
Football (my dad was a football coach); Florida State University Seminoles.
